Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508)

Transcription

1 Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) Standards and assessment requirements QCA Number: 500/1206/x September 2006 Version 1.0 1

2 About City & Guilds City & Guilds is the UK s leading provider of vocational qualifications, offering over 500 awards across a wide range of industries, and progressing from entry level to the highest levels of professional achievement. With over 8500 centres in 100 countries, City & Guilds is recognised by employers worldwide for providing qualifications that offer proof of the skills they need to get the job done. City & Guilds Group The City & Guilds Group includes ILM (the Institute of Leadership & Management) providing management qualifications, learning materials and membership services and NPTC (National Proficiency Tests Council) which offers land-based qualifications. City & Guilds also manages the Engineering Council Examinations on behalf of the Engineering Council. Equal opportunities City & Guilds fully supports the principle of equal opportunities and we are committed to satisfying this principle in all our activities and published material. A copy of our equal opportunities policy statement Access to assessment and qualifications is available on the City & Guilds website. Copyright The content of this document is, unless otherwise indicated, The City and Guilds of London Institute 2005 and may not be copied, reproduced or distributed without prior written consent. However, approved City & Guilds centres and learners studying for City & Guilds qualifications may photocopy this document free of charge and/or include a locked PDF version of it on centre intranets on the following conditions: centre staff may copy the material only for the purpose of teaching learners working towards a City & Guilds qualification, or for internal administration purposes learners may copy the material only for their own use when working towards a City & Guilds qualification the Standard Copying Conditions on the City & Guilds website. Please note: National Occupational Standards are not The City and Guilds of London Institute. Please check the conditions upon which they may be copied with the relevant Sector Skills Council. Publications City & Guilds publications are available on the City & Guilds website or from our Publications Sales department at the address below or by telephoning +44 (0) or faxing +44 (0) Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is true and correct at the time of going to press. However, City & Guilds products and services are subject to continuous development and improvement and the right is reserved to change products and services from time to time. City & Guilds cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from the use of information in this publication. City & Guilds 1 Giltspur Street London EC1A 9DD T +44 (0) F +44 (0) enquiry@cityandguilds.com 2

3 Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) Standards and assessment requirements September 2006 Version 1.0 Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 3

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5 Contents 1 Introduction 7 2 The Sector Skills Council and the National Occupational Standards 8 3 Candidate entry and progression 10 4 Centre resource requirements 11 5 Assessment method requirements 12 6 Roles and occupational expertise requirements 14 7 Recording assessment and evidence 17 8 The qualification structure 18 9 The National Occupational Standards and unit evidence requirements 19 Unit 201 (X1) Contribute to good working relationships 20 Unit 202 (X2) Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety 22 Unit 203 (IMI1) Work Effectively In Interactive Media 24 Unit 204 (IMI22) Test Electronic Games 26 Unit 205 (IWC2) Interpersonal and written communication 27 Unit 206 (UITE2) Use IT to exchange information 30 Appendix 1 Key words and phrases 33 Appendix 2 Key Skills mapping 34 Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 5

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7 1 Introduction About this document This document provides details that centres and candidates will need in order to assess, verify and collect evidence for this NVQ qualification and includes: the requirements for occupational competence for all those involved in the assessment process the assessment methods and requirements the national occupational standards and unit evidence requirements progression routes. Other sources of essential information This document has been designed to be used with the City & Guilds N/SVQ Guide which is made up of: Centre guide containing information specifically for centres (EN ) Candidate guide containing information specifically for candidates (TS ) Recording forms containing a set of recording forms that centres and candidates to use for recording assessments and evidence. (TS ) Visit the City & Guilds website ( for the latest versions of these documents. There are also other City & Guilds documents which contain the latest information regarding the assessment of N/SVQs: Providing City & Guilds Qualifications a guide to centre and qualification (scheme) approval Ensuring quality - containing updates on assessment and policy issues City & Guilds centre toolkit additional information on running City & Guilds qualifications is given in a CD-ROM, which links to the internet for access to the latest documents, reference materials and templates. Details of general regulations, registration and certification procedures, including fees, are included in the City & Guilds Directory of Qualifications. This information appears on the online qualification administration service for City & Guilds approved centres, the Walled Garden, at If there are any differences between the N/SVQ Centre Guide or the N/SVQ Candidate Guide and this Standards and Assessment Requirements document, this document has the more up-to-date information. Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 7

