02-03-12
Canada has a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system that assigns a four-digit code to every occupation in Canada. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) hosts a description of each occupation, including a list of the main duties performed by individuals in that occupation, as well as the minimum educational and work pre-requisites to practicing the profession in Canada. Canadian immigration uses the NOC system extensively to designate occupations of which there is high demand in Canada, as well as to establish minimum requirements for working in Canada.
Recently, a new NOC system was released – NOC 2011 replaces NOC 2006. The new NOC system replaced the old coding structure based on skill type and skill level. There are now 500 occupation codes under 9 skill types (0-9) and four skill levels (A-D).
Skill type is the classification of work that will be performed in addition to any experience or training requirements needed to practice this occupation. The first digit of the 4-digit code designates the skill type. Exceptions to this rule are the occupations starting with “0” – all of these occupations are managerial positions, regardless of the skill type. The skill level designates the amount of education or training required to perform the duties related to the occupation.
Here is a brief summary of how the occupations are divided:
Skill Types:
0 – Management;
1 – Business, Finance and Administration
2 – Natural and Applied Sciences
3 – Health
4 – Government, Education and Social Services
5 – Arts, Culture and Sports
6 – Sales and Services
7 – Trades, Transport and Equipment Operations
8 – Natural Resources and Agriculture
9 – Manufacturing and Utilities
Skill Levels:
A – University (Management Included in Level A)
B – College and Skill Trades
C – High School or Occupation Specific Training
D – Short Demonstration or On-Job Training
If you are interested in locating the NOC code that matches your work experience for the purposes of qualifying for Canadian immigration, please fill out our assessment form.
