Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to generate a proof on the printing device used for final production.

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 generation and approval of proofs for individuals working in the digital 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. Produce proof on printing device

1.1. Printing device  is calibrated according to manufacturer's specifications

1.2. Appropriate colour profiles are selected to ensure consistent output of colour

1.3. The same substrate or product  is used to generate a proof that will be used for the final production run

1.4. Proof is produced according to job specifications and workflow procedures

1.5. Proof is used to make a mock up  to simulate the finishing of the final product according to job specifications

2. Assess proof against specifications

2.1. Proof is checked against job specifications to confirm validity and identify and rectify any defects 

2.2. The proofing process is repeated if proof does not meet job specifications and enterprise standards

3. Communicate proof with client

3.1. Proof is labelled with appropriate information according to enterprise standards

3.2. Feedback is gained from client to acquire 'sign off'

3.3. Amendments are made if required and resubmitted to client for 'sign off'

3.4. Proof is stored according to workplace procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• occupational health and safety (OHS) skills for using correct ergonomics when operating the computer
• communication skills for gaining client agreement on a contract proof
• collecting, analysing and organising skills for checking machine calibration
• planning and organising skills for calibrating the proofing device prior to producing a proof
• teamwork skills for maintaining the production process in association with others
• numeracy skills for using a densitometer to evaluate the proof
• problem-solving skills for checking the data file for structural compatibility
• technical skills for using relevant hardware and software to produce a digital proof

Required knowledge 

• OHS issues related to digital proofing for digital production
• colour theory, including additive and subtractive colours, RGB and CMYK
• varying colour gamut's between colour modes
• colour management workflow set-up procedures
• use of output profiles in relation to simulation
• how regular calibration will help to ensure consistent colour output
• quality control systems used in proofing
• techniques that can be used to control quality
• how to use standard viewing conditions to assess colour output
• how to use colour evaluation charts
• criteria for evaluating a colour proof
• differences between preliminary proofs and a contract proof
• types of substrates that can be used in proofing
• inks, toners and coatings that can be used in digital printing
• how to handle and store materials to ensure quality
• types of finishing techniques used in digital production
• location of relevant manuals, safety and other documentation that are relevant digital printing and the information included in these documents
• where other sources of information are available

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:

• calibrate a digital device to ensure consistent colour output
• produce a proof that gains approval from a client and matches the final production run
• find 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, such as high-end colour output devices and raster image processors (RIP) with colour management features
• 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 producing a proof to job specifications.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other digital production units relevant to the workplace and job role is recommended.

• ICPPR496A Set up and produce complex digital print
• ICPPR286A Finish a digital product.

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.

Printing device  may include:

• non-impact colour printing devices, including:

• inkjet
• laser
• wide format with computerised monitoring and/or control.

Substrates or products  may include:

• range of print media and paper, such as:

• coated
• uncoated
• card
• canvas
• vinyl and plastic.

Mock up  may include:

• a finished product that may be trimmed, bound, stapled or folded
• a reduced in size and/or partial print of the final job if proofing for wide format.

Defects  may include:

• physical defects (scratches and tears)
• colour irregularities
• poor image resolution
• errors in trapping and knockout of colours
• incorrect size and orientation of pages or images.

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Printing

Co-requisite units