Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This Unit first released with ICA11 Information and Communications Technology Training Package version 1.0

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Create spreadsheets

1.1 Open spreadsheet application, create spreadsheet files and enter numbers, text and symbols into cells according to information requirements

1.2 Enter simple formulas and functions  using cell referencing where required

1.3 Correct formulas when error messages occur

1.4 Use a range of common tools during spreadsheet development

1.5 Edit columns and rows within the spreadsheet

1.6 Use the auto-fill function to increment data where required

1.7 Save spreadsheet to directory or folder

2. Customise basic settings

2.1 Adjust page layout  to meet user requirements or special needs

2.2 Open and view different toolbars 

2.3 Change font settings  so that they are appropriate for the purpose of the document

2.4 Change alignment  options and line spacing according to spreadsheet formatting features 

2.5 Format  cell to display different styles as required

2.6 Modify margin sizes to suit the purpose of the spreadsheets

2.7 View multiple spreadsheets concurrently

3. Format spreadsheet

3.1 Use formatting features as required

3.2 Copy selected formatting features from another cell in the spreadsheet or from another active spreadsheet

3.3 Use formatting tools  as required within the spreadsheet

3.4 Align information in a selected cell as required

3.5 Insert headers and footers using formatting features

3.6 Save spreadsheet in another format

3.7 Save and close spreadsheet to storage device 

4. Incorporate object and chart in spreadsheet

4.1 Import an object into an active spreadsheet

4.2 Manipulate imported object  by using formatting features

4.3 Create a chart using selected data in the spreadsheet

4.4 Display selected data in a different chart

4.5 Modify chart using formatting features

5. Print spreadsheet

5.1 Preview spreadsheet in print preview mode

5.2 Select basic printer options

5.3 Print spreadsheet or selected part of spreadsheet

5.4 Submit the spreadsheet to appropriate person  for approval or feedback

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• create spreadsheets
• customise basic settings
• format spreadsheets
• create basic formulas
• work with objects and charts in spreadsheets
• save and print spreadsheets.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• use of PC and printer
• use of spreadsheet software currently used in industry
• documents detailing organisational style guide and policy
• documents or information containing data suitable for creating spreadsheets
• appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified 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:

• verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of spreadsheet operations
• direct observation of candidate creating and formatting spreadsheets
• review of spreadsheets, including formatting, formulas, objects and images.

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.

Simple formulas and functions  may include:

• addition
• division
• multiplication
• subtraction
• application of the above to a series of cells.

Tools  may include:

• help
• search and replace
• simple formatting tools
• spell check
• undo.

Edit  may relate to:

• adding
• copying
• deleting
• moving
• pasting
• selecting.

Data  may include:

• symbols added to the document
• text added to the document.

Layout  may include:

• display modes
• orientation
• size.

Toolbars  may contain:

• buttons
• menus
• a combination of both.

Font settings  may include:

• colour
• size
• type.

Alignment  may refer to:

• centred
• justified
• left
• right.

Formatting features  may include:

• bold
• hyphenation
• italics
• underline.

Format  may refer to:

• saving the spreadsheet as another type of document:

• comma separated values or text
• HTML
• XML.

Formatting tools  may include:

• menu commands within the application:

• copy
• cut
• help
• paste
• search and replace
• spell check
• undo.

Storage device  may include:

• disks:

• CD
• DVD
• blu-ray

• external hard drive, such as universal serial bus (USB) flash drive
• internal hard drive
• web storage area.

Object  may include:

• items that can be inserted into the spreadsheet, such as:

• other documents
• pictures
• sound.

Appropriate person  may include:

• authorised business representative
• client
• supervisor.