8 2 The Sector Skills Council and the National Occupational Standards Background to the National Occupational Standards (NOS) development The NVQ is based on NOS developed by Skillset to meet industry demand for a qualification for computer games testers working in audio visual industries. This is the first NVQ developed specifically for computer games testers and is available at level 2. Skillset, employers, trade associations, colleges and training providers have worked together to develop the NOS and qualification, which allow computer games testers to demonstrate the technical skills and knowledge required to work in the computer games industry. Contacting the Standards Setting Bodies The Sector Skills Council (SSC) responsible for having developed the National Occupational Standards (NOS) on which this NVQ is based is: Skillset Prospect House New Oxford Street London WC1A 1HB Telephone Fax info@skillset.org URL Imported units The following unit in this NVQ has been imported from the National Occupational Standards (NOS) developed by other Standards Setting Bodies (SSBs): 202 Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety (ENTO) 205 Interpersonal and written communication (e-skills UK) 206 Use IT to exchange information (e-skills UK) ENTO Kimberley House 47 Vaughan Way Leicester LE1 4SG Telephone Fax info@ento.co.uk URL 8

9 E-SKILLS UK 1 Castle Lane London SW1E 6DR Telephone Fax info@e-skills.com URL Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 9

10 3 Candidate entry and progression Candidate work role requirements This NVQ is for those working as computer games testers in audio visual industries. Candidate entry requirements There are no entry requirements for candidates taking this NVQ. Age restrictions This NVQ is not approved for the use of those who are under 16 years of age. Otherwise, there are no formal entry requirements for candidates undertaking this qualification; however, centres must ensure that candidates have the potential and opportunity to gain evidence for the qualification in the work place. For funding purposes, centres are reminded that candidates should not be entered for a qualification of the same type, level and content as that of a qualification they already hold. Progression routes It is expected that candidates completing the NVQ will be employed as computer games testers. 10

11 4 Centre resource requirements In addition to the resources required for centre approval, some NVQ schemes have very particular needs with which centres must comply: Time constraints The SSC has not specified any time constraints for candidates to complete the NVQ, however, centres must note the registration and certification end dates. Registration period Registration will be for 5 years. Please check the Directory of Qualifications for the latest information on length of registration and the last registration and certification dates. Where the period of access to assessment offered by a centre is less than the period covered by the candidates registration with City & Guilds, centres must ensure that this is understood by the candidates. Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 11

12 5 Assessment method requirements This guidance is based on and amplifies the assessment strategy developed for the Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing. External quality control External quality control is provided by the usual City & Guilds external verification process which includes the use of the electronically scannable report form which is designed to provide an objective risk analysis of individual centre assessment and verification practice. In addition, Skillset will maintain regular liaison with awarding bodies active in the industry to ensure the effective and timely exchange of information on the standards and qualifications for the benefit of all parties and to assist awarding bodies to implement the Assessment Strategy in a consistent manner. Imported units The following units are imported from ENTO standards and also appear in other Skillset qualifications. Any candidate already holding the units will not need to repeat them as part of the NVQ for Computer Games Testers. 202 Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Skillset supports accreditation of prior learning, achievement and/or experience identified as appropriate at initial assessment. Performance evidence requirements Usually evidence of candidate performance will be derived from assessor observation and/or testimony from an expert witness of the candidate carrying out work activities in the workplace. Detailed additional guidance, is provided on a unit basis for the use of these or other acceptable performance assessment methods. Knowledge evidence requirements The statements of knowledge and understanding are detailed in the NOS. Performance evidence may also cover the statements of knowledge and understanding. If it does not, other forms of evidence specified in the units may be used. There are no set banks of questions of knowledge questions for this NVQ. Simulation Each unit is suffixed by Evidence Requirements which specify when simulation may be used and when they must not be used. Simulations should always be very carefully designed. They need to ensure that they place pressures on candidate performance which are likely to lead to natural and unforced performance and which can, in turn, lead to the evidence they generate being deemed valid and reliable in the statement it makes as to a candidate s competence. However, there is no point in devising expensive and complex simulations unnecessarily and a balance has to be struck. 12

13 Where simulation is indicated, it is recommended that it be designed to address the following characteristics: the candidate is required to use materials, tools and equipment found and used within current workplace environments to carry out the actions being assessed; the candidate is provided with information, advice and guidance as to the outcomes to be achieved, at a level of detail that would be typical of current workplace contexts; the candidate is required to carry out actions and responsibilities which would be naturally delegated to someone competent in the occupational area, within current workplace contexts; if it would affect the candidate s actions and decision-making (eg in camera, lighting, sound roles), the physical environment in which the simulation occurs should replicate that in which the required action/outcome would occur within a current workplace context; if it would affect the candidate s actions and decision-making (eg production, makeup and hair roles), the other people with which the candidate is required to interact should behave in character for the role they are playing within the simulation. Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 13

