National Occupational Standards (NOS) are statements of the
skills, knowledge and understanding needed in employment. They are
developed by Sector Skills Councils and Sector
Skills Bodies, working in collaboration with employers,
experts and stakeholders across the UK.
National Occupational
Standards can be used to:
- describe good practice in
particular areas of work
- create job descriptions and
professional development plans
- design training
courses
- form the basis of National
Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), Scottish Vocational
Qualifications (SVQs) and Vocationally Related Qualifications
(VRQs)
CILT, the National Centre
for Languages is the UK Standards Setting Body for languages,
responsible for maintaining and developing National Occupational
Standards in languages for work and Standards for the specialist
language professions, interpreting and translation. These have been
created through a long process of consultation with language
professionals and employers, and are approved by the UK regulatory
authorities. CILT has recently developed new National Occupational
Standards in intercultural skills.