Update on National Occupational Standards

27th January 2011

National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe skills, knowledge and understanding needed to undertake a task or job to a nationally recognised level of competence.  Employers use NOS to describe skills they need in the workplace.  Awarding bodies and education providers also use NOS to develop training and qualifications. NOS are not in themselves descriptors of course syllabus or curriculum, however, they do map a standard which is recognised on a national level.

Recently, the NOS's related to massage moved to sit under the Skills for Health and the three units that apply to sports massage only are CNH20, CNH21 and CNH22. (There is a separate unit - CNH7, that applies to generic massage and covers areas including complementary and natural healthcare).

The sports massage education programme offered by SPS Ltd is mapped to the National Occupational Standards and is listed as an accredited qualification by the Sports Massage Assocation (UK).