Standards of Competence can be defined in different formats. This example is taken from the UK National Occupational Standards, and presents a Standard developed by CISC (other sectors may have slightly different formats). The example shows the common features of UK National Occupational Standards of Competence.

It shows a 'unit' made up of several 'elements', together with the information for one of those elements.

The 'evidence requirements' specify what is needed if the Standard is to be used as a vocational qualification (for example a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in England).