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.

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.

The current Standards incorporate four linguistic skills:

• Understand 
• Speak/sign
• Read
• Write

The new UK Occupational Language Standards, including information on National/Scottish Vocational Qualifications and the recommended assessment strategy, can be downloaded here (pdf, 2686KB).

To download individual units from the UK Directory of National Occupational Standards, click here. To find out about the range of qualifications based on the National Language Standards, go to our Qualifications section.