Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 6:54 AM AWST

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Handle security classified information

Handle security classified information

Unit of competency
National Code
PSPSEC405A
State Code
C8321
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
099901 - Family And Consumer Studies
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the requirements related to handling security classified information. It includes receiving, dealing with and maintaining security classified information.In practice, handling security classified information may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as working ethically, complying with legislation, applying government processes, gathering and analysing information, exercising regulatory powers. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Receive security classified information
  • 1.1 Security classified information is received and checked to ensure transmission protocols have been adhered to.
  • 1.2 Action is taken in accordance with security policy and procedures where protocols have not been adhered to.
  • 1.3 Security classified information is recorded in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
2. Deal with security classified information
  • 2.1 Security classified information is reviewed to ensure classification meets the organisation's security policy for protection of information.
  • 2.2 Aggregated security classified information is reviewed to ensure that it is classified in accordance with security requirements.
  • 2.3 Classification requirement is checked to ensure it is warranted, and the level of protection is assigned in accordance with the consequences that might result from the compromise of the information's confidentiality, integrity and availability.
  • 2.4 Originators of information who classify documents are contacted to discuss re-classification or de-classification where necessary.
  • 2.5 Security classified information is transmitted in accordance with organisational security policy and procedures.
  • 2.6 Expert advice is obtained as required in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
3. Maintain security classified information
  • 3.1 Security classified information is secured in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • 3.2 Security classified information is accounted for in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • 3.3 Security classified information is disposed of in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
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.
Security classified information may include:
hard copy
electronic
audio-visual
photographic
encrypted
national security classified
non-national security classified
classified by third parties
Security classified information may be received by:
hand
mail
safe hand mail
courier
electronic means
Reviewed information may include:
single or aggregated information
Transmission may be by:
hand
mail
courier
electronic means
Expert advice may include:
agency security adviser/s
specialist agencies such as:
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Public Service Commission
Defence Signals Directorate
Australian Federal Police
Attorney-General's Department
Australian National Audit Office
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Securing practices may include:
correct filing
clean desk
quitting all electronic systems and networks
checking environment including:
desks
whiteboards
waste bins
computer drives
containers
cabinets
safes
vaults
windows
doors
safe carriage of keys
Accounting for security classified information may include:
audit
spot checks
correct notation or markings
file records
transmission records
receipts
Methods of disposal may include:
pulping
burning
pulverisation
shredding
overwriting
degaussing
destruction
archiving
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
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPREG401C Exercise regulatory powers
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 the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
security classified information handled 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 handling security classified information
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when handling security classified information
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 handling security classified information, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
security classified information handled 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:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or 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
AWT37 PSPSEC009 Handle sensitive information Unit of competency