About National Occupational Standards (NOS)
What are National Occupational Standards?
National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe competent performance in terms of outcomes of an individual's work and the knowledge and skills they need to perform effectively. They allow a clear assessment of competence against nationally agreed standards of performance, across a range of workplace circumstances. In this way, defining what has to be achieved (rather than prescribing the way things must be done) they provide the necessary flexibility to meet the needs of individuals.
How are National Occupational Standards developed?
The development of National Occupational Standards is employer-led and is based on collaborative working with a vocational sector. Steering groups and working groups made up of experts and key practioners from within each sector develop the standards.
- The units are developed by working groups of experts and practioners in the field
- Once the standards have been written, they are piloted and available for open consultation
- Once developed, they are regularly revised to keep them up-to-date and relevant
- Each Sector Skills Council (SSC) will ensure that practioners are kept up-to-date and relevant
How do National Occupational Standards work?
National Occupational Standards are divided into units. Each unit describes a key part of someone's job.
Units are usually introduced with a summary, which says:
- What the unit is about
- Who the unit is aimed at
- How it links to other units
Each unit contains a number of clear performance criteria which describe what an individual must achieve to be considered competent in their job.
Each unit also describes the knowledge and understanding required by an individual to be competent in their job.
By grouping together units of National Occupational Standards you can specify the full range of performance, knowledge and skills needed for activities in the workplace.
How can National Occupational Standards be used?
National Occupational Standards can be used for a wide variety of purposes to support workforce development, such as:
- Workforce Development Planning
- Job Design
- Recruitment and Selection
- Training and Development
- Performance Management
- Progression and Succession Planning
To access more information on the above areas, please refer to the section on Using NOS.
National Occupational Standards can also be used as the basis for vocational qualifications and awards, such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). When National Occupational Standards are used in this way, within a formal accreditation process, this can lead to the achievement by individuals of qualifications or awards.