Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Breed groups as recognised in Australia
There are several bodies that manage cat breeds in Australia but for the purpose of this Unit the cat breeds recognised by the Coordinating Cat Control Council of Australia standards will be used.
Risks associated with grooming cats may include:
allergic reactions to chemicals in products
cats escaping during styling
disease transmission from cats to people or other cats
distress caused by cats being handled in unfamiliar locations or in areas with distractions cased by other animals, noise or a busy atmosphere
injuries to cats or groomers during handling or styling
skin cuts from clipping or scissoring.
Products may include:
anti static spray
baby powder
corn starch
de-tangler
deodorising
degreaser
dry cleaning shampoo,
parasite treatments
shampoo for specific coat and skin types.
Clip styles for cat breeds and coat types may include:
the range of clip styles for managing short and long coat types
introducing kittens and inexperienced cats to clipping
trimming to enhance breed features in cat fancy competitions
managing matted or damaged coats or skin conditions
providing comfort coat care for non-show competition cats:
belly trim
sanitary trim
lion cut
mowhawk cut
mane trimming
friction area trims around legs
for creative styling.
Hand finishing techniques may include:
plucking, tweezering or scissoring techniques for various body parts
blow drying
stripping.
Grooming techniques
Techniques for maintaining breed and coat types may include:
use of grooming tools and techniques for grooming
use of hands and fingers for grooming
considering different coat types and body areas and to:
remove and prevent knots and mats
lay coat
remove debris
oil hairless cat breeds
volumize coat
washing for coat and skin conditions, to remove stains, to control parasites.
Environmental and biosecurity hazards may include:
allergies or skin conditions associated with the use of shampoos and other products
burns from the use of chemicals or hot clipper blades
electrical and fire risk from equipment
pollutants and biohazards resulting from chemicals, water and cat waste
transmission of disease between cats and or humans via:
biting or scratching
presence of contagious health conditions
recycling of washing water
tools and equipment.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
assess health and condition of animal's coat and determine styling requirements with client/owner
follow workplace instructions to apply industry recognised grooming and styling techniques to:
establish/maintain/restore coat, breed and conformation features for cats
establish/maintain/restore coats for non-show cat care and comfort
remove excess coat, mats or knots to restore coats for cat comfort and hygiene
handle cats in a safe and humane manner
select, use and maintain grooming and styling equipment and supplies in accordance with organisational standards, manufacturers' specifications and cat welfare considerations
build relationships and communicate effectively with clients relating to the on-going management of grooming and styling of their cat
maintain records and follow-up with clients as required.
The skills and knowledge required to carry out styling on cats of different breed and coat type must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in companion animal organisations that offer specialist cat grooming and styling services aligned with Australian cat breed standards as well as general cat care or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.
There must be access to a range of cats of different breeds and coat types from cat breed groups 1, 2 and 3 as well as relevant information, equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence.
Method of assessment
To ensure consistency of performance, competency must be demonstrated, to industry recognised grooming and styling technique standards, on more than one occasion, covering at least two of the following three coat types:
short-haired
long-haired
dense-thick coat,
and demonstration of the following clip types:
sanitary
full underline/belly area
full body.
Assessment must take place over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and over a number of assessment activities.
The assessment strategies must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions
third-party evidence
portfolio records that provide evidence of practical skills.
This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).