Qualification Structure

The NOCN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) is an Ofqual regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 300 hours and 30 credits.

Assessment for the NOCN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with NOCN assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that learners demonstrate the required knowledge and practical application of English language skills.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all 3 units of the qualification.

Core Study Units

Unit 1: IESOL Level 3 Reading

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the purpose and main points of different written texts.
• Locate specific information through detailed reading.
• Extract and summarise key information from texts.
• Identify facts, opinions and relevant details.
• Understand vocabulary in context and recognise appropriate language use.
• Identify errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Unit 2: IESOL Level 3 Speaking and Listening

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the main points of clear spoken English on familiar topics.
• Listen for specific information and important details in conversations and spoken texts.
• Respond appropriately to questions and spoken statements.
• Communicate effectively in familiar everyday, educational and occupational situations.
• Describe experiences, events, plans and ambitions.
• Express opinions and provide brief reasons or explanations for views and plans.

Unit 3: IESOL Level 3 Writing

Learning outcomes:

• Produce clear, connected written English on familiar topics.
• Write for specific audiences and purposes using appropriate language.
• Produce formal and informal written texts.
• Describe experiences, events, plans and personal interests clearly.
• Express opinions and provide reasons or explanations in writing.
• Organise ideas logically and use appropriate vocabulary, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The NOCN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) is designed for non-native English speakers who want to formally demonstrate their English language skills at CEFR B1 level. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally who need a recognised English language qualification for education, employment, personal development or progression.

This qualification is particularly suitable for:

• International learners: Learners who want to develop and formally evidence practical English language skills for use in English-speaking environments.
• Adult English language learners: Individuals developing their English for everyday communication, workplace situations, education and wider social interaction.
• Learners progressing in English: Those who have developed basic English skills and want to demonstrate competence at an intermediate level equivalent to CEFR B1.
• Learners preparing for employment: Individuals who need to demonstrate practical abilities in reading, writing, speaking and listening for workplace communication.
• Learners preparing for further learning: Individuals who require an English language qualification before progressing to higher-level English language study, vocational training or other learning opportunities, subject to the requirements of the relevant institution.
• International applicants: Learners who need formal evidence of English proficiency for personal, educational or professional purposes, where the receiving organisation accepts this qualification.
• Learners seeking a regulated qualification: Individuals who prefer to gain an Ofqual-regulated qualification that provides formal recognition of their English language competence.

The qualification focuses on practical communication across personal, public, educational and occupational contexts, making it relevant to learners who need functional English for real-world situations.

Career Opportunities

The NOCN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) provides learners with a structured foundation in practical English language skills at CEFR B1 level. The qualification develops competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening, helping learners communicate effectively in familiar personal, public, educational and occupational contexts. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally who want to formally demonstrate their English language ability through an Ofqual-regulated qualification. The qualification can support learners seeking to strengthen their English for everyday communication, employment, vocational learning or progression to higher-level English language study, subject to the requirements of the relevant institution or organisation.

Future Progression

The NOCN Entry Level Certificate in ESOL International (Entry 3) provides learners with a foundation for further English language development and opportunities where practical communication skills are required. The qualification develops competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening, supporting learners in personal, educational, vocational and workplace environments.

Academically, learners may progress to higher-level ESOL or English language qualifications, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can also provide a foundation for further vocational or academic learning where an appropriate level of English language proficiency is required.

Professionally, the qualification can support progression towards entry-level roles such as Customer Service Assistant, Receptionist, Administrative Assistant, Retail Assistant, Hospitality Assistant, Office Support Assistant, Front Desk Assistant, and Call Centre Assistant, depending on the learner’s experience, additional skills and employer requirements. The English language skills developed through the qualification can help learners communicate information, understand written materials, respond appropriately to others, and participate more effectively in everyday and workplace situations.