14 6 Roles and occupational expertise requirements Assessors It is crucial to the success and credibility of the N/SVQs that assessors and IVs are seen to be experienced and credible practitioners within the occupational area(s) for which they are responsible. Consequently, it is a requirement that the centres should recruit people to the role of Assessor and IV who are able to demonstrate that they have strong and relevant technical expertise. Please note that these occupational requirements are additional to the requirement for Assessors, IVs and EVs to hold appropriate qualifications in assessment and verification practices as required by the regulatory authorities. Assessors must have a thorough understanding and working knowledge of the NOS for the qualifications they will be assessing. For Assessors, occupational expertise will be demonstrated by the fact that they are currently practising in the occupation to a level consistent with or higher than the demands of the NVQ and have done so for a period of at least five years. The contract based nature of much employment in this industry means that it is recommended that assessors have been in active employment for a period equivalent to six months full time work within each 12 month period over the five years. In addition, however, people who are not currently practitioners of the occupational role may be able to demonstrate sufficient, current technical expertise and so would be acceptable as assessors. It would be expected that such people would be able to demonstrate their expertise and understanding of current occupational practise through the fact that they were practising in the occupation to a level consistent with or higher than the demands of the NVQ for a period of not less than 4 years within the last 5 years. AND EITHER they hold professional qualifications which attest to their competence in the role covered by the NVQ; OR they are currently supervising people who perform the role covered by the NVQ; OR they are currently providing training in a workplace context for people who perform the role covered by the NVQ Criteria for Assessors of the Health & Safety Unit (X2) Assessors must have a suitable level of occupational competence and be competent in assessment. Assessors for these units must: Hold or be working towards the appropriate A unit, and in addition For X2, assessors should have a good understanding of Health & Safety issues and should ideally have attended recognised courses of training in Health & Safety and should have experience of contributing to Health and Safety within the work place within the last five years. 14

15 Witnesses There are no specific occupational expertise requirements for witnesses. Witness testimony can provide evidence to establish consistency in a candidate s practice and/or to evidence events which are difficult to plan to observe. In order that the assessor may make an informed judgement about the contribution of the witness testimony to the overall evidence presented for a unit or qualification, a statement of the witness status should be included in the candidate s portfolio of evidence. This can be done by using the Witness Status list (form N/SVQ5) or including it as part of the witness testimony itself. The statement should indicate the relationship between the candidate and the witness and should enable the assessor, by defining the role that the witness has played in the gathering of evidence (ie as colleague, worker from another organisation) to judge the extent of the witness knowledge of the National Occupational Standards and understanding of the work roles involved. Note: The use of witness testimony from relatives or those with whom the candidate has a significant personal relationship is not acceptable. Internal verifier Verifiers must have a thorough understanding and working knowledge of the NOS for the qualifications they will be verifying. For Internal Verifiers, strong, current and relevant technical expertise can be demonstrated by the fact that they have experience and expertise within an occupational area related to the NVQ which they verify, to a level consistent with or higher than the demands of the NVQ. This is likely to be demonstrated by one or more of the following: they are current practitioners and have been so over the past and EITHER they hold professional qualifications which attest to their competence in the role covered by the NVQ; OR they are currently supervising people who perform the role covered by the NVQ; OR they are currently providing training in a workplace context for people who perform the role covered by the NVQ. In addition, however, people who are not currently practitioners within a related occupational role may be able to demonstrate sufficient, current technical expertise and so would be acceptable as assessors or IVs. It would be expected that they would be able to demonstrate their expertise and understanding of current occupational expectations through the fact that they were practising in the occupation to a level consistent with or higher than the demands of the NVQ for a period of not less than 4 years within the last 5 years. AND EITHER they hold professional qualifications which attest to their competence in the role covered by the NVQ; OR they are currently supervising people who perform the role covered by the NVQ; OR they are currently providing training in a workplace context for people who perform the role covered by the NVQ. Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 15

16 Continuous Professional Development requirements City & Guilds expects all those with formal roles in the assessment or verification process to participate in a minimum of two CPD activities per annum. This can be to update either vocational skills/knowledge or assessment/verification skills/knowledge. 16

