Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to take notes from oral or printed sources to produce accurate text.

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

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to individuals employed in a range of work environments who produce notes and texts from oral or printed sources. They may work as individuals providing administrative support within an enterprise, or they may be responsible for the production of their own notes and other documentation.

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. Take notes

1.1. Prior to commencing the task, identify organisational requirements relating to style, presentation and storage of documents

1.2. Clarify purpose  and requirements  of text with author/speaker

1.3. Record notes with the required degree of accuracy  from appropriate sources 

1.4. Clarify meaning and spelling of names or technical terms to ensure accuracy of the notes

1.5. Self -check notes  for accuracy

2. Transcribe notes

2.1. Produce text from notes to the required degree of accuracy  and to reflect the meaning intended by the author/speaker

2.2. Produce text within designated time lines 

3. Edit and revise text

3.1. Self -check final text  for accuracy and grammar, and ensure syntax is appropriate for the intended purpose and audience of the text

3.2. Revise, format, name, store and print text in accordance with organisational and task requirements 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to clarify requirements of documents
• literacy skills to:

• read and understand organisational procedures
• produce a range of documents
• proofread and edit work for accuracy against original

• problem-solving skills to address inconsistencies or errors in text
• memory retention skills to accurately capture information.

Required knowledge 

• formatting styles and their effect on formatting, readability and appearance of documents
• key provisions of relevant legislation from all forms of government, standards and codes that may affect aspects of business operations, such as:

• anti-discrimination legislation
• ethical principles
• codes of practice
• privacy laws
• occupational health and safety

• organisational requirements for ergonomics, work periods and breaks, and conservation techniques
• organisational style guide.

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:

• producing accurate documents from notes that meet the requirements of the author/speaker
• using a range of note taking techniques and methods.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• access to an actual workplace or simulated environment
• access to office equipment and resources
• access to examples of audio sources for transcription and note taking.

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 and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• review of authenticated documents from the workplace or training environment
• demonstration of techniques.

Guidance information for assessment 

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

• BSBWRT301A Write simple documents
• other general administration units.

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.

Purpose  may include:

• agendas
• formal or informal letters
• meeting notes
• memos
• reports

Requirements  may include:

• summary motions plus meeting summary i.e. minutes
• summary record of meetings
• summary of verbal instructions

Recording notes with the required degree of accuracy  may include:

• capturing intended meaning of dictation
• complete record

Appropriate sources  may include:

• at meetings
• by telephone
• dictation
• for multiple speakers
• from audio-tapes
• from printed matter
• in person
• those taken
• via teleconference
• via videoconference

Self -checking notes  may include:

• checking correlation between source and notes
• clarifying names, addresses and specific spelling with information on file
• inserting punctuation
• reading over notes for meaning

Producing text from notes to the required degree of accuracy  may include:

• correct grammar
• correct spelling
• correct use of technical vocabulary
• intended meaning

Designated time lines  for production of text may include:

• organisational time line e.g. agenda or minutes of meeting
• time line agreed with supervisor or person requiring text

Self -checking final text  may include:

• checking grammar
• checking intended meaning
• checking spelling

Organisational and task requirements  may include:

• author/speaker instructions
• number of copies
• organisational format

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Administration - General Administration

Co-requisite units