NOCN is one of the largest providers of accreditation services for adult learning in the United Kingdom. It is an awarding body and the central organisation for 11 local networks, known as Open College Networks (OCNs), who issue the certificates.

NOCN works with other organisations to recognise the achievements of adult learners on courses that do not lead to a traditional qualification. Here learners can access courses, certificates of achievement, advice and support. Teachers can access a database of good practice. An OCN partnership organisation can take many forms: schools and sixth form colleges, further education, trade unions, employers, local education authorities, training organisations, universities and higher education institutions.