National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe what an individual needs to do, know, and understand in order to carry out a particular job or function. National Occupational Standards (NOS) are the identified skills and competences needed by the industry and form the basis of National Vocational Qualifications (NSQs) and vocationally-related qualifications.

How can National Occupational Standards be used?

They can be used to:

• Describe good practice in a particular area of work
• Set out a statement of competence which bring together the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to do the work
• Provide managers with a tool for a wide variety of workforce management and quality control
• Offer a framework for training and development
• Form the basis of National Vocational Qualifications (NSQs), and a number of other vocational qualifications.
• Educators and trainers use standards to design training and educational programs.

How do National Occupational Standards help employers?

They help employers by:

• Improving quality of goods and services
• Increasing productivity
• Reducing costs for recruitment by providing criteria for the selection of new employees
• Providing a means for better human resources planning
• Helping effective skills upgrading.
• Acting as a benchmark for rewarding experience, knowledge and competence

How do National Occupational Standards help employees?

They help employees by:

• Identifying the skills and knowledge needed for occupations
• Providing a reference to assess ability and training needs
• Identifying and supporting career paths
• Providing guidelines for certification/accreditation.
• Increasing mobility within industries