The National Occupational Standards Database is a repository of all Units of Competency, defined by sector and occupations. These units are developed by the National Training Agency in collaboration with industry experts and are formally endorsed by the relevant industry stakeholders.
In the context of a National Occupational Standard (NOS), a unit of competency is a measurable component of a job role or occupation that describes the specific skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to perform a particular work activity or function effectively and to a defined standard.
In essence, a unit of competency provides guidance on:
- What a worker needs to be able to do.
- How well they need to do it.
- Under what conditions they need to do it.
- What knowledge and skills underpin that performance.
These units are crucial for developing competency-based training programmes, conducting assessments, and recognising prior learning, ensuring that individuals have the skills and knowledge required by industry.
1. Defining Specific Work Performance
- A unit of competency is the smallest measurable component of a job role. It precisely describes a specific task or activity within an occupation.
- It outlines "what a person needs to be able to do, as well as what they must know and understand to work effectively."
- Units of competency provide concrete statements of the performance standards expected across industries.
2. Basis for Training and Assessment
- Curriculum Development: Units serve as the building blocks for developing competency-based education and training (CBET) programmes.
- Assessment: They provide the benchmarks against which an individual's competence is objectively assessed.
- Certification: Successful completion leads to internationally recognized quality-assured certifications.
3. Ensuring Industry Relevance and Quality
- Employer-Led: Developed in close consultation with industry experts to ensure actual workplace needs are met.
- Quality Assurance: They provide clear benchmarks for evaluating the quality of training available nationally.
- Adaptability: Units are continuously revised to stay aligned with global technological advancements.
4. Facilitating Workforce Mobility
- Portability of Skills: Standardising competencies allow for the portability of skills across different employers and regions.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): They provide a framework for recognising skills acquired through years of experience.
- HR Management: Employers use units for targeted recruitment, appraisals, and training gap analysis.
Occupational classifications refers to the systematic categorisation of jobs or occupations based on various criteria such as skills, duties, qualifications, and industry. These classifications are typically used to organise and understand the workforce, track employment trends, and develop targeted policies.
The NOS are aligned to these classifications, which identifies the specific competencies required of workers performing at various levels within the economy.
Units of Competency define the functions and skills necessary to do a job competently, decreasing skills gaps and mismatches. They aim to create a common skills language across the TVET landscape and are used by various stakeholders:
INDIVIDUALS / LEARNERS
- To conduct self-appraisal and benchmarking to ensure performance reflects industry best practice.
- To determine choice of study and structured career pathways.
- To prepare effectively for professional interviews and job applications.
EMPLOYERS
- To design recruitment criteria, rubrics, and job descriptions based on specific competencies.
- To conduct precise performance appraisals and training needs analyses.
- To establish frameworks for apprenticeships and talent management.
EDUCATION & TRAINING PROVIDERS
- Designing and reviewing training programmes aligned with industry employment needs.
- Engaging in systematic curriculum planning and development.
- Developing qualification structures in collaboration with international awarding bodies.
Follow these four steps to access the full National Occupational Standards (NOS) or specific Units of Competency within an occupational area utilising our search portal:
Enter Unit Code / Keywords
NOS are identified by unique Unit codes. Keywords can also be entered directly into the main search box.
Select Industry Sector
Standards are grouped by sector. Note that many core standards are also applied cross-sectorally.
Select Occupational Area
Areas identify specific skill sets for work activity recognized by the relevant industry sectors.
Select Occupational Class
Units are classed by worker levels, ensuring the competency matches the specific job role and level.