Are you considering a career change or planning to make a fresh start in the vibrant job market of Canada? To embark on this exciting professional journey, one key aspect that you need to familiarize yourself with is the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code system. This comprehensive and standardized framework plays a crucial role in providing valuable insights into navigating the Canadian job market. This will connect you as a job seeker with employment opportunities across various industries along with the main responsibilities and educational requirements associated with every occupation in Canada.
Let's delve into the world of NOC codes, unveil their significance, and help you confidently seek a job in Canada.
The five-digit National Occupational Classification, or NOC, code is a database developed by the government of Canada which categorizes all occupations in the country. These codes earmark all the jobs available in Canada for a systematic classification that helps organize, track, collect, analyze, and circulate data for the labor market. As an aspiring candidate, this data make you aware of the labor market provision, forecast occupation, analyze the labor supply and demand, and understand various services and programs.
The NOC code comprises unit groups, each represented by a five-digit code. Each subsequent digit in the code enables NOC users to explore the structure in greater detail, providing additional precision and defining the specific attributes and features related to a particular occupation.
The NOC code structure starts with the first two digits representing major groups (broad occupational category and TEER category), followed by the first three digits representing the sub-major groups, the first four digits representing the minor groups, and finally, the five-digit unit groups.
NOC Code Categories
The NOC code in Canada is classified into two major categories:
Broad Occupational Category: The first digit of the NOC code represents this category. It provides information regarding the work type, study field, or employment industry whenever specialized industry experience is a prerequisite for entering the occupation. The following are the 10 broad occupational categories:
Digit
Category
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
TEER Category: The second digit of the NOC code represents the TEER category which stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities. The following are the six TEER categories:
TEER 0
Occupation management responsibilities
TEER 1
Attainment of Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree
Or
Experience or proficiency in subject-specific knowledge acquired from the related occupation within TEER category 2 (when applicable)
TEER 2
Attainment of a two to three years post-secondary education program from a community college, CEGEP, or technology institute
Or
Attainment of two to three years of an apprenticeship training program
Or
Occupations with supervising or safety responsibilities like police officers or firefighters
Or
Work experience of several years in the related occupation within TEER category 3 (when applicable)
TEER 3
Attainment of a maximum two years post-secondary education program from a community college, CEGEP, or technology institute
Or
Attainment of maximum of two years of an apprenticeship training program
Or
Attainment of over six months of on-job training, training courses, or specific work experience from any secondary school education
Or
Work experience of several years in the related occupation within TEER category 4 (when applicable)
TEER 4
Attainment of secondary school education
Or
On-job training of several weeks with any secondary school education
Or
Work experience in the related occupation within TEER category 5 (when applicable)
TEER 5
No requirement for formal education and any short-duration work demonstration
You need to be prudent when it comes to finding your NOC code. It can be done by going through the NOC matrix (NOC list) or by searching for keywords related to your job title. Make sure the NOC code matches the education and the skillset. To ensure that you have made the right selection, you can check the lead statement for the job description and the responsibilities listed under the NOC code. You can visit the official website and search for the NOC code related to a specific job.
Below are the NOC codes which are in demand in Canada.
NOC Code
Jobs
11100
Financial auditors and accountants
11109
Other financial officers
21300
Civil Engineers
10011
Human Resource Managers
00010
Legislators
00012
Senior Managers (Financial, communications, and other business services)
00013
Senior Managers (Health, education, social and community services, and membership organizations)
00014
Senior Managers (Trade, broadcasting, and other services)
Conclusion
Canada NOC code is like a navigator for a job seeker in Canada to find the right job easily. With the help of the NOC code Canada, the applicants can fetch information like job roles, eligibility, and academic requirements of that particular job. It is a database that helps simplify the Canadian job market. For any queries related to NOC codes and skills, applicants can seek help from counselors of upGrad Abroad.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a NOC code for Canada?
You need to go to the website of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and check the NOC matrix to find your NOC code.
What is the main purpose of the NOC?
The main purpose of the NOC is to help job seekers find job information easily. With the help of a NOC code, one can find relevant information about a particular job role and know if it is suitable or not. Also, the NOC code helps employers write job descriptions and identify skill requirements for a particular job role. Government agencies like IRCC can identify skills shortages in the job market of Canada with the help of NOC codes so that they can fill up the gaps through recruitment.
Does NOC code affect CRS score?
The main purpose of the NOC is to help job seekers find job information easily. With the help of a NOC code, one can find relevant information about a particular job role and know if it is suitable or not. Also, the NOC code helps employers write job descriptions and identify skill requirements for a particular job role. Government agencies like IRCC can identify skills shortages in the job market of Canada with the help of NOC codes so that they can fill up the gaps through recruitment.
Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.
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