Overview
ISO 29991:2020 - Language-learning services - Requirements - defines minimum requirements for organisations and individuals providing language-learning services. The standard focuses on learner-centred outcomes, transparency and quality assurance across delivery modes (face-to-face, blended learning, e-learning and AI-enabled platforms). Its goals include improving market transparency, protecting consumers and raising the quality of language learning worldwide.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard sets out practical, actionable requirements across the full service lifecycle:
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Determining needs (Clause 4)
- Conduct a systematic needs analysis: target skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking), target competence levels, timeframes and contexts of use.
- Assess existing competence (internal tests, third-party tests, self-assessment) and record learner background (age, L1, literacy, special needs).
- Map provider competence levels to national or international proficiency frameworks.
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Design of services (Clause 5)
- Align curriculum, teaching methods and materials with agreed goals and learner needs.
- Specify aims, outcomes, roles/responsibilities and assessment strategies.
- Ensure curriculum design is carried out by qualified professionals and reviewed at least annually.
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Teachers and professional development (Clause 6)
- Define teacher categories: experienced qualified teachers, experienced teachers with foreign qualifications, and supervised novices.
- Require relevant qualifications, training and continuous professional development.
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Materials, environment and accessibility (Clauses 7–8)
- Provide accurate learning materials, accessible resources and suitable physical/virtual learning environments.
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Assessment and evaluation (Clauses 9–10)
- Use reliable assessment to measure learner progress and to inform service adjustments.
- Routinely evaluate the language-learning service for quality improvement.
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Transparency and business practices (Clauses 11–13)
- Ensure truthful promotion/advertising, clear information for learners and sponsors, and appropriate invoicing and contractual details.
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Supporting information
- Annex A: examples of proficiency scales; Annex B: teacher competences.
Practical applications
ISO 29991:2020 is used to:
- Design and validate language courses and curricula for schools, universities and private language centres.
- Structure corporate language-training contracts and vendor selection for employee development.
- Guide edtech and e-learning platform requirements for language instruction and assessment.
- Support accreditation, internal quality assurance and consumer protection frameworks.
Who should use it
- Language-learning service providers (LLSPs) and academies
- Corporate L&D managers and sponsors commissioning language training
- Educational technology vendors and content developers
- Accreditation bodies, policy makers and consumer protection agencies
Related standards
- ISO 29993 (learning services outside formal education) - alignment noted in the standard
- ISO/IEC 24751-1 (e-learning accessibility definitions) and ISO/IEC 17024 (competence concepts) are referenced in definitions
ISO 29991:2020 is a practical standard for organisations seeking consistent, learner-focused quality in language instruction, whether classroom-based or technology-mediated.
