Assessment Requirements for MSL976003 Evaluate and select appropriate test methods and/or procedures

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for MSL976003 Evaluate and select appropriate test methods and/or procedures

Modification History

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL976003A Evaluate and select appropriate test methods and/or procedures

Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

evaluating and selecting test methods and procedures on at least two (2) different occasions

appraising new and emerging technologies relevant to scope of laboratory operations and/or job role

identifying reference standards or standard operating procedures (SOPs) appropriate to testing requirements of the laboratory

identifying standards that support compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements

applying workplace procedures to select appropriate standards

estimating materials, personnel and possible training requirements

conducting tests to verify the performance of the method and procedure, standards and reference materials

using method performance measures, such as accuracy, precision, uncertainty, linearity, selectivity, range, limit of detection and matrix characteristics in method selection

clearly documenting method selection procedures

maintaining records of published methods

following workplace safety procedures and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP).

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

principles, concepts and workplace and regulatory requirements related to method selection

regulatory and licensing requirements related to selected test methods

relative advantages and disadvantages of test methods for a range of testing situations

cost advantages and disadvantages of workplace test methods

scientific and technical principles underpinning test method and their application to selection of testing methods for different materials

calculation steps for data analysis and estimation of uncertainties for selected test methods

significance of normal, physiological or reference ranges

workplace and legal requirements for traceability

workplace and regulatory requirements regarding recording and reporting of testing

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

Assessment Conditions

Judgment of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL925002 Analyse measurements and estimate uncertainties

MSL916003 Supervise laboratory operations in work or functional area

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of selection briefs and/or selection proficiency tests completed by candidate

review of records completed by the candidate over a period of time to confirm consistency in method selection

feedback from peers and supervisors about the candidate’s ability to evaluate and select appropriate test methods and/or procedures in accordance with relevant standards and/or workplace requirements

oral or written questioning to establish basis of selection of test methods and/or procedures.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

a standard laboratory equipped with appropriate equipment, analytical instruments and reagents, SOPs and test methods

Australian and international regulatory standards relevant to scope of laboratory operations.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

Links

MSA Training Package Implementation Guides - http://mskills.org.au/training-packages/info/