Award in ESOL Skills for Life (speaking and listening)
Develop Speaking and Listening Skills for Everyday and Workplace Communication with the NOCN Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening)
Ofqual Regulated Qualification
Assignment Based Assessment
Flexible Online Learning
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The NOCN Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification designed to develop practical English communication skills for learners who use English as an additional language. Awarded by NOCN, it focuses specifically on speaking and listening abilities needed for everyday life, study and workplace communication. The qualification is listed under qualification number 601/4008/2 and forms part of the NOCN ESOL Skills for Life suite.
The qualification develops learners’ ability to communicate clearly, participate in conversations, understand spoken information and respond appropriately in different situations. Its learning content is centred on practical speaking and listening, helping learners build confidence in communicating information, exchanging ideas and responding to spoken communication. The qualification specification states that the ESOL Skills for Life suite is mapped to the ESOL Core Curriculum and Adult Literacy Standards.
For UK learners and international learners developing English language skills, the NOCN Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) provides a structured qualification focused on functional communication rather than general English knowledge alone. It can also support progression towards other English, vocational or skills-based learning where appropriate.
The NOCN Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 120 hours and 120 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with 12 credits.
Assessment for the NOCN Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with NOCN assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that learners demonstrate the required speaking and listening skills in relevant communication contexts.
To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete the 1 mandatory unit.
Core Study Units
The NOCN Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) is designed for learners aged 14 or over who want to develop practical English speaking and listening skills for everyday life, study and workplace communication. The NOCN specification confirms that the qualification focuses on practical English language skills and is mapped to the ESOL Core Curriculum and Adult Literacy Standards.
This qualification is particularly suitable for:
The qualification is therefore appropriate for learners seeking a recognised, practical route to improve spoken English communication and listening ability in real-life contexts.
Entry Requirements
Career Opportunities
The NOCN Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) helps learners develop practical English speaking and listening skills for everyday, study and workplace communication. It is suitable for UK and international learners who use English as an additional language and want to improve spoken communication, understand spoken information and participate confidently in discussions.
Customer Service Assistant
Supports customers by listening carefully, providing information, answering questions, and communicating clearly in everyday service environments.
Reception Assistant
Welcomes visitors, responds to basic enquiries, communicates information, and supports routine reception activities through effective spoken English.
Retail Assistant
Communicates with customers, understands requests, provides product information, and supports positive interactions within retail environments.
Hospitality Assistant
Uses practical speaking and listening skills to communicate with guests, colleagues, and supervisors across hospitality service environments.
Administrative Assistant
Supports routine office communication by handling enquiries, understanding instructions, sharing information, and interacting professionally with colleagues.
Care Support Assistant
Uses clear communication and active listening when interacting with service users, colleagues, families, and workplace supervisors.
Community Support Assistant
Communicates with community members, listens to needs, shares information, and supports routine activities within community-focused organisations.
Receptionist
Handles basic enquiries, welcomes visitors, communicates appointments or information, and supports effective day-to-day communication within organisations.
Future Progression
The NOCN Level 1 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) provides learners with a practical foundation for developing English communication skills for everyday, educational, community, and workplace contexts. The qualification develops speaking and listening abilities, including obtaining information from verbal communication, communicating effectively, conveying information, and participating in discussions.
Academically, learners may progress to other English language qualifications, ESOL Skills for Life qualifications, or relevant vocational and skills-based programmes, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can also provide a foundation for continued development in English language speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Professionally, this qualification can support learners seeking entry-level opportunities involving regular spoken communication, such as Customer Service Assistant, Retail Assistant, Reception Assistant, Hospitality Assistant, Administrative Assistant, and Front-of-House Assistant, depending on experience and employer requirements. The communication skills developed through the qualification can help learners understand spoken information, communicate clearly, respond appropriately, and participate effectively in workplace interactions.
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