Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit defines the competency required to correctly operate word processing applications and perform basic operations including the creation and formatting of documents, creating tables, printing labels and mail merge.

The following units are linked and form an appropriate cluster:

• ICAU1128B Operate a personal computer
• ICAU1130B Operate a spreadsheet application
• ICAU1131B Operate a database application
• ICAU1132B Operate a presentation package

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Create documents

1.1. Open word processing application and create/open document and add data according to information requirements 

1.2. Use document templates as required

1.3. Use simple formatting tools  when creating the document

1.4. Save document to correct directory

2. Customise basic settings to meet page layout conventions

2.1. Adjust page layout to meet information requirements

2.2. Open and view different toolbars 

2.3. Change font format  to suit the purpose of the document

2.4. Change alignment  and line spacing according to document information requirements 

2.5. Modify margins to suit the purpose of the document

2.6. Open and switch between several documents

3. Format document

3.1. Use formatting features  and styles as required

3.2. Highlight and copy text from another area in the document or from another active document

3.3. Insert headers and footers to incorporate all necessary data

3.4. Save document in another file format 

3.5. Save and close document to disk 

4. Create tables

4.1. Insert a standard table into a document

4.2. Change cells to meet information requirements

4.3. Insert and delete columns and rows as necessary

4.4. Use formatting tools  according to style requirements

5. Add images

5.1. Insert appropriate images  in a document and customise as necessary

5.2. Position and resize images to meet the document formatting needs

6. Use mail merge

6.1. Create simple mailing list in layout suitable for merging

6.2. Create or select another document for merging

6.3. Mail merge list with other document

7. Print documents

7.1. Preview document in print preview mode

7.2. Select basic print settings

7.3. Print document or part of the document from printer

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• Low-level decision making in relation to a limited range of routine areas
• Problem solving skills in known areas during normal routine
• Reading and writing at a level where basic workplace documents are understood
• Clear and precise communication
• Interpretation of user manuals and help functions

Required knowledge 

• Organisational benchmarks for minimum typing skills, including speed and accuracy
• Creating and opening documents
• Formatting documents
• Inserting tables and images
• Saving, printing and closing documents
• Mail merge function

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 following is essential:

• Assessment must ensure the ability to create open and retrieve documents, customise basic settings, format documents, create tables, add objects and images, and save and print documents.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

• Personal computer
• Printer
• Mouse and keyboard
• Monitor
• Basic software
• Documents detailing organisational style guide/policy
• Documents or information containing data suitable for use with word processing packages

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Operating a word processing application is a core function for almost all businesses and is an essential skill.

The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would prepare a person to perform a defined range of activities many of which may be routine and predictable.

Assessment must ensure

• Applications may include a variety of employment related skills including preparatory access and participation skills, broad-based induction skills and/or specific workplace skills. They may also include participation in a team or work group.

Method of assessment 

The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

• Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.

• Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• ICAU1128B Operate a personal computer
• ICAU1130B Operate a spreadsheet application
• ICAU1131B Operate a database application
• ICAU1132B Operate a presentation package

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge by recall in a narrow range of areas
• Demonstrate basic practical skills, such as the use of relevant tools
• Perform a sequence of routine tasks given clear direction
• Receive and pass on messages and information

Demonstration of these competencies would involve:

• Demonstrating basic word processing skills in a moderate range of areas
• Applying a defined range of skills to basic processing operations
• Applying known processing solutions to a limited range of predictable problems
• Performing a range of basic processing tasks where operating options are varied
• Assessing and recording information from varied sources
• Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Information requirements  may include:

• memos
• letters
• minutes
• agendas
• other business documents required by the organisation

Formatting tools 

• Menu commands within the application, such as: help, search and replace, spell check, undo, cut, copy, paste, borders, shading.

Toolbars  can contain:

• buttons
• menus
• a combination of both

Font format 

• Font format is the combination of typeface and other attributes, such as size, pitch and spacing of the font

Alignment  may be:

• left
• centred
• right
• justified

Formatting features  may include:

• italics
• bold
• underline
• hyphenation

File format  may include but is not limited to:

• html pages
• pdf files
• text files
• doc files
• sxw (star office) files
• CSV files

Disk  may include but are not limited to:

• CDs
• CD-RW (Compact Discs-Read Write)
• DVD RW
• zip disks
• solid state hard drives

Images  may include but is not limited to:

• graphics
• clipart
• pictures

Print settings  may include:

• layout
• paper size
• number of copies
• orientation
• sides

Unit sector 

Use

Co-requisite units 

Competency field