This checkoff decides whether a trainee is ready to use the KickingHorse workflow on supervised live customer units. It is meant to protect against premature internal diagnosis on simpler-looking machines where the real issue still lives in the torch, air, feed, trigger, or support-power path.
| Area | Trainee must demonstrate | Evidence source | Pass standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint classification | separates plasma start-path complaints from feed-command complaints immediately | drill response and instructor observation | correct classification on both brand drills |
| First proof step | states the fastest external proof before discussing internal repair | drills and trainer questioning | no skipped first-proof step during the checkoff |
| Document order | uses the router, measurement reference, substitution logic, and full guide in a stable sequence | observed drill flow | no random jumping between docs |
| Measurement discipline | checks the right support voltage, trigger state, or air state before escalating | bench simulation and answer-key review | measurements are taken in the correct state and interpreted correctly |
| External hardware discipline | proves torch stack, consumables, front end, feeder path, or known-good external hardware first | P40 and MA200TS drills | no premature board diagnosis while easy proof paths remain |
| Internal escalation discipline | identifies the exact stop point where the evidence becomes strong enough for internal access | trainer questioning and drill performance | escalation threshold is stated clearly and respected |
| Communication and closeout | explains what was proved, what was ruled out, and what remains | trainer interview and score sheet | explanation is concise and technically ordered |