Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify and apply the fundamental theory of colour in the printing industry. This includes terminology, colour modes and the analysis of light and colour.

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

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the basic use of colour when creating layouts for individuals working in the printing and graphic arts sector.

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. Identify the need for colour management

1.1. The varied colour representation of devices  are identified and recorded

1.2. Colour inconstancies between input, display and output devices and the final printed product are identified and rectified

1.3. The components  of a colour management system are identified and suggestions made to improve workplace practices 

2. Use colour modes and libraries

2.1. Varying colour modes and libraries  are used according to job specifications

2.2. Images are converted between colour modes using a process  to ensure the best reproduction according to job specifications

2.3. Colour libraries are selected and used within software applications according to job specifications

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• occupational health and safety (OHS) in relation to using correct ergonomics when operating the computer
• communicating ideas and information, having considered all the fundamentals of colour theory
• collecting, analysing and organising skills in relation to the fundamentals of colour theory
• planning and organising skills for identifying and clarifying colour requirements
• teamwork skills for maintaining the production process in association with others
• problem-solving skills for diagnosing and correcting colour problems
• technical skills for using software and hardware correctly to ensure consistency of output

Required knowledge 

• components of a colour management system
• terminology associated with colour management
• standard lighting conditions for matching colour
• effects different lighting conditions have on monitors, proofing and printing
• measurement of light intensity and colour temperature
• difference between red, blue, green (RGB), cyan, magenta, yellow, black (CMYK) and LAB colour
• different rendering intents and their application
• under colour removal (UCR) and grey component replacement (GCR) and what effect they have on an image
• different Pantone libraries and their application
• OHS issues needed to be considered when managing colour for digital production

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 ability to:

• identify the need and components of a colour management system
• select and convert images to appropriate colour modes
• select colour libraries that comply with specific job specifications
• locate and use information relevant to the task from a variety of information sources.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• that conditions are typical ambient conditions found in the workplace
• access to relevant facilities, equipment and materials used for colour management production
• use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

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:

• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence
• third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• practical demonstration by the candidate when converting images between colour modes.

Guidance information for assessment 

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

• digital production or pre-press units that require the application of colour.

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered over a period of time through a range of methods for assessment to indicate consistent performance.

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.

Devices  may include:

• monitors
• proofers
• printers
• scanners
• digital cameras
• digital presses
• printing presses.

Components  may include:

• standardised viewing environment
• calibrated and profiled output devices, such as printers and presses
• calibrated and profiled input devices, such as scanners and cameras
• calibrated monitors
• software applications that support colour management
• colour profiles.

Workplace practices  may include

• establishment of colour managed workflow
• calibration and regular recalibration of devices
• adoption of recognised colour standard, such as AS ISO 12647-2.

Colour modes and libraries  may include:

• RGB
• CMYK
• LAB
• Pantone.

Process  may include:

• selection of colour mode and rendering intent
• converting using profiles.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Printing

Co-requisite units