17 7 Recording assessment and evidence Recording forms to use City & Guilds has developed a set of Recording forms including examples of completed forms, for new and existing centres to use as appropriate (see NVQ Guide for centres and candidates - Recording forms, available on the City & Guilds website Although it is expected that new centres will use these forms, centres may devise or customise alternative forms, which must be approved for use by the external verifier, before they are used by NVQ candidates and assessors at the centre. City & Guilds also endorses the electronic recording systems Quick Step and Paper Free. Note: The NOS and NVQ in Computer Games Testing uses different terminology to the generic recording forms. Differences in this qualification are as follows: Performance criteria are referred to as Performance statements in the NOS in Computer Games Testing. There are no range or scope statements in the NOS in Computer Games Testing. Amendable versions of the forms are available on the City & Guilds website. Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 17

18 8 The qualification structure Qualification structure Candidates must achieve all six units in order to achieve the NVQ. QCA unit reference City & Guilds Unit no SSC unit number Unit title 500/1206/x 201 X1 Contribute to good working relationships 500/1206/x 202 X2 Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety 500/1206/x 203 IMI Work effectively in interactive media 500/1206/x 204 IMI22 Test Electronic Games 500/1206/x 205 IWC2 Interpersonal and written communication 500/1206/x 206 UITE2 Use IT to exchange information 18

19 9 The National Occupational Standards and unit evidence requirements Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 19

20 Unit 201 (X1) Contribute to good working relationships Summary This unit measures your ability to contribute to good working relationships. It involves working effectively with others during the production process. It is about clarifying and agreeing the roles to be undertaken by your team and what your working arrangements are in a manner that promotes positive working relationships with colleagues, management and (if applicable) performers. It entails getting the right balance between working efficiently and meeting the needs of colleagues as well as the creative needs of the production. It is about collaborating with colleagues and seeking their help when required, including providing assistance whenever possible. It requires having the communication skills to explain and discuss what you have to do and what you expect of others, the quality and output requirements of the production and health and safety requirements. What you must do: To meet the national standard, you must 1. clarify what you have to do and to whom you would report 2. discuss and agree your tasks and responsibilities in a way which promotes good working relationships 3. confirm the deadlines and standards you are expected to meet 4. consider the types of roles and responsibilities which you may be asked to undertake 5. ascertain and verify any changes in your tasks in the production 6. acknowledge what the work arrangements, quality and safety requirements are 7. balance the need for personal efficiency with the needs of others and the requirements of the production 8. share information about quality standards, deadlines, timescales and the results of your work with others who require the information 9. treat others courteously and in ways which acknowledge their contribution to the production 10. tactfully request others to modify or change working arrangements in order to improve your own productivity 11. explain your reasons and alternatives solutions clearly and constructively, when it is impractical to agree to others requests to change working arrangements 12. take into account particular sensitivities people working on the production may have and what protocols to use in dealing with them 13. maintain good relationships, even when disagreeing with others 14. find workable solutions for any conflicts and dissatisfaction which reduce personal and team productivity 15. consider the importance of collaboration to the effectiveness and productivity of work in the industry What you must know and understand: a) how to clarify what you have to do and who you report to b) how to discuss and agree your tasks and responsibilities in a way which promotes good working relationships c) how to confirm the deadlines and standards you are expected to meet 20

21 Unit 201 (X1) Contribute to good working relationships d) the types of roles and responsibilities which you may be asked to undertake e) how to ascertain and verify any changes in your tasks in the production f) importance of acknowledging what the work arrangements, quality and safety requirements are g) how to balance the need for personal efficiency with the needs of others and the requirements of the production h) the importance of sharing information about quality standards, deadlines, timescales and the results of your work with others who require the information i) how to treat others courteously and in ways which acknowledge their contribution to the production j) how to tactfully request others to modify or change working arrangements in order to improve your own productivity k) how to explain your reasons and alternatives solutions clearly and constructively, when it is impractical to agree to others requests to change working arrangements l) how to take into account particular sensitivities people working on the production may have and what protocols to use in dealing with them m) how to maintain good relationships, even when disagreeing with others n) how to find workable solutions for any conflicts and dissatisfaction which reduce personal and team productivity o) the importance of collaboration to the effectiveness and productivity of work in the industry Evidence Requirements 1. The majority of your evidence for this unit should be from observation of your performance in the workplace. 2. You may also use work products and records, witness testimony and records of professional discussions to demonstrate you can contribute to good working relationships. 3. Simulation is not permitted for this unit. 4. Your assessor will plan your assessment with you to cover the whole of this unit and to show that you can consistently meet all of the performance statements. Your evidence may also contribute to all of the other units. 5. Your performance evidence should usually also cover the statements of knowledge and understanding. If it does not, your assessor may ask you questions, you may use witness testimonies or records of professional discussions to prove that you have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the importance of contributing to good working relationships. Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 21

