Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
24/07/2026 7:25 AM AWST
24/07/2026 7:25 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide scientific technical support
Provide scientific technical support
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPSCI401A
PSPSCI401A
State Code
C8302
C8302
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/01/2006
Field of Education
080313 - Public And Health Care Administration
Original Release Date
25/01/2006
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the provision of technical support in a scientific/research environment under general direction and within a generally defined area, with responsibility for technical duties such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical functions. It includes planning and organising technical duties, collecting and recording information, and compiling and reporting data.In practice, the provision of technical support overlaps with other generalist or specialist work activities such as applying government processes, acting ethically, using resources, gathering and analysing information, working safely.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and organise technical duties
- 1.1 Outputs for defined area of responsibility are confirmed and technical duties and responsibilities are identified in accordance with organisational requirements.
- 1.2 Processes, resources, timelines and equipment requirements are determined and technical duties are planned in accordance with organisational and task requirements.
- 1.3 Risk management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are determined.
- 1.4 Resources and equipment are obtained and prepared in accordance with organisational and task requirements.
2. Collect and record information
- 2.1 Technical duties are carried out under general direction in accordance with organisational requirements.
- 2.2 Information is collected and recorded in accordance with planned processes and timelines.
- 2.3 Resources and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with organisational and task requirements.
- 2.4 Risk management practices, occupational health and safety, environmental and other legislative requirements are followed in accordance with organisational requirements.
3. Compile and report data
- 3.1 Data is compiled and records are maintained in accordance with organisational requirements.
- 3.2 Data is manipulated and irregularities are dealt with in accordance with organisational and task requirements.
- 3.3 Reports are prepared in accordance with organisational and task requirements.
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.
Technical duties may include:
surveys
sampling
experiments
trials
tests
assays
surveillance
collecting specimens
inspections
identification of plants or animals
identification of pests
operation, calibration and maintenance of experimental equipment
diagnostic processes
producing specimen images
Processes may include:
experimental processes
observation
field trials
Resources may include:
design specifications
technical manuals
componentry
radioactive samples
specimens
plants
seeds
chemicals
personal protective equipment
Equipment may include:
prototypes
test rigs
tools
diagnostic instruments
laboratory equipment
experimental equipment
farm equipment
Other legislative requirements may include:
quarantine or protection requirements
copyright and intellectual property legislation
Australian standards
Irregularities may be dealt with by:
checking source information
checking data input
repeating tests/trial measurements
referring problem to other staff
Technical duties may include:
surveys
sampling
experiments
trials
tests
assays
surveillance
collecting specimens
inspections
identification of plants or animals
identification of pests
operation, calibration and maintenance of experimental equipment
diagnostic processes
producing specimen images
Processes may include:
experimental processes
observation
field trials
Resources may include:
design specifications
technical manuals
componentry
radioactive samples
specimens
plants
seeds
chemicals
personal protective equipment
Equipment may include:
prototypes
test rigs
tools
diagnostic instruments
laboratory equipment
experimental equipment
farm equipment
Other legislative requirements may include:
quarantine or protection requirements
copyright and intellectual property legislation
Australian standards
Irregularities may be dealt with by:
checking source information
checking data input
repeating tests/trial measurements
referring problem to other staff
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
PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
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)
provision of scientific technical support under general direction with responsibility within a generally defined area, in a range of (3 or more) contexts such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical tasks (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, procedures, guidelines and protocols
operating procedures/work instructions
industry standards
scientific/technological equipment and machinery related to the research environment
personal protective equipment
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when providing scientific technical support
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 providing scientific technical support, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
provision of scientific technical support under general direction with responsibility within a generally defined area, in a range of (3 or more) contexts such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical tasks (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
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
PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
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)
provision of scientific technical support under general direction with responsibility within a generally defined area, in a range of (3 or more) contexts such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical tasks (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, procedures, guidelines and protocols
operating procedures/work instructions
industry standards
scientific/technological equipment and machinery related to the research environment
personal protective equipment
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when providing scientific technical support
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 providing scientific technical support, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
provision of scientific technical support under general direction with responsibility within a generally defined area, in a range of (3 or more) contexts such as experimental, survey, sampling and/or analytical tasks (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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWT54 | PSPSCI005 | Provide scientific technical support | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J283 | PSP40112 | Certificate IV in Government | Qualification |
| C768 | PSP40104 | Certificate IV in Government | Qualification |