The purpose of this study was to develop policies for adoption of the National Vocational Qualifications System(NVQS) in Korea. Specifically, this study was dedicated to determine the domains and the levels of vocational core skills, how to assess these core skills, and how to operate and where to apply the NVQS. The study was carried out through the review of literature and consultations with experts in the field. The major results of the study were as follows : (1) Six domains of vocational core skills were determined : Communication; Foreign Language Communication; Numeracy; Problem-Solving; Information Technology; Interpersonal Relationship; Cultural Understanding. (2) Five levels were suggested for each vocational core skill. (3) Two ways to assess the vocational core skills were proposed : assessing outcomes and assessing the process. The two ways of assesment could be used properly for all domains of the vocational core skills. (4) For the executive procedure of qualifying for vocational core skills, establishing the plan and preparation process, procedures for assessing outcomes and processes, management of the evaluation results, and the ways for better development were presented. (5) The applications of the NVQS were proposed with regard to entering and changing jobs, linkages with the National Technical Certificate and Non-government Technical Certificate Systems, entrance into higher education institutes, and linkages with education in formal schools.