Qualification Structure

The NOCN Level 2 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 2 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 knowledge, understanding and practical application of English speaking and listening skills.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete 1 mandatory unit.

Core Study Units

ESOL Skills for Life Speaking and Listening

By completing this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Be able to obtain information from verbal communication.
• Follow the gist of extended verbal communication.
• Obtain relevant detail from extended verbal communication.
• Follow multi-step verbal instructions correctly for a given purpose.
• Be able to speak English to communicate.
• Use clear pronunciation to convey intended meaning.
• Use appropriate language in context according to formality.
• Be able to convey information.
• Present information in a logical sequence for a given purpose.
• Provide a verbal account with relevant information confidently for a given audience.
• Convey relevant detail during verbal communication.
• Be able to engage in discussion with others.
• Contribute constructively to discussion.
• Express views constructively during verbal communication.
• Respond to others constructively to move discussion forward.
• Obtain relevant information from others.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The NOCN Level 2 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) is designed for learners who need to develop and demonstrate practical English speaking and listening skills for everyday life, study and workplace communication. NOCN identifies the qualification as part of its ESOL Skills for Life suite, which supports effective communication in these contexts.

This qualification is particularly suitable for:

• Adult learners who want to strengthen their spoken English and listening abilities in practical situations.
• Learners who use English as an additional language and need a structured qualification focused specifically on speaking and listening.
• Learners preparing for workplace communication, including communicating information, following verbal instructions and participating in discussions.
• Learners who need functional English skills for everyday interactions, such as understanding spoken information, expressing views and responding appropriately.
• Learners seeking a recognised Level 2 English qualification within the regulated qualifications framework in England.
• International learners who want to develop structured English communication skills that can support communication in professional, educational and social environments.
• Learners progressing from lower-level ESOL study who are ready to demonstrate more developed speaking and listening abilities.

The qualification focuses on obtaining information from verbal communication, speaking clearly, conveying information logically and engaging constructively in discussions.

Career Opportunities

The NOCN Level 2 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) develops practical English speaking and listening skills for everyday, educational and workplace communication. The qualification covers understanding spoken information, communicating clearly, conveying information and participating effectively in discussions. It is suitable for UK and international learners seeking to strengthen their English communication skills through an Ofqual-regulated Level 2 qualification..

Future Progression

The NOCN Level 2 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) provides learners with a structured foundation for developing practical English communication skills for everyday, educational and workplace contexts. The qualification develops abilities in listening to spoken information, following verbal instructions, communicating clearly, conveying information and participating constructively in discussions.

Academically, learners may progress to other English language, ESOL or communication-related qualifications, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can also provide a foundation for further learning where effective English speaking and listening skills are required.

Professionally, the communication skills developed through this qualification can be relevant to roles such as Customer Service Assistant, Receptionist, Administrative Assistant, Retail Assistant, Hospitality Assistant, Front Desk Assistant and Call Centre Assistant, depending on the learner’s experience, additional qualifications and employer requirements. The qualification provides a practical foundation for communicating information, understanding verbal communication, expressing views and interacting appropriately with others.