Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
24/07/2026 12:35 AM AWST

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Use translation services

Use translation services

Unit of competency
National Code
PSPGOV420A
State Code
C8030
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
01/11/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
080313 - Public And Health Care Administration
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the use of translation services for routine correspondence, reports, standard text material and other non-specialised materials. It includes preparing information for translation, engaging a translation service and completing translation arrangements.In practice, the use of translating services may overlap with other generalist and specialist public sector work activities such as working ethically, complying with legislation, providing client services, applying government processes, promoting client compliance with legislation, preparing evidence, etc. This is one of 2 units of competency in the Working in Government Competency Field that deals with interpreting and translating. The related unit is:PSPGOV419A Work with interpretersNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare written information for translation
  • 1.1 Written information for translation is presented in language that is simple, plain, grammatically correct and uses short sentences, while preserving the integrity of the required meaning.
  • 1.2 Words without direct translations, key concepts, terminology and jargon are explained in simple terms or through diagrams/graphics/pictures.
  • 1.3 Active voice is used in preference to passive where possible and acronyms and abbreviations are avoided or explained in full.
  • 1.4 Question and answer formats are used for written information where possible to break text into meaningful chunks.
  • 1.5 Written information is checked to ensure it is legible, and precise.
  • 1.6 Written information is tested on others not familiar with the subject matter, in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements, to ensure that the meaning is clear and easy to understand.
2. Engage translation service
  • 2.1 The purpose of translation is determined to ensure the competency of the translator meets organisational requirements.
  • 2.2 Target languages are identified and any specific requirements of the translating service are determined.
  • 2.3 Exact specifications and timeframe for finished product are determined and agreed with translator.
  • 2.4 Occupational health and safety requirements are considered and incorporated in determining time allocations and deadlines for translations.
  • 2.5 Quotes are obtained if required and translator/s engaged in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • 2.6 Details of translation arrangements are recorded in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
3. Complete translation arrangements
  • 3.1 Background materials and information for translation are provided to translator/s in agreed format and timeframe.
  • 3.2 Contact details are provided for clarification of information, concepts and technical terms as required by translators.
  • 3.3 Translations arereceived in accordance with agreed conditions, and payments authorised as required in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • 3.4 Where translated material is sent for printing, completed proofs/products are checked by translator/s prior to printing.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Translation is:
the written rendering of the meaning of the written word from one language (the source language) into another (the target language)
Words without direct translation may include:
name of the organisation, which should not be translated
technical/specialist terms, such as ergonomic assessment
Legislative and organisational requirements may include:
privacy
public sector ethics
organisational code of practice
Purpose of translating may include:
translation of texts that do not contain technical or specialised information or terminology
simple translation where some level of inaccuracy is acceptable
translation work that may include routine correspondence, reports, standard text material in the general field of scholarship
translation of non-specialised scientific, technical, legal, tourist and commercial subjects
translation work requiring a reasonable level of accuracy
translation work requiring a high level of accuracy
complex, technical and sophisticated translation
Competency of translators may include:
paraprofessional level
professional level
advanced professional level
international standard
accreditation with National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) - a requirement for translation assignments in some jurisdictions
international credentials
degree of difficulty of written material
Language may include:
major language plus dialects
community languages
Aboriginal languages
register
syntax
level
Identification of target language may include:
expert advice on language/s to choose for translation (for posters or pamphlets for community or workplace, for example)
Specific requirements may include:
recording of translations (audiotape)
police clearance for translator
Specifications may include:
font size
margin specifications
layout template
word processing
desktop publishing
roles a translator is not expected to undertake, such as:
defining terms
reformatting material
providing examples
changing materials to make them more suitable for translation
Translations may be received by:
email
file transfer
hard copy
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients
PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPREG402C Promote client compliance
PSPREG409B Prepare a brief of evidence
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit
use of translation services in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the use of translation services
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of translation contexts likely to be required
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when using translation services, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
use of translation services in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time).
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations.
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
demonstration
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
authenticated evidence from the workplace and training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWV62 PSPGEN041 Use translation services Unit of competency