The National Occupational Classification (NOC) stands as the foremost authority on occupational categorization in Canada. This comprehensive system meticulously classifies the entirety of Canada’s occupational landscape. It plays a pivotal role in gathering, analyzing, and disseminating occupational data, serving as the backbone for labor market information and the administration of employment-related programs. The invaluable wealth of occupational insights it provides is indispensable for a myriad of purposes, ranging from skills development and career guidance to occupational forecasting, labor market analysis, employment equity initiatives, and a wide array of other vital programs and services.
About NOC 2021 Version
Within the NOC framework, an occupation is defined as a cluster of jobs that share sufficient similarity in the tasks performed, making them eligible for classification under a common label. A job, on the other hand, encapsulates all the specific tasks undertaken by an individual worker in the fulfillment of their job responsibilities.
At the heart of the NOC’s classification system lies the fundamental principle of categorizing based on the nature of the work performed. Job titles are primarily identified and grouped based on the typical tasks, duties, employment prerequisites, and responsibilities associated with each occupation. This classification system considers various factors, including the materials used, industrial processes, and equipment involved, as well as the level of responsibility, work complexity, and the products or services generated. These factors serve as critical indicators when amalgamating job titles into occupations and subsequently into broader occupational groups.
Key Features of the NOC
- The NOC encompasses an extensive repertoire of more than 40,000 distinct job titles, thoughtfully organized into 516 unit groups
- These unit groups are systematically arranged into six Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories and ten overarching occupational categories
- The categorization of unit groups primarily hinges on the similarity of tasks, defined by job functions and employment prerequisites
- Unit groups may be directly associated with a single occupation (e.g., NOC 31110 – Dentists) or may span across multiple occupations (e.g., NOC 72600 – Air pilots, flight engineers, and flying instructors)
- Each unit group offers a concise description of its associated occupation(s), delineates primary duties and employment requirements, and provides illustrative examples of job titles
NOC Structure Profiles
- 0 – Legislative and senior management occupations
- 1 – Business, finance and administration occupations
- 2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations
- 3 – Health occupations
- 4 – Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services
- 5 – Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport
- 6 – Sales and service occupations
- 7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations
- 8 – Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations
- 9 – Occupations in manufacturing and utilities
In summary, the National Occupational Classification (NOC) serves as an indispensable tool for individuals, organizations, and policymakers alike. It empowers informed decision-making, fosters career development, and supports the effective implementation of programs and services. The NOC’s adaptability and comprehensiveness are key to its continued relevance in an ever-evolving labor market landscape.
