Help - Search

1. General Tips

Entering words or phrases

Enter multiple words or phrases separated by spaces.

'Match' option

Use this option to match:

• Any words - Any of the words must be matched (e.g. 'manage', 'a', 'budget').
• All words - All of the words must be matched within the standard.
• Exact phrase - The exact phrase must be matched (e.g. 'manage a budget').

'Search' type option

Use this option to search different parts of the standard:

• Full NOS content - The full content of the standard (e.g. code, title, unit text and any additional keywords).
• NOS codes only - The unit code for the standard (e.g. 'AC1').
• NOS titles only - The title of the standard (e.g. 'Contribute to the quality of team working').

'Suite' option

Use this option to search in a particular suite. Please note that some suites may contain fewer standards than others and therefore the potential number of results will be smaller.

2. Expanding the number of search results

Sometimes a word or phrase is not present in the content of the National Occupational Standards but if you are finding few search results for your query then you can try the following:

Use the 'Any words' matching option

Performing a search using the 'Any words' matching option will search the standards for any of the words / terms that you have entered. As the standards are being searched for any of the words / terms then potentially more results will be found.

3. Reducing the number of search results

If you are finding that too many search results are being returned then try the following:

Combine 'common' words / terms with other words and phrases

There are many common words and phrases found in many of the National Occupational Standards. Examples of common words / terms would include:

• communicate
• manage
• help
• maintain
• ensure
• monitor

Try combining these words with other combinations of words / terms using 'All words' or 'Exact phrase' matching (e.g. manage a budget).

Search for 2 or more words using 'All words' or 'Exact phrase' matching

If you are performing a search using 2 or more words then try using the 'All words' or 'Exact phrase' matching options.

• All words - Searches the standard for all of the words you have entered. A result will be returned if all words are found.
• Exact phrase - Searches the standard for the exact phrase. A result will be returned if the phrase is found in it's entirety.

Search the 'Titles' or 'Codes' of the standards

Choosing to search 'NOS titles only' or 'NOS codes only' may also reduce and provide a more focussed set of search results. e.g. searching for the word 'police' in the title will return fewer results than searching the entire content of the standard.

Search by 'Suite'

Choosing to search in a 'Suite' will reduce the amount of search results. Some suites contain few standards (e.g. 'Common') where as others contain many (e.g. Policing and Law Enforcement suites).