Occupational qualification standard (OQS) is a document which describes occupational activities and provides the competency requirements for occupational qualifications and their levels.
OQS consists of three parts. Part A of the standard (description of the occupation) provides an overview of the nature of work, major units of work and tasks, necessary tools, work environment, incl. the specificities of work and describes the personal characteristics and skills enhancing occupational activities. This is a source of information for a person upon selection of an occupation and shaping his or her career path. This also contains useful information for the career advisers, labour market consultants, human resources managers and trainers.
The competence requirements presented in part B of the standard serve as a basis for the assessment of the applicant for the occupational qualification. These requirements are presented as descriptions of mandatory and optional competences. Competence is an ability to perform a specific unit of work or a task together with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for that. Proceeding from the nature of the occupation, its specificity and traditions, attesting competences related to a specialisation or optional competences may be the prerequisite for being awarded the occupational qualification.
Part C of the standard contains general information and references to annexes.
Main principles of awarding occupational qualifications
Awarding of occupational qualifications follows the following principles:
- competence-based approach: bases for assessment of occupational qualification are real skills and knowledge;
- is voluntary, unless otherwise prescribed by law;
- assessment is separated and independent from teaching;
- takes place on the basis of person’s application;
- occupational qualification examination is for a fee.
List of occupational standards
Architectural Conservationist, level 6
Architectural Conservationist, level 7
Architectural Conservationist, level 8
Assistive Technology Specialist, level 5
Automatician, Automation Technician, level 5
Biogas Plant Operator, level 5
Biomedical (Laboratory) Scientist, level 6
Business Administration Specialist, level 5
Chartered Architect-Expert, level 8
Chartered Interior Architect, level 7
Chartered Landscape Architect, level 7
Chartered Landscape Architect-Expert, level 8
Chartered Specialist in Energy Performance of Buildings, level 8
CNC Sheet Metal Machine Tools Operator level 4
CNC Sheet Metal Machine Tools Operator, level 5
Concrete Worker, level 4, Initial occupational qualification
Conventional Machine Tool Operator, level 3
Cook, level 4
Customer Service Manager, level 6
Diploma Interior Architect, level 7
Diploma Landscape Architect, level 7
Diploma Specialist in Energy Performance of Buildings, level 7
Electronic Equipment Assembler, level 2
Electronic Equipment Assembler, level 3
Electronic Equipment Technician, level 4
Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1, level 4
Explosive Ordnance Disposal 2, level 4
Explosive Ordnance Disposal 3, level 5
Explosive Technician-Instructor, level 6
Fruit and Vegetable Processor, level 4
Interior Architect-Expert, level 8
Land Survey Technician, level 4
Layer of Biogas Technology Technician, level 4
Machine Tool Operator, level 4
Machine Tool Operator, level 5
Mechatronic-Technician, level 5
Pyrotechnician, level 5
Senior Biomedical (Laboratory) Assistant, level 7
Small Business Entrepreneur, level 5
Waiter, level 4