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.

Multi-layer application may include:
business logic layer (BLL)
data-access layer (DAL)
user interface layer (UI).
Data-access application programming interface may relate to:
object-oriented set of libraries used to interact with data sources:
active data objects (ADO.NET)
ADO.NET Entity Framework
Java database connectivity (JDBC)
language integrated query (LINQ).
Data source may include:
databases:
Microsoft SQL server
MySQL
Oracle
Postgre Structured Query Language (Postgre SQL)
fat-files database
internal data
object data sources
XML database.
Data providers may include:
managed providers
Microsoft object linking and embedding (OLE) DB
native providers
open database connection (ODBC)
SQL client
third-party providers.
Query data may include:
access input and output parameters and return values
access stored procedures
create command objects.
Data integrity may include:
cascading deletes
cascading updates
constraints.
Disconnected data may include:
DataSet
DataTable
service data objects (SDO).

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
Evidence of the ability to:
design and code the data-access layer of multi-layer applications
retrieve and update data from various data sources.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
integrated development environment (IDE)
data access APIs
database management system software
database files
coding standard
specific tools and licences, depending on particular data-access API
appropriate learning and assessment support when required
modified equipment for people with special needs.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
review of candidate’s DAL design
evaluation of candidate’s data-access management strategy
verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of:
multi-layer applications
database access.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.
In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.