The UK Occupational Language Standards
(formerly the National Language Standards) are the UK scale of
competence for languages in the workplace.
They describe the skills and knowledge you
need for using a language in your work. They can be applied to any
language (including sign languages) in any work context or
occupational sector.
The complete new UK Occupational Language
Standards can be downloaded here in English
(pdf, 2686KB) and in Welsh
(pdf, 3901KB).
Alternatively click on the links below to download the section
that is relevant to you:
- What are the
UK Occupational Language Standards? (pdf, 41kb)
- Summary
table (pdf, 15kb)
- Link to other
frameworks (pdf, 54kb)
- 7
levels at a glance, which one do you need? (pdf, 18kb)
- Understand
(pdf, 118kb)
- Speak/Sign
(pdf, 122kb)
- Read
(pdf, 118kb)
- Write
(pdf, 115kb)
- Knowledge
(pdf, 74kb)
- Assessment
Strategy (45kb)
To find out about the range of qualifications based on the
National Language Standards, go to our Qualifications section.
How were the new standards developed?
CILT, The National Centre for Languages was commissioned by UKCES
to review the language standards. Following a process of
consultation across the UK, the new UK Occupational Language
Standards (UKOLS) were approved in May 2010.
The new standards have been developed through
consultation with employers, trainers, learners, language
professionals and key stakeholders across the UK. They may be used
in conjunction with the National Occupational
Standards for Intercultural Working (the standards for working
with people from different countries or cultures).
The new standards are also being used as the
basis for all new language units and qualifications on the
Qualifications and Credit Framework and the Scottish Credit and
Qualifications Framework from May 2010
The UK Occupational Language Standards
describe language competence at seven levels: entry to level 8 of
the Qualifications and Credit Framework and levels 1 to 12 on the
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. Like the
Languages Ladder, they are aligned to the
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. A full
table of equivalencies across all frameworks can be found on page 6
of the standards or downloaded separately above.