22 Unit 202 (X2) Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety Summary Fundamental to this unit is an understanding of the terms hazards and risks. A person competent in this unit is not required to undertake a full risk assessment but needs to have an appreciation of significant risks in the workplace and know how to deal with them. What you must do: You must be able to identify the hazards and evaluate the risks in your workplace, so 1. you correctly name and locate the persons responsible for health and safety in the workplace 2. you identify which workplace health and safety procedures are relevant to your working practices 3. you identify those working practices in any part of your job role which could harm yourself or other persons 4. you identify those aspects of the workplace which could harm yourself or other persons 5. you evaluate which of the potentially harmful working practices and the potentially harmful aspects of the workplace present the highest risk to you or to others 6. you report those hazards with a high risk to the persons responsible for health and safety in the workplace 7. you deal with hazards with low risks in accordance with workplace health and safety procedures and legal requirements You must be able to reduce the risks to health and safety in your workplace, so 8. you carry out your working practices in accordance with legal requirements 9. you follow the most recent workplace health and safety policies for your job role 10. you rectify those health and safety risks within your capability and the scope of your job responsibilities 11. you pass on any suggestions for reducing risks to health and safety in the workplace to the persons responsible for health and safety 12. your personal conduct around the workplace does not endanger the health and safety of yourself or other persons 13. you follow the workplace procedures and suppliers or manufacturers instructions for the safe use of equipment, materials and products 14. you report any differences between workplace procedures and suppliers or manufacturers instructions, as appropriate 15. your personal presentation at work ensures the health and safety of yourself and others, meets any legal duties, and is in accordance with workplace health and safety policies What you must know and understand: a) your legal duties for health and safety in the workplace as defined by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 b) your duties for health and safety as defined by any specific legislation covering your job role c) agreed workplace health and safety procedures relating to controlling risks to health and safety d) responsibilities for health and safety in your job description 22

23 Unit 202 (X2) Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety e) the responsible persons to whom to report health and safety matters f) the specific organisational health and safety policies covering your job role g) suppliers' and manufacturers' instructions for the safe use of equipment, materials and products h) safe working practices for your own job role i) the importance of personal presentation in maintaining health and safety in the workplace j) the importance of personal conduct in maintaining the health and safety of yourself and others k) your scope and responsibility for rectifying risks l) workplace arrangements for handling risks which you are unable to deal with m) what hazards exist in your workplace and the importance of remaining alert to and dealing with or promptly reporting risks n) the particular health and safety risks which may be present in your own job role and the precautions you must take Evidence Requirements 1. The majority of your evidence for this unit should be from observation of your performance in the workplace. 2. You may also use work products and records, witness testimony and records of professional discussions to demonstrate you work safely. 3. Simulation is not permitted for this unit. 4. Your assessor will plan your assessment with you to cover the whole of this unit and to show that you can consistently meet all of the performance statements. Your evidence may also contribute to all of the other units. 5. Your performance evidence should usually also cover the statements of knowledge and understanding. If it does not, your assessor may ask you questions, you may use witness testimonies or records of professional discussions to prove that you have a thorough knowledge and understanding of ensuring your actions reduce risks to health and safety. Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 23

24 Unit 203 (IMI1) Work Effectively In Interactive Media Summary This unit is about the core competence that everyone working in interactive media needs, regardless of their role or function. You will need to be able to: Understand the medium in which you are working Keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date You must be familiar with up-to-date industry-standard software tools in the following categories: Word Processors Spreadsheets Web Browsers Clients Anti-Virus Software Personal Firewalls What you must do: 1. manage your own continuing professional development 2. maintain up-to-date awareness of market developments, new technologies, techniques and best practice 3. proactively communicate and work with other interactive media specialists 4. make backup copies of your work at appropriate intervals and store them securely 5. produce work to the required standard within relevant timescales and budgets 6. save your work using appropriate file names and/or naming conventions so that they can be easily identified by yourself or others later on 7. devise and implement contingency plans for reasonably foreseeable setbacks that might affect your ability to deliver your work on time 8. seek and respond constructively to advice or feedback from appropriate people concerning the quality, fitness for purpose, or any other aspect of, your work 9. conduct discussions and negotiations in a way that promotes co-operation and goodwill 10. use industry-standard office software 11. comply with copyright law What you must know and understand: a. the nature, constraints, opportunities and parameters of the platforms, technologies and media you are working with b. how to present ideas to colleagues and gain their support c. how to make the most effective use of resources and other materials at your disposal d. how to encourage people to give frank and constructive feedback about your work e. how to respond constructively to feedback, whether negative or positive f. principles and methods of version control, and why it is important 24

