- Introduction to the National Occupational Classification for Statistics
- Related classifications: NAICS, NOC, Class of Worker
- NOC-S 2006
- Coding
- Sample questions for obtaining occupation information
Introduction to the national occupational classification for statistics
The National Occupational Classification for Statistics (NOC-S) is based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) which was developed and is maintained by Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC). (Further information about the NOC can be obtained from HRSDC's web site: National Occupational Classification) It is designed to classify occupational information from statistical surveys and for related purposes. It provides a systematic classification structure to identify and categorize the entire range of occupational activity in Canada.
The basic principle of classification of the NOC-S is that of kind of work performed. Occupations are, therefore, identified and grouped primarily in terms of the work usually performed, this being determined by the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of the occupation. Factors such as the materials processed or used, the industrial processes used, the equipment used, the degree of responsibility and complexity of work, the products made and services provided, have been taken as indicators of the work performed when combining jobs into occupations and occupations into groups.
An occupation is defined as a collection of jobs, sufficiently similar in work performed to be grouped under a common title for classification purposes. A job, in turn, encompasses all the tasks carried out by a particular worker to complete her/his duties.
Thus, within each group, the occupations are almost unique and are related to each other by similarity of kind of work performed. This approach to the grouping of occupations ensures a certain homogeneity within groups and permits a distinction between groups.
By focusing on work performed, the groups also tend to be homogeneous by skill level. This is natural because the nature of the work to be performed determines the education, training, experience or inherent talents required.
At the lower levels of aggregation of occupations, termed "unit groups" and "minor groups", this focus on grouping by similarity of work performed has resulted in unit groups and minor groups that are also homogeneous by skill level. At the second highest level of aggregation, termed "Major Groups", broad fields of work are sometimes represented, rather than specific types of work performed. At the highest level of aggregation of occupations, termed "Broad Occupational Categories", very broad fields of work are represented rather than specific types of work performed. Such broad groupings, by their very nature, reflect skill types rather than skill levels.
Structure
The National Occupational Classification for Statistics (NOC-S) contains the classification structure and definitions for Broad Occupational Categories, major, minor