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.
Relevant information may include:
previous treatments
physical attributes
lifestyle
time constraints
budgetary constraints.
Clients may include:
new or regular clients with routine or special needs
female or male clients of varying ages
people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities.
Expectations and requirements may include:
improved relaxation
improved sense of wellbeing
improved skin condition
stress reduction.
Workplace spa therapies must include:
wet room therapies
dry room therapies.
Spa treatments must include:
steam
hydro tub
vichy shower or wet table or spa capsule.
Spa treatments may include:
flotation
underwater massage
sauna
herbal therapy
body exfoliants
dry body brushing
hot oil wraps and massage
mud, clay and algae wraps.
Products may include:
pre-blended aromatic plant oils
exfoliants
mud or clays
algae.
Contraindications may include:
bacterial, viral or fungal infections
impetigo
scabies
boils and carbuncles
candidiasis
allergies
sunburn
biological changes, including premature ageing, anorexia, anaemia, pregnancy, and breastfeeding
lesions
skin trauma
pacemakers and metal implants
heart conditions
circulatory disorders
intoxication
conditions requiring consent from a medical practitioner.
Lifestyle may include:
occupation
dietary and fluid intake
hobbies, interests and means of relaxation
exercise habits
smoking habits
sleep patterns.
Special needs may include:
mobility assistance
cultural requirements.
Recommendations may include:
types of treatments
sequencing of treatments
duration and intensity of treatments
post-treatment advice.
Pre-treatment advice may include:
abstaining from alcohol
avoiding vigorous exercise.
Post-treatment advice may include:
hydration
thermoregulation.
Spa program plan may include:
single or multiple treatments
wet room treatments
dry room treatments
sequencing of treatments
duration of treatments
products
equipment
contraindications
special needs
post-treatment care.
Workplace policies and procedures may include:
health and hygiene legislation and regulations
methods of sequencing treatments
privacy of client information
environmental protection practices, such as:
water management and water hygiene procedures
waste minimisation
recycling
reuse
energy efficiency, e.g. electricity saving devices and practices
water disposal
resource management
occupational health and safety.

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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applying workplace policies and procedures and industry codes of practice in regard to customer service and advising on and selling spa services
developing, maintaining and conveying service and product knowledge to customers
applying detailed and specialised service and product knowledge to provide accurate advice that reflects client needs
applying workplace policies and procedures in selecting and sequencing spa treatments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the Assessment Guidelines
that competency is demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of real work situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace.
Assessment must ensure access to:
individual client workstations
a range of professional spa treatments and services
relevant text and online resources
relevant workplace documentation including:
manufacturer's equipment instructions
product instructions
manufacturer safety data sheets
workplace policies and procedures manuals
a range of clients seeking and experiencing spa treatments, including wet room and dry room therapies requiring the use of products, treatments and equipment from a professional spa range.
For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.
Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct observation of learners performing a range of spa tasks in a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:
identifying and recommending spa treatments and products according to client requirements
developing a treatment plan
sequencing spa treatments to meet client needs and make efficient use of staff and equipment
written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess the required skills and knowledge of this unit
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from a trainer or supervisor
third-party reports from experienced spa professionals in the workplace.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIBBSPA501A Work in a spa therapies framework
SIBBSPA503A Provide spa therapies
SIBBSPA504A Provide stone therapy massage
SIBBSPA505A Provide Indian head massage for relaxation.