Skill testing activity was initiated in Nepal in 1983 through an autonomous body called Skill Testing Authority (STA), which introduced a system of occupational classification, development of skill standards, skill testing and certification based upon the guidelines of Asia Pacific Skill Development Project/ International Labor Organization (APSDEP/ILO). After the CTEVT was constituted in 1989, the STA was placed under the umbrella of CTEVT as National Skill Testing Board (NSTB). Since then the Board has been functioning as the secretariat of National Skill Testing Board (NSTB), which has been attached to the council. Till date, NSTB has developed National Occupational Skill Standards/Profiles in 237 different occupations, 108000crafts persons are skill tested  and 72730 are certified.

A skill test is the corresponding performance test based on the occupational skill standard which must be demonstrated by every individual to obtain a “NATIONAL SKILL CERTIFICATE” indicating that the certificate holder meets the requirements of a trade/occupation.

For more details visit: www.nstb.org.np

                                       

 Target Group of Skill Test:

Occupational/Trade skill tests are open to all skilled workers and crafts persons. Principally, skill testing reaches out to three different target groups:

>> pass-outs from pre-employment vocational training wishing to facilitate their transition to work 

>> experience workers (employed or unemployed) lacking an official certification 

>> workers who at the end of in-service training, seek an upgraded or additional certificate. 

Skill Test Requirement

The requirements to participate in the skill test are as follows:

1. Nepalese Citizenship Card

2. Four numbers of passport size and one auto size photos. 

3. Age 16 years or above

4. Other eligibility as explained hereunder

For Skill Test Level – Elementary:

>> Successful completion of 140 hours vocational training in relevant occupation/trade.

For Skill Test Level-1

>> Literate with knowledge and skill in the relevant occupation with minimum of one year work experience in a related occupation/trade.

or

>> Successful completion of one month (160 hours) vocational training in relevant occupation/trade.

or

>> Vocational training with six months work experience in the relevant occupation/trade.

For Skill Test Level – 2

>> Literate with knowledge and skill in the relevant occupation with minimum of three years work experience in a relevant occupation/trade.

or

>> One year training (minimum 600 hours theory and 800 hours practical) in relevant occupation/trade.

or

>> One year’s work experience after the level-1 ST certificate passed in relevant occupation/trade.

For Skill Test Level – 3

>> Literate with knowledge and skill in the relevant occupation with minimum of five years work experience in a relevant occupation/trade.

or

>> Two years work experience after one year training in a relevant occupation/trade.

or

>> One years work experience after skill level-2 certificate passed in relevant occupation/trade.

For Skill Test Level – 4  (For Opthalmic Assistant)

>> Ophthalmic Assistant, Level-3 passed with three year experience and one year training. 

or

>> Certificate level in Health Science (Ophthalmology) equivalent passed with three years experience and one year training.

Occupational Skills Standards

>> An Occupational Skill Standard is written specification of the practical skills, underlying knowledge, and experience demonstrated by an individual in a particular occupation