National Occupational Classification
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a system of organizing
information about occupations in Canada. Every occupation in Canada has a NOC
job description, which provides listings of the main duties, employment
requirements and job titles. These descriptions are identified by a four-digit
code called the NOC code.
Knowing the NOC code for the job you are interested in can make online
research easier and quicker. This is because many job search services organize
their job listings and occupation information by the NOC code. Here’s how the
NOC code works:
• The first number identifies the sector. There are 10 sectors in total
(0–9). For example, 0 refers to management occupations, while 6 refers to sales
and service occupations.
• The second number refers to the level of education or training the job
requires (1–6). Generally:
1 requires a university education
2 or 3 requires a community college or apprenticeship training
4 or 5 requires a high school diploma and/or job-specific training
6 usually requires a short demonstration or on-the-job training
• The third and fourth numbers refer to specific occupations within the
sector.
In the example on the right, the 2 refers to the sector Natural and
Applied Sciences; the 1 means it generally requires a university degree;
together, the code 2146 is the code specific to aerospace engineers. Because
the NOC groups occupations that are similar to each other, it is easy to find
information about occupations that are related to your occupation of choice.
This can be useful if you cannot find a job in your occupation and want to
broaden your job search.
Task 1:
List the 10 sectors that the first digit of the NOC code refers to. In
small groups, brainstorm three occupations for each sector.
Task 2:
Think of an occupation you would like to enter in Canada (either as a
survival job, or in the occupation you are trained for). Which of the above sectors is this
occupation in?
Task 3:
Find the NOC code for an occupation that interests you. Read the NOC
description for this occupation.
- How many Major Groups are listed in this sector? What are they?
- What types of occupations are within this Major Group (represented by
the three-digit code)?
- Read the example titles in the NOC description. Do you think knowing
these titles can be useful in your job search? How?
- Read the main duties in the NOC description. List the duties you think
are most relevant to this position.
Task 4:
Prepare a short presentation for the class about this occupation.
Include related job titles, main duties and employment requirements.
