National Occupational Standards (NOS) specify the standard of performance an individual must achieve when carrying out a function in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and skills. The Standards express ‘what an individual need to do, know and understand in order to carry out a particular job role or function’.

NOS can be used in a wide range of human resource management and development and have both economic and social outcomes.

The different NOS usage includes:

• Provide a tool for a wide variety of workforce management and quality control.
• Offer a framework to design training and educational Programs.
• Set standards for selection and recruitment.
• Provide guidelines for certification/accreditation.

Benefits for Employers:

• Improve quality and Increase productivity.
• Reduce recruitment costs by providing criteria for the selection of employees.
• Provide a means for better human resources planning.
• Help effective skills upgrading.

Benefits for Employees:

• Identify the skills and knowledge needed for occupations.
• Provide a reference to assess ability and training needs.
• Identify and support career paths.
• Increase mobility within industries.