25 g. how to clarify timescales and budgets and how to assess the impact these have on your work h. the kind of common problems, design changes and contingencies that may occur in your work and how to minimise their impact i. who needs to be informed if you anticipate any difficulties in carrying out your work j. how to use relevant hardware and software effectively and efficiently k. how to carry out research effectively using the Internet l. safe and healthy use of computer equipment, including seating, posture and screen-breaks m. how to explain technical or specialist issues in your area or work to non-technical people or to specialists in other areas n. how to protect your computer from viruses and hackers and why it is important to do so Evidence Requirements 1. The majority of your evidence for this unit should be from observation of your performance in the workplace. 2. You may also use work products and records, witness testimony and records of professional discussions to demonstrate you can work effectively in interactive media. 3. Simulation is not permitted for this unit. 4. Your assessor will plan your assessment with you to cover the whole of this unit and to show that you can consistently meet all of the performance statements. Your evidence may also contribute to all of the other units. 5. Your performance evidence should usually also cover the statements of knowledge and understanding. If it does not, your assessor may ask you questions, you may use witness testimonies or records of professional discussions to prove that you have a thorough knowledge and understanding of working effectively in interactive media. Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 25

26 Unit 204 (IMI22) Test Electronic Games Summary This unit is about your ability to test games to ensure they work correctly and provide an engaging experience for players. What you must do: 1. follow provided instructions 2. identify and communicate any problems with the game-play (such as areas that are too easy or too difficult) 3. report any bugs or glitches that you encounter in the software 4. respond constructively to written or verbal questions from others What you must know and understand a. how to interpret and follow verbal or written instructions b. how, and to whom, to ask questions to clarify requirements or raise issues in response to the instructions c. how to use relevant game consoles, computer hardware, input devices etc Evidence Requirements 1. The majority of your evidence for this unit should be from observation of your performance in the workplace. 2. You may also use work products and records, witness testimony and records of professional discussions to demonstrate you can test electronic games. 3. Simulation is not permitted for this unit. 4. Your assessor will plan your assessment with you to cover the whole of this unit and to show that you can consistently meet all of the performance statements. Your evidence may also contribute to all of the other units. 5. Your performance evidence should usually also cover the statements of knowledge and understanding. If it does not, your assessor may ask you questions, you may use witness testimonies or records of professional discussions to prove that you have a thorough knowledge and understanding of testing electronic games. 26

27 Unit 205 (IWC2) Interpersonal and written communication Summary The ability to communicate well in the workplace is an essential skill, which can greatly enhance the effectiveness of an individual in their job role. Successful completion of this unit recognises that ability and serves to enhance the other units within the qualification. This is the ability to communicate using language and terminology that is appropriate for the audience. Typically this will involve establishment of rapport with individuals through active listening composition of written material eg documentation, s, faxes, letters or presentations successful interaction with individuals and groups This involves receiving, (eg lip-reading), listening and reading and sending or giving, (eg signing), speaking, presenting and writing information. Unit 205 Overview You are likely to be in a job role where there is a particular requirement for good written and verbal communication This is an optional unit, which can be assessed either in the workplace or in a realistic working environment but evidence produced must be in the context of computer games testing. The competent person can at Level 1: Communicate information in familiar contexts This will involve applying knowledge and understanding of: relevant uses of interpersonal and written communication techniques This will involve effective use of the following skills and techniques: sending and receiving familiar information by communicating interpersonally in familiar work situations sending and receiving familiar information by communicating in writing using relevant formats Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 27

