FAQ of NSTB

The National Skill Testing Board (NSTB) operates under the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) and runs Nepal’s formal skill testing and certification process. It evaluates a person’s occupational competency based on defined standards, including skills gained through training, workplace experience, or informal learning.

A skill certificate can help you show verified competence when applying for jobs, seeking promotion, or documenting your capability for professional work. How far the certificate supports your goals depends on the occupation, the level you achieve, and the requirements of the employer or destination country.

What are the benefits of skill testing?

Skill testing helps you convert your practical ability into an official certificate of competency. For many people, this is useful because it:

• provides a formal record of what you can do in a specific occupation

• supports job applications and internal promotion processes where verified skill is required or preferred

• helps employers identify workers who meet a defined competency standard

• can guide you toward further training if you are assessed as partially competent

What is skill testing?

Skill testing is an assessment process that evaluates your knowledge, skills, and work attitude against occupational competency standards. It typically includes:

• a written assessment (where applicable)

• a practical assessment (hands-on performance in the trade)

If you meet the required standard, you are awarded a competency certificate. If you are assessed as partially competent, you may improve through training or practice and later retake the test to aim for full competency.

Skill testing also applies to competency levels (commonly described as Level 1 to Level 4) in occupations where NSTB offers assessments based on competency standards. As Nepal advances the National Vocational Qualification System (NVQS), competency-based assessment and certification are becoming increasingly important in workforce development.

Why is skill testing important?

A competency certificate matters because it provides structured, standard-based evidence of your skills. In practice, this can be helpful when:

• employers want verified proof of ability for hiring or assigning technical work

• you are competing with other applicants and need a credible way to show competence

• public and private organizations prefer certified workers for specific roles

• you want to map your skills to a recognized level and plan your next step

Some local governments and employment-related services also encourage the use of certified skilled workers, which can make certification more relevant for local job opportunities.

Does skill testing guarantee a job?

No. Skill testing does not guarantee employment.

However, certification can strengthen your profile by providing recognized evidence of competence. Hiring decisions still depend on vacancies, competition, interview performance, experience, location, and employer requirements.

What should I do if I cannot fill out the online form?

If you find the online form difficult, practical options include:

• asking a trusted friend, family member, or local support person to help you complete it

• contacting NSTB or the relevant office/helpdesk (if a phone or support channel is available during that application period)

• visiting a location that provides digital support services (where available)

Always ensure the information entered is accurate and matches your documents.

What benefits do I get after submitting my information?

When you submit your details, your information is recorded in the system used to manage skill testing applications and planning. Based on available processes and program planning, this may help NSTB:

• identify demand for certain occupations and levels

• plan appropriate testing schedules and programs

• support applicants in identifying gaps between current skills and the required competency standard

What you receive in response depends on the specific program notice and how NSTB is managing applications at that time.

How and when will NSTB contact me?

NSTB generally shares updates through official public notices and, in many cases, through SMS notifications to the mobile number provided in the application. Always rely on official channels for dates, venue details, and instructions.

Where is skill testing conducted?

Skill testing is conducted through designated or recognized testing centers. These centers operate across Nepal, including within the seven provinces, depending on the occupation and the testing schedule. Applicants usually select a convenient testing location from the options available in the notice or application system.

How much does skill testing cost?

Fees are set according to NSTB’s fee structure and can vary by occupation and level. The exact amount is typically confirmed in the relevant application notice or during the application process. If you are unsure, check the most recent official notice for your trade and level.

How long does it take to receive the certificate after the skill test?

Processing time can vary. In many cases, certificate delivery may take around a month or longer after the assessment, depending on administrative processing, verification, and printing/distribution arrangements.

Can I work abroad with an NSTB skill certificate?

A national skill certificate can be useful for foreign employment, but acceptance depends on the destination country, employer, and the occupation’s licensing or regulatory requirements. In many cases, having a formal competency certificate helps demonstrate your skill level, but you may still need:

• additional documentation (experience letters, training records)

• language tests or medical checks

• trade tests or verification required by the destination country

Treat the certificate as strong supporting evidence, not as automatic approval for foreign work.

How can I determine the right competency level to apply for?

You can choose a level in two practical ways:

• if you have formal training: compare your training and outcomes with the competency standard and level requirements

• if you learned through work experience or informal practice: self-assess against the competency standard and choose the level that matches what you can consistently perform in real work conditions

If you receive partial competency, you can build skills through additional training or workplace practice and later attempt full competency.

General eligibility guidance by level

Eligibility rules can vary by occupation and by the specific notice. As a general guide, applicants may be considered for:

Level 1

• basic literacy and relevant occupational skills with at least one year of related work experience, or

• completion of short vocational training in the relevant occupation/trade (for example, one month/160 hours)

Level 2

• basic literacy and relevant occupational skills with at least three years of related work experience, or

• completion of longer training in the relevant occupation/trade (including theory and practical components), or

• completion of Level 1 skill testing plus additional related work experience

Level 3

• basic literacy and relevant occupational skills with at least five years of related work experience, or

• completion of training plus additional related work experience, or

• completion of Level 2 skill testing plus additional related work experience

Level 4

• requirements are typically defined by the national skill certification framework and the competency standard for the occupation

Always confirm your exact eligibility from the most recent official notice for your occupation.

What documents are required to participate in skill testing?

Commonly required documents include:

• copy of citizenship certificate

• two recent passport-sized photographs

• copy of training certificate (if available)

• copy of work experience certificate (if available)

Additional documents may be required depending on the occupation, level, and notice.

Can I participate without formal training if I have relevant skills?

Yes. Skill testing is designed to assess competence, including skills gained through work experience and other non-formal learning routes. You will typically need to provide appropriate evidence and meet the notice requirements for your chosen level.

Where can I receive skill development training?

Skill development training may be available through:

• CTEVT-affiliated institutions

• accredited private training providers

• local government programs (sometimes run with partners such as NGOs or private organizations)

Availability, cost, and course duration vary by location and trade. For the most reliable guidance, contact the nearest CTEVT provincial office, relevant local authority, or training provider operating in your area.

NSTB FAQ in Nepali.PDF