Graphic Production Technology

Specific Competencies and Skills Tested in this Assessment:

Introduction to Printing

• Demonstrate knowledge of relevant OSHA standards, environmental protection, and safety procedures 
• Explain the importance of quality control procedures and consistency of production, as it relates to customer satisfaction
• Identify workflow, processes (including software), and equipment in graphic communications
• Demonstrate mathematical concepts relating to print production, estimating materials/service costs, and preparing work orders
• Understand legal aspects of copyrighted materials
• Identify and apply printing terminology
• Describe various methods of graphic reproduction (e.g., offset, screen, digital printing, flexography, letterpress)

 

Electronic Publishing, Pre-Press, and Output

• Identify and demonstrate principles of layout and design
• Identify type terminology, styles, and uses
• Identify proofreader’s marks, proofread and mark-up copy
• Make conversions using printer systems of measurement
• Demonstrate steps in the creative process (e.g., thumbnail, rough, comprehensive) 
• Crop, scale, and manipulate images
• Prepare elements for a variety of imposition layouts
• Demonstrate basic computer knowledge (e.g., storage, troubleshooting, peripherals) 
• Demonstrate proficiency in computer graphics and page layout applications
• Demonstrate knowledge of pre-flighting electronic files
• Output color separations from digital files
• Adjust work to meet the needs of the customer 
• Demonstrate ability to calculate paper costs for job
• Differentiate between web, multimedia, and print graphics
• Exhibit knowledge of PDF workflow
• Demonstrate knowledge of different color modes and color management (e.g., CMYK and RGB)
• Exhibit familiarity with input and output devices 

 

Offset Printing

• Identify components of an offset press and demonstrate knowledge of operating procedures 
• Demonstrate understanding of press chemistry (e.g., ink tack, fountain solutions, solvents, dryers)
• Describe general maintenance and cleaning of an offset press
• Demonstrate knowledge of Pantone Matching System© (PMS) colors 
• Understand the importance of printing in register and trapping

 

Digital Printing

• Identify components of digital output devices and demonstrate knowledge of operating  procedures 
• Demonstrate understanding of digital consumables (e.g., toner, fuser, waste)
• Describe general maintenance and cleaning of digital output devices
• Demonstrate proper handling and storing of various print paper 
• Troubleshoot digital printing problems (e.g., toner scatter, paper jams)
• Explain the importance of the Raster Image Processor (RIP) device and its functions

 

Binding and Finishing

• Set up, adjust, and operate a paper cutter
• Differentiate between the types of folds
• Demonstrate understanding of perforating, scoring, embossing, drilling, and die-cutting
• Perform preventive maintenance on bindery and finishing equipment 
• Differentiate between the types of stitches
• Explain different methods of binding and assembling (e.g., collating and gathering)
• Explain assembly of carbonless paper forms
• Calculate the number of cut sheets cut from stock parent sheets
• Identify properties and use of various paper stocks
• Differentiate between spot coating, flood varnish, and UV coating
• Identify different packaging procedures (e.g., shrink wrapping, padding)

 

Written Assessment: 

Administration Time: 3 hours   

Number of Questions: 174

 

Areas Covered:

Introduction to Printing: 16%

Electronic Publishing, Pre-Press, and Output: 37%

Offset Printing: 15%

Digital Printing: 10%

Binding and Finishing: 22%

Sample Questions: 

Pre-flighting in a digital press can analyze the 

1. file resolution
2. quality of the paper
3. copyright
4. calibration of the press

 

Type that is set around two or more sides of a picture or illustration is called

1. copyfitting
2. justification
3. text wrap
4. imposition

 

Screen printing is commonly used for

1. books
2. billboards
3. textiles
4. currency

 

A picture that is in the public domain

1. has a copyright and may not be reproduced
2. may be reproduced without obtaining permission
3. can only be used for Public Service Announcements
4. requires specific permissions prior to reproduction

 

Antique, smooth, and coated refer to

1. recycled paper
2. paper sizes
3. paper colors
4. paper finishes

Performance Assessment:

Administration Time: 2 hours 

Number of Jobs: 2

 

Areas Covered:

70% Design and Pre-Press 

Participant will open provided graphic file, make required changes, proofread project and print.

 

30% Print, Shrink Wrap, Package, and Prepare for Pick-Up 

Participant will print copies, cut 46 invitations, trim, and wrap two packages.  Create and secure a legible label and clean work area.

Sample Job:

Design and Pre-Press 

Maximum Time: 45 minutes 

Participant Activity:  The participant will open the appropriate format of a “Coffee Cup” graphic in a specified folder and make the listed changes, save the document, create a new document with given specifications, import and scale an image, create a background, create a header, create a textbox, proofread the work, package the file, print out a comprehensive to check work, and print separations with the given details.