28 Knowledge and Understanding For this unit you must demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding in the context of your job role, in other words the content and situations under which evidence is produced must be relevant to computer games testing: 1 Relevant uses of communication techniques: Interpersonal - these are techniques, which can be used to suit the needs of different audiences when communicating directly, (eg face to face), or by telephone or video link: verbal eg intonation, tone and feedback (sometimes referred to as verbal attends) and non-verbal techniques eg smiling while talking on the phone, body language attentive listening ie difference between hearing and listening positive and negative language active listening eg summarising, paraphrasing, body language listening barriers eg background noise, distractions, lack of concentration types of question eg open, closed and probing 2 Written - writing techniques which can be used to suit the needs of different audiences eg: grammar, spelling business or technical terminology format and style for different communication channels eg letter, memo, and fax Skills and Techniques You will need to produce at least two comprehensive tasks, demonstrating skills, techniques and knowledge outlined in the unit, in the context of your job role, in other words the content and situations under which evidence is produced must be relevant to computer games testing. 1 Send and receive familiar information by communicating interpersonally in familiar work situations by: following organisational guidelines and procedures. modulating voice when speaking to suit the listener or audience articulating and expressing ideas clearly and concisely listening actively eg by taking notes clarifying and confirming understanding eg by paraphrasing or repetition responding to questions with accurate information ensuring content is appropriate to the needs of the audience identifying and avoiding listening barriers maintaining focus on the purpose of the communication 2 Send and receive familiar information by communicating in writing using relevant formats by: following organisational guidelines and procedures identifying and conveying key messages in writing eg letter, fax, , database notes using correct grammar and spelling using and understanding appropriate business or technical terminology ensuring content, format and style are appropriate to the audience and channel eg letter, memo, fax, , web chat structuring writing into a logical framework conveying ideas and information in a clear and concise manner identifying relevant information in written communications reviewing or proof reading own written work 28

29 Assessment Guidance The two or more comprehensive tasks that you produce should cover both written and verbal skills and be in the context of computer games testing. How do I demonstrate Knowledge? Much of the knowledge evidence will be demonstrated during the normal work that you do. However, your assessor or expert witness might want to explore the less obvious evidence, such as listening barriers and types of question, in a professional discussion. How can I satisfy the skills and techniques part? The written tasks should contain relevant information and be presented in a professional way. You should be careful to use the correct technical terminology, good grammar and punctuation and spelling should be carefully checked. You should beware of using obscure abbreviations and textmessage language the communication must be clear, unambiguous and easily understood by all the intended audience. You should also show that you can correctly interpret and respond to communication from others. This could perhaps be done by requesting some technical information from a manufacturer on behalf of a customer, interpreting and simplifying the information received and then passing it on to the customer. Similarly, the process of obtaining, interpreting and passing on information can be done verbally. The likely preferred assessment method will be observation by your assessor and/or evidence from an expert witness in the workplace who will be much better able to respond to assessment opportunities. Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 29

30 Unit 206 (UITE2) Use IT to exchange information Summary You can achieve this unit if your job requires the competent use of IT, whether or not that is your primary task. You should achieve it during the day to day use of a computer to complete a task related to your main job. If your primary work role is not the use of IT, this unit can be used to gain recognition for your IT skills as part of your own occupational qualifications, or as a stand-alone unit. Skills and Techniques For this unit you must demonstrate the following skills and techniques. This will involve you carrying out at least two comprehensive tasks to demonstrate your competence in: 1. Sending and receiving Sending and receiving s using the facilities provided by software: (a) using more advanced facilities, such as add a signature or set the priority of messages (b) sending messages to groups of people using groups set up in an address book (c) sending and receiving instant messages with and without attachments (d) compressing messages on sending and un-compress messages that have been received (e) archiving s where necessary, such as by using folders and subfolders 2. Searching searching for information on the Internet or an intranet: (a) choosing a search engine that is appropriate for the information that is needed. (b) carrying out searches efficiently, such as by using meta search engines, wild cards, AND or NOT (Boolean notation). Knowledge and Understanding For this unit you must demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding: 1. facilities different facilities that are provided by software, such as tools, archive folders, address books and settings: (a) how to send s to groups using a group list within an address book (b) how to archive and compress s (c) what other resources may be provided by software and how to use them 2. Problems with exchanging information what problems can happen and how to keep risks to a minimum: (a) what to do about s intended to cause problems, such as SPAM or chain-mails (b) how to keep the difficulties of sending and receiving large s to a minimum (c) what limits there may be to the number or size of s that can be received and stored (d) how to avoid viruses 30

31 3. Laws and guidelines What laws and guidelines affect people s use of IT. (a) What and how different IT activities are affected by laws and guidelines, such as storing names and address, downloading images from the Internet or sending inappropriate e- mails. Assessment Guidance You will need to produce at least two comprehensive tasks, demonstrating skills, techniques and knowledge outlined in the unit. This is one of a number of stand-alone units which are specially designed for use by people whose primary role is not necessarily the use of IT but nevertheless need to use IT as part of their job and want recognition for those skills. On account of this, you will probably find this unit quite different in its approach and assessment methods, and this guidance is designed to help you to understand that difference. In this case you will be using some of the more advanced features of as an important work tool to help you to exchange information that is important to your main job. You could also use other forms of electronic information exchange such as instant messaging as some evidence for this unit but remember that each task must be substantial and have a clearly defined purpose. How can I satisfy the skills and techniques part? The central theme of the practical side of this unit is, quite naturally, the sending and receiving of information via, usually, . In doing this, you will also need to show that you have a good grasp of how to organise, store and locate messages in other words, managing your own personal message centre. Apart from the straightforward sending and receiving of messages, you need to show that you can use some of the more advanced facilities such as groups, message and attachment compression, adding different signature blocks and archiving messages. The second half of the skills and techniques requirement is searching for information on the Internet or an intranet. This involves choosing an appropriate search engine for the information you want to find. There may be, for instance, a search engine specifically designed to find information on a particular range of subjects historical documents, for instance. You should carry out your searches using a variety of search techniques such as Boolean notation, wild cards and metasearch. The information you search for should be relevant to one of the tasks you are given. A typical example might be: find information about travel advice, requirements and restrictions for a particular country and the details to a group of people who are shortly to visit that country. In working with information search results, you should also use the standard management tools such as the history file, bookmarks, etc. How can I demonstrate Knowledge? The knowledge requirements for this unit are in three areas. Firstly you should show your assessor that you have a good knowledge of facilities such as those that you are likely to be using during your assessment tasks. However there may be others that you don t use but nevertheless you should be aware of. These might be the ability to include animation, HTML and special fonts in your messages or the use of auto-responders to acknowledge s while you are away from your desk. Next is the subject of problems with exchanging information. This is a large subject that can get technically quite difficult, so you should concentrate on those problems that are likely to affect Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 31

32 you as an user. You should have knowledge of how s are actually transmitted the route they take from sender to recipient and some reasons why messages might not reach their intended recipient. You should be able to identify messages that are likely to cause trouble chain messages, SPAM, those with attachments containing viruses and those with offensive or illegal content. You should be able to discuss some basic ways of dealing with those messages, such as deleting, filtering incoming mail etc. You should also show that you are aware of the dangers associated with downloading software and other files from the Internet and of how to avoid them, using anti-virus software and using only known, safe sources or just plain common sense. This is all to do with being a safe, responsible user who is able to take steps to minimise risks to their system and data. Lastly, you should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of the laws and guidelines that govern the use of IT, not only the Health and Safety legislation but those governing the downloading of material from the Internet, the sending of inappropriate or malicious s and the storing of personal details such as names and addresses. 32

33 Appendix 1 Key words and phrases The following terms are used in this qualification and carry particular meanings: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Risk assessment careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm. The aim is to make sure that no one gets hurt or becomes ill You are legally required to assess the risk in your work place. Hazard anything that can cause harm (eg chemicals, electricity, working from ladders) Risk the chance, high or low, that somebody will be harmed by the hazard. Definitions taken from Five steps to risk assessment HSE leaflet Level 2 NVQ in Computer Games Testing (7508) 33

34 Appendix 2 Key Skills mapping SKILLSET UNIT NUMBER For unit index please see Section 8 Qualification Structure IMI1 IMI22 IWC2 UITE2 X1 X2 KEY SKILLS ELEMENTS COMMUNICATIONS LEVEL 2 C2.1 Read and summarise information from at least two documents about the same subject. Each document must be a minimum of 500 words long. # # C2.2a Take part in a group discussion. # # C2.2b Give a talk of at least four minutes # # C2.3 Write two different types of documents each one giving different information. One document must be at least 500 words long. # # APPLICATION OF NUMBER - LEVEL 2 N2.1 Interpret information from a suitable source. # N2.2 Use your information to carry out calculations to do with: a amounts or sizes; b scales or proportion; c handling statistics; d using formulae N2.3 Interpret the results of your calculations and present your findings. IMPROVING OWN LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE LEVEL 2 LP2.1 Help set targets with an appropriate person and plan how these will be met. # # LP2.2 Take responsibility for some decisions about your learning, using your plan to help meet targets and improve your performance. # # # LP2.3 Review progress with an appropriate person and provide evidence of your achievements. # # 34