Physical metrology
assessment process
http://www.measurement.gov.au/Services/Training/Documents/PhyscialMetrologyAs
sessment.pdf
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Contents
Background ................................................................................................................ 1
What does Competence Mean? ................................................................................. 1
Units of Competency .................................................................................................. 1
What are the Steps of the Assessment Process? ...................................................... 2
Step 1
Enrol in the Assessment Program ....................................................................................... 2
Step 2
NMI will Process and Confirm your Enrolment ................................................................... 2
Step 3
Collect your Evidence ......................................................................................................... 3
Step 4
Submit your Evidence ......................................................................................................... 3
Tips for Collecting Evidence ....................................................................................... 3
Reasonable Adjustments ........................................................................................... 3
Resources and References ........................................................................................ 4
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Background
We offer assessment for people who work in calibration or testing laboratories. Assessment provides
a professional development opportunity for people to strengthen their current experience with
additional knowledge and skills. The assessment involves practical work in the form of a
measurement audit or case study and a written assessment. The assessment recognises your
competence against relevant performance criteria related to your work. Assessments are aligned to
the following unit/s of competency from the MSL40109 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques and
the MSL50109 Diploma of Laboratory Technology.
In addition, assessment provides recognition of your competence against relevant performance
criteria related to your work. These performance criteria are set out in units of competency.
This document is designed to help you:
 understand the assessment process that will be used to assess your competence;
 identify the evidence you will need to confirm your competence; and collect the evidence in an
efficient way
What does Competence Mean?
Competence means that you can conduct a calibration task or maintain instruments and equipment
by applying the relevant knowledge, skills and attitude required in the workplace against a set of
performance criteria.
Standards of workplace performance are set out in nationally recognised units of competency for
each particular skill. Each unit of competency is broken down into components called performance
criteria which are explained in detail. These units are also useful to employers as a guide when
training staff and developing competence.
To be assessed as competent for each of these units, you will need to collect a portfolio of evidence that
demonstrates you can perform to the required standard. Once you have been assessed as competent,
you will be awarded a statement of attainment for each completed unit.
Units of Competency
Assessment is aligned with the relevant units of competency described below. For more information
refer to http://training.gov.au/Training/Details/MSL09 .
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MSL904001A Perform standard calibrations
Covers the ability to calibrate test and measurement equipment in accordance with standard
calibration procedures and documented test methods. These procedures/methods specify all
associated reference standards, materials, equipment and methods to be used and the required
parameters or quantities and ranges to be tested, including the criteria for rejection or approval.

MSL905001A Perform non-standard calibrations
Covers the ability to recognise non-conforming calibration work, to research and select the most
appropriate test method or calibration procedure for a given measurement request and then
conduct the calibration. It also covers the ability to modify and revise existing procedures or
substitute alternative instruments and measurement standards.
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MSL933004A Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance
Covers the ability to perform setup, pre-use and in-house calibration checks on equipment and
assist with its maintenance.
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
MSL924001A Process and interpret data
Covers the ability to retrieve data, evaluate formulae and perform scientific calculations, present
and interpret information in tables and graphs and keep accurate records. The unit requires
personnel to solve problems of limited complexity where the information may be less obvious, but
not contradictory, and can be determined by direct reasoning.

MSL925002A Analyse measurements and estimate uncertainties
Covers the ability to estimate and report measurement uncertainty in accordance with the ISO
Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement. Personnel are required to review their
estimates of measurement uncertainty to assist with making decisions on the fitness for purpose
of the measurements.
What are the Steps of the Assessment Process?
Assessment involves identifying, collecting and reviewing a portfolio of evidence that covers your
previous learning and current work experience. An assessor and technical expert will then assess this
portfolio of evidence and make a judgement based on the evidence you have provided. It is vital that the
evidence you supply is authentic, i.e. you have personally performed the tasks covered by the evidence.
Your evidence must also be up-to-date and relevant to the performance criteria, shown in the relevant
unit of competency against which you will be assessed.
The figure below demonstrates our delivery and assessment methodology.
Course
Lectures and
learning material
Certificate
of
attendance
Practicals and
demonstrations
Quiz and revision
Self-evaluation
Statement of
attainment
Assessment
Written tests
Step 1
Evaluate prior learning
and experience
Identify further learning
and assessment needs
Measurement audit
or case study
Enrol in
assessment
Summary of
qualifications and
experience
Enrol in the Assessment Program
Once you have the support of your manager/supervisor, complete and submit an enrolment form.
Remember:

to attach a verified copy of proof of identity;

to read the terms and conditions;

to arrange payment; and

to refer to the Participants Handbook (www.measurement.gov.au/participantshandbook) for an
outline of support services and key policies including your rights and responsibilities.
Step 2
NMI will Process and Confirm your Enrolment
Depending on the assessment NMI will send you:
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personal learning plan/schedule;
written tests;
measurement audit (or case study) details;
summary of qualifications and experience form;
assessment recording form; and
supervisor/referee report (to be completed by them and returned to you).
Review your personal learning plan/schedule and estimate your current workload.
If required, your NMI assessor will contact you to discuss your personal learning plan/schedule, the
evidence you need to collect, delivery of (and the date for) your measurement audit.
Step 3
Collect your Evidence
Collect evidence to support your assessment and complete the following:
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summary of qualifications and experience form;
written test/s;
measurement audit (or case study); and
assessment recording form.
Step 4
Submit your Evidence
Send your supervisor/referee report and the portfolio of evidence you compiled in step 3 to your NMI
assessor.
Your NMI assessor (and a technical expert) will review your portfolio of evidence and determine if you
meet the required performance criteria (i.e. you are competent) or if you need to provide additional
evidence (i.e. you are not yet competent).
Once you are deemed competent we send you:
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your statement of attainment;
your portfolio of evidence; and
a link to our on-line feedback survey.
We will retain your records for 30 years.
Tips for Collecting Evidence
The important thing to remember when collecting evidence is that the more evidence, the better —
that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can
be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and
develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence
that you collect will not usually demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas
multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!
Reasonable Adjustments
Where applicable, reasonable adjustments will be suggested to work environments and training
situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disabilities.
Assessment arrangements can be amended to account for changes in work schedules and deadlines
that may impact the assessment timetable.
If you have undertaken a measurement audit previously, then it can be submitted.
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Resources and References
For post-course assessment you may require:
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specialised calibration/test equipment, reference standards and laboratory facilities;
access to a library of calibration methods, procedures and equipment specifications;
enterprise quality manual and procedures;
NMI Monographs 1 to 12;
course learning material and completed practical exercises sheets;
ISO/IEC Guide 98-3:2008 Uncertainty of measurement. Part 3 Guide to the expression of
uncertainty in measurement (GUM);
access to Australian standards;
relevant manufacture specifications;
AS ISO 17025-2005 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories;
NATA field application documents and technical notes;
enterprise recording and reporting procedures and standard operating procedures;
quality manuals, equipment and operating/technical manuals; and
material safety data sheets.
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