JOB READY ASSESSMENT BLUEPRINT GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY Test Code: 4042 Version: 01 Specific Competencies and Skills Tested in this Assessment: Introduction to Printing Demonstrate knowledge of hazard communication laws and environmental protection Demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures (personal, equipment) Explain importance of quality control procedures and consistency of production (SPC) Demonstrate understanding of the need for customer satisfaction Demonstrate knowledge of job workflow Read/interpret/write work orders or specifications Identify processes and equipment in graphic communications Demonstrate mathematical concepts relating to print, estimating materials/service costs Demonstrate problem solving ability; scheduling job planning, controlling printing Perform general maintenance/housekeeping tasks Flexographic printing Understanding legal aspects of photos and art Work ethic (job responsibility, attitude, work quality, etc.) Understand/define printing terminology Electronic Imaging and Copy Preparation Identify principles of design Identify type styles and uses Identify proofreader s marks Make conversions using printer systems of measurement Prepare a thumbnail sketch Prepare a rough layout Proofread copy Mark up copy Crop a photograph to dimensions Scale a photograph to a given area Prepare dummies for a variety of imposition layouts Demonstrate basic computer hardware knowledge Demonstrate basic computer skills Demonstrate basic software knowledge Match appropriate software to a given job Demonstrate proficiency in computer graphic applications to create image
Electronic Imaging and Copy Preparation (continued) Import digital images into electronic pages Demonstrate understanding of electronic photo manipulation Demonstrate removable-storage handling/care/formatting Demonstrate understanding of electronic traps Prepare electronic mechanical/proof Demonstrate knowledge of troubleshooting electronic files Output color separations from digital files Demonstrate knowledge of trapping usage within an application Image Assembly and Platemaking Demonstrate understanding of image assembly concepts Prepare imposition dummies for a variety of layouts Assemble single-color jobs Assemble line and halftone combinations Assemble step and repeat jobs Prepare a composite Make a spread and choke Assemble spot/mechanical color jobs Assemble process color jobs Demonstrate appropriate proofing methods Prepare color proofs Demonstrate knowledge of types of offset plates Demonstrate use of exposure control devices (gray scale) Determine proper exposure for offset plates Expose/process/preserve subtractive presensitized plates Demonstrate understanding of photo-direct plates Demonstrate proper storage of processed films and plate Assemble film output from electronic files Demonstrate ability to troubleshoot film output from electronic files Prepare laminated proofs Demonstrate ability to properly label flats Demonstrate knowledge of chemical disposal Duplicator/Press Operations Operate a densitometer and maintain ink density levels Make ready and operate an offset press Print and maintain register Demonstrate understanding of press chemistry (ink tack, fountain solutions, solvents, dryers) Mix press fountain solution Adjust roller pressures Demonstrate understanding of dampening systems Demonstrate understanding of procedures and equipment for adjusting press pressures Lubricate and offset press Mix inks for color match Prepare, install and replace offset blanket Clean up an offset press Demonstrate auxiliary operations performed on press (perforation, scoring) Demonstrate understanding of stripping procedures Demonstrate understanding of adjusting press alignment Demonstrate proper handling of print stock Make a color match using process screens Prepare/strip copy for binding (grind-off) Demonstrate understanding of thermographic and intaglio processes
Graphic Communications Technology: continued Duplicator/Press Operations (continued) Demonstrate understanding of offset press features Demonstrate understanding of offset press advantages/disadvantages Troubleshoot printing problems (scumming, pilling, chalking, roller stripping, ghosting, glazing) Adjust packing to lengthen image Demonstrate use of masking sheets Operate high-speed copiers. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate disposal of inks, etc. Demonstrate ability to move the plate for image fit. Demonstrate ability to print a second or third color in register on a second pass through an offset press Finishing Processes Set up, adjust and operate a paper cutter Set up, adjust and operate a paper folder Demonstrate understanding of perforating, scoring and die-cutting Lubricate/maintain bindery equipment Set up and operate a stitcher Set up, adjust and operate a paper drill Collate and gather Perform padding operations Demonstrate understanding of book binding Explain the meaning of JIT and UPC Explain assembly of carbonless paper forms Explain how perfect binding is accomplished Explain how plastic binding is accomplished Conduct test for paper grain Calculate number of small sheets cut from large sheets Demonstrate knowledge of types of folds Demonstrate proper hand-folding techniques Demonstrate understanding of embossing Demonstrate properties of paper stock (RH) Operate a numbering machine Demonstrate knowledge of ink jet technology Demonstrate understanding of packaging methods Demonstrate knowledge of carrier options Demonstrate knowledge of postal sorting Understand concept of value added service Demonstrate knowledge of list management Demonstrate knowledge of personalization by geographic or other characteristics Demonstrate knowledge of diecutting irregular shapes Demonstrate ability to calculate paper costs for job Demonstrate ability to calculate cost of paper with running waste included Set up and operate a flat sheet collating machine Electronic Publishing Knowledge of the web and how graphics relate to the web Knowledge of on-demand printing and virtual printing Knowledge of different color modes, i.e. CMYK and RGB Large format printing Screen printing Knowledge of scanners Color management Computer to plate technology CIP-3 terminology
Written Assessment: Administration Time: 3 hours Number of Questions: 190 Areas Covered: 13% Introduction to Printing 24% Electronic Imaging and Copy Preparation 15% Image Assembly and Platemaking 22% Duplicator/Press Operations 21% Finishing Processes 5% Electronic Publishing Sample Questions: In screen printing, what is the squeegee? A. A device that measures ink density on a printed page. B. The process of affixing the screen material to a frame. C. A device that forces ink through the screen material. D. A device that recycles screens for reuse on a later job. When something is shipped FOB, point of origin, what does this mean? A. Seller is responsible for shipping cost. B. Shipper is responsible for cost of freight. C. Buyer is responsible for shipping cost. D. Post office pays for shipping. When ordering paper, the direction of grain should be A. determined by requirements of the finished product B. parallel to the direction of feed C. short grained D. long grained "Perfect binding" is accomplished with A. glue B. thread C. wire stitches D. plastic If there are halftone photos to be included on a page, and this is done by placing the halftones on one flat and line work on another, the plate-making process would be called A. double-burning B. step and repeat C. work and turn D. an insert flat
Performance Assessment: Administration Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes Number of Jobs: 5 Areas Covered: 8% Design and Copy Preparation Use design principles to produce a one-color vacation advertisement. 24% Electronic Imaging Create camera-ready copy, choose the best software, proofread and correct errors. Adding printer s marks and producing camera-ready copy. 27% Image Assembly/Proofing/Platemaking Use a register system, assemble negatives, cut windows, and opaque to produce a flat. Expose and process a flat(s) to proof paper and to make and process a plate. 33% Duplicator/Press Operations Prepare a press for a production run, operate the press or duplicator to feed paper properly, establish the proper register, maintain proper ink/water balance, achieve proper impression, produce customer-acceptable copies and clean the press after use. 8% Finishing Operate a paper cutter, wrap and package a customer product. Sample Job: Design and Copy Preparation Estimated Job Time: 15 minutes Participant Activity: The participant will use design principles to produce a one-color vacation advertisement with a finished size of 7 x 9. Three thumbnail sketches will be prepared, and one rough will be developed based on the best thumbnail.