In this section...
How do NOS work?
National Occupational Standards (NOS) are divided into units. Each unit describes a key part of someone's job.
Units are usually introduced with a summary which says
By grouping together units of NOS you can specify the full range of performance, knowledge and skills needed for a particular job.
Units are usually divided into two or more elements which describe the activities the person has to carry out.
Each element contains a number of clear performance criteria which describe what effective workers do and the standards of quality they achieve.
NOS often specify the range of circumstances or situations that might have an important impact on the activity. These can help individuals prepare for the different contexts or contingencies that they could face.
Each NOS unit usually carries a statement of evidence requirements. This is the evidence that candidates need to submit to be assessed as competent for N/SVQs.
N/SVQs show that the holder can carry out the job to the required standard. Candidates need to provide evidence that they
Candidates usually have to provide evidence from their work that they have covered specific aspects of the range - the different circumstances or situations in which the task might be carried out. For all other aspects of the range it is sufficient to show they could deal with them competently, if the situation were to arise.
Units are usually introduced with a summary which says
- what the unit is about
- who the unit is aimed at
- how it links to other units
- how it fits into the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)/Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) framework
By grouping together units of NOS you can specify the full range of performance, knowledge and skills needed for a particular job.
Units are usually divided into two or more elements which describe the activities the person has to carry out.
Each element contains a number of clear performance criteria which describe what effective workers do and the standards of quality they achieve.
NOS often specify the range of circumstances or situations that might have an important impact on the activity. These can help individuals prepare for the different contexts or contingencies that they could face.
Each NOS unit usually carries a statement of evidence requirements. This is the evidence that candidates need to submit to be assessed as competent for N/SVQs.
N/SVQs show that the holder can carry out the job to the required standard. Candidates need to provide evidence that they
- consistently meet the performance criteria
- have the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to work competently
Candidates usually have to provide evidence from their work that they have covered specific aspects of the range - the different circumstances or situations in which the task might be carried out. For all other aspects of the range it is sufficient to show they could deal with them competently, if the situation were to arise.
