Qualification Structure

The NOCN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 270 hours and 270 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with 27 credits.

Assessment for the NOCN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life 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 three mandatory units.

Core Study Units

Unit 1: ESOL Skills for Life Reading

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Be able to gain meaning from text.
• Be able to distinguish the purpose of text.
• Be able to find information in text.

Unit 2: ESOL Skills for Life Speaking and Listening

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Be able to obtain information from verbal communication.
• Be able to speak English to communicate.
• Be able to convey information.
• Be able to engage in discussion with others.

Unit 3: ESOL Skills for Life Writing

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Be able to plan text for a given task.
• Be able to produce text for different tasks.
• Be able to complete a form.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The NOCN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life is designed for learner who use English as a second or other language and want to develop practical English communication skills for everyday life, study or the workplace. The qualification covers reading, writing, speaking and listening, making it suitable for learners who want structured development across the main areas of English language communication.

This qualification is particularly suitable for:

• ESOL learners who want to improve practical English language skills in real-life communication contexts.
• Adult learners and young people aged 14 or over who need structured development in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
• Learners living, working or studying in the UK who want to strengthen their functional English communication skills.
• International learners seeking a structured English language qualification that focuses on practical communication rather than purely academic English.
• Learners preparing for employment who need to communicate effectively in common workplace situations.
• Learners progressing to further English or vocational learning, including relevant Functional Skills, GCSE English or vocational study pathways.
• Learners with different strengths across English skills who need development across reading, writing, speaking and listening to achieve a balanced Level 1 English skills profile.

The qualification is therefore appropriate for learners seeking recognised, practical development of English language skills that can be applied in everyday, educational and workplace contexts.

Career Opportunities

The NOCN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life provides learners with a structured foundation in practical English language skills for everyday, educational and workplace communication. The qualification develops competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening, helping learners communicate effectively in a range of real-life situations and build confidence in using English. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally who use English as a second or other language and wish to strengthen their language skills for further learning, employment and everyday communication.

Future Progression

The NOCN Level 1 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life provides learners with a practical foundation in English language communication for everyday, educational and workplace contexts. The qualification develops skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening, helping learners communicate information, understand written and spoken English, complete forms and participate effectively in common communication situations.

Academically, learners may progress to higher-level ESOL qualifications, Functional Skills English or other English language programmes, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can also support further learning in vocational, workplace and community-based education where functional English communication is required.

Professionally, this certificate can support progression towards entry-level and supporting roles such as Customer Service Assistant, Retail Assistant, Reception Assistant, Hospitality Assistant, Office Assistant, Administrative Support Assistant and other roles where effective English communication is important. The skills developed through the qualification provide a foundation for understanding written information, communicating verbally, producing written content, completing forms and interacting appropriately in everyday workplace situations.