The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a system used by the Government of Canada to classify and organize occupations for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and communicating information about the labor market. It is a nationally recognized system that organizes and classifies occupations based on skill level, job duties, and educational requirements. The NOC is used by employers, job seekers, and the government to better understand the job market, identify skills shortages, and create policies and programs that support employment and economic growth. In this article, we will explore the various categories and NOC codes in detail.
NOC Categories
The NOC is divided into five main categories, which are:
- Category 0: Management Occupations
- Category A: Professional Occupations
- Category B: Technical Occupations and Skilled Trades
- Category C: Intermediate Occupations
- Category D: Labourers and Semi-Skilled Occupations
Each category is further divided into different groups based on the skill level, job duties, and educational requirements of the occupation. Let’s take a closer look at each category and the different groups within them.
Category 0: Management Occupations
This category includes senior management positions such as CEOs, CFOs, and other high-level executives. It also includes mid-level management positions such as department managers, project managers, and team leaders. The main requirement for these positions is a high level of leadership and management skills.
Group 011: Administrative Services Managers Group 012: Managers in Financial and Business Services Group 013: Managers in Communications and Information Technology Group 021: Managers in Engineering, Architecture, Science, and Information Technology Group 042: Managers in Public Administration
Category A: Professional Occupations
This category includes occupations that require a high level of education, training, and experience. These are typically white-collar jobs that require advanced skills and knowledge. Examples include lawyers, doctors, and engineers.
Group 111: Auditors, Accountants, and Investment Professionals Group 112: Human Resources and Business Service Professionals Group 113: Professional Occupations in Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations Group 121: Architecture and Science Managers Group 211: Physical Science Professionals Group 214: Engineering Professionals Group 311: Physicians, Dentists, and Veterinarians Group 312: Optometrists, Chiropractors, and Other Health Diagnosing and Treating Professionals Group 313: Pharmacists, Dietitians, and Nutritionists
Category B: Technical Occupations and Skilled Trades
This category includes occupations that require technical knowledge, specialized skills, and hands-on experience. Examples include electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.
Group 723: Machining, Metalworking, and Industrial Manufacturing Technicians Group 724: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians Group 725: Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians Group 726: Other Technical Inspectors and Regulatory Officers Group 732: Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics, and Mechanical Repairers Group 737: Crane Operators, Drillers, and Blasters Group 738: Printing Press Operators and Related Occupations Group 821: Supervisors, Logging and Forestry Group 822: Contractors and Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Services
Category C: Intermediate Occupations
This category includes occupations that require a moderate level of education, training, and experience. Examples include administrative assistants, sales representatives, and customer service representatives.
Group 141: General Office Support Workers Group 152: Retail Trade Supervisors and Specialized Sales Occupations Group 622: Technical Sales Specialists in Wholesale Trade Group 642: Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks Group 655: Customer and Information Services Representatives
D: Labourers and Semi-Skilled Occupations
This category includes occupations that require limited education and training, and often involve manual labor or routine tasks. Examples include cleaners, food service workers, and factory workers.
Group 761: Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers Group 861: Harvesting, Landscaping, and Natural Resources Labourers Group 961: Labourers in Processing, Manufacturing, and Utilities Group 962: Labourers in Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Processing
NOC Codes
Each occupation in the NOC is assigned a unique four-digit code that reflects the skill level, job duties, and educational requirements of the occupation. The first digit of the code indicates the category, while the second and third digits indicate the group within the category. The fourth digit indicates the specific occupation within the group.
For example, the NOC code for a software developer would be 21. The first digit (2) indicates that the occupation falls under Category A, which includes professional occupations. The second and third digits (21) indicate that the occupation falls under Group 21, which includes managers in engineering, architecture, science, and information technology. The fourth digit (1) indicates that the specific occupation is a software developer.
The NOC codes are used by employers, job seekers, and the government to identify and classify occupations, analyze labor market trends, and develop policies and programs that support employment and economic growth. They are also used in the immigration process to assess the eligibility of applicants for certain programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class.
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a system used by the Government of Canada to classify and organize occupations for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and communicating information about the labor market. It is divided into five main categories based on the skill level, job duties, and educational requirements of the occupation. Each occupation is assigned a unique four-digit code that reflects its category, group, and specific occupation. The NOC codes are used by employers, job seekers, and the government to better understand the job market, identify skills shortages, and create policies and programs that support employment and economic growth.
Frequently asked questions about NOC
Here are some frequently asked questions about the National Occupational Classification (NOC):
- What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC)?
- The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a system used by the Government of Canada to classify and organize occupations for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and communicating information about the labor market.
- How is the NOC used?
- NOC is used by employers, job seekers, and the government to better understand the job market, identify skills shortages, and create policies and programs that support employment and economic growth. It is also used in the immigration process to assess the eligibility of applicants for certain programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class.
- How is the NOC organized?
- The NOC is organized into five main categories based on the skill level, job duties, and educational requirements of the occupation. Each category is further divided into different groups based on the specific occupation.
- What do the NOC codes mean?
- Each occupation in the NOC is assigned a unique four-digit code that reflects its category, group, and specific occupation. The first digit of the code indicates the category, while the second and third digits indicate the group within the category. The fourth digit indicates the specific occupation within the group.
- How can I find my NOC code?
- You can find your NOC code by using the NOC website or by contacting a career counselor or immigration consultant. The NOC website has a search function that allows you to enter keywords related to your occupation and find the corresponding NOC code.
- Can my NOC code change over time?
- Yes, your NOC code may change over time as your job duties, skill level, or educational requirements change. It is important to regularly review your NOC code and update it as needed.
- Can I use my NOC code for immigration purposes?
- Yes, the NOC code is used in the immigration process to assess the eligibility of applicants for certain programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class. It is important to accurately identify and report your NOC code when applying for immigration.
