Martin Kane of SITO looks at Systems Technical Services, Level 3, particularly 'installing a complete security system'
In this session we will look at the existing Level 3 1866 NVQ and discover what is expected of a candidate following this mode of study. The level three National Vocational Qualification is titled Systems Technical Services Level 3. It consists of nine units of competence, which a candidate must complete to achieve the full award.

These units are:

    1 Apply a new security systems specification to physical installation and customer requirements
    2 Establish the operational feasibility of planned security systems
    3 Install a complete security system
    4 Install and test security systems equipment which uses data transmission protocols
    5 Commission and hand over operational security system
    6 Audit installed security system
    7 Diagnose causes of faults in security systems, rectify and restore
    8 Apply on-site security system installation safety status and relevant regulations
    9 Communicate effectively with others.
Candidates at level three are expected to complete a wider range of activities than those at level 2 and have significantly more responsibility. You will find that the fundamental differences separating levels 2 and 3 are that at level 3 a candidate is expected to commission systems and connect transmission equipment.

At level two a candidate simply prepares for commission and connects to bells only. For those candidates who wish to follow an NVQ level 3 mode of study there is no requirement to complete a level 2 first.

Let's look at element 3.1 unit three: Install a complete security system, and find out what competences are expected of a candidate:

  • Unit 3.1: Install a complete system
  • Unit objective: To assess the technician's competence in installing complete systems.
Element objectives:
  • Element 3.1 Install wiring and containments
  • Element 3.2 Install system electronic equipment.
To assess the technician's competence to install system electronic equipment to accepted industry standards and codes of practice.

As you can see there are two elements to unit 3 but we shall only consider element 3.1

  • Install a Complete System
  • Element 3.1: Install Wiring and Containments
  • Performance criteria

    In this section the candidate has to demonstrate the following:

    • Cables are routed and secured in accordance with specification, industry codes of practice.
    • Cables are identified and protected from damage as necessary in accordance with industry codes of practice.
    • Containments are fixed in accordance with specification, customer requirements, and industry codes of practice.
    • Correct tools are selected as appropriate to the fixings required.
    • Cabling is tested following installation in accordance with industry codes of practice.
    • Installation work takes account of other works on site
    • Confidentiality is observed throughout the installation work.
    While candidates are covering the perfor-mance criteria they are also required to cover a range of items to test their skills over varying sites where work is carried out. These are:
    • Range
    • System complexity: Multi-branch
    • Installation requirements: Electrical, signalling, cable types.
    • Surfaces and structures: Brick, concrete, composite block, stud partition, metal, timber, plastic.
    • Containments: Trunking, conduit, ducting, ceiling void trays, clipped to surface.
    As well as covering the range and performance criteria, candidates are also required to demonstrate their knowledge in the following areas:
      Knowledge specification
    • Relevant Standards and industry code of practice
    • Measuring techniques
    • Electrical principles
    • Signalling and transmission principles
    • Properties of commonly used building materials (e.g. concrete, brick, steel, wood, plasterboard)
    • Types of cable, containment, and fixing
    • Installation methods and techniques
    • Fire regulations
    • Oral and written communications.
    The following provides information which candidates require to enable them to understand the rules which confirm what a candidate has to do in various situations – and how many times a candidate is required to carry out each performance criterion.

  • Evidence requirements
    Performance
    As defined in the performance criteria and range on a minimum of four separate occasions, supported by trained assessor and credible witness testimony.

    Supplementary evidence
    1)     In cases where the candidate does not have the opportunity, through performance alone, to provide sufficient knowledge evidence in support of competence, supplementary oral or written questioning can be used.

    Simulation must be realistic, be undertaken over a period of time and not exceed half the required workplace assessments

    2) Where workplace assessments do not fully cover the range, suitable documentary evidence from previous projects may be used.

    3) Open questions to be used to assess underpinning technical knowledge and understanding. Questions asked and responses obtained to be recorded in the candidate's logbook.

  • Method of assessment
    Observation in the workplace by trained assessor; simulated skills tests; witness testimony; oral or written question and answer:
    Assessment strategy
    Workplace
    All performance criteria must be met in the workplace. The exception to this is detailed in 'simulation' below. The principal means of assessment is by observation in the workplace. Candidates who have suitably authenticated documentation relating to activity during the previous 12 months will be acceptable for one assessment.

    Oral questioning will be needed to establish candidate knowledge and understanding of the areas listed in the Knowledge Specifications and of those aspects of the range not dealt with through observation.

    Simulation
    Simulation must be realistic, be undertaken over a period of time and not exceed 50 per cent of the required number of workplace assessments. Where simulation is not practicable, evidence in the form of credible witness statement will be acceptable.

    For certain parts of this award it is acceptable for candidates to undertake assessment of Performance Criteria under appropriate simulated conditions. Any simulations used must accurately reflect a genuine industrial environment and have been agreed with the Awarding Body Partners as suitable. Assessment must provide sufficient evidence of a candidate's ability to competently execute tasks in the normal place of work.

    • Source

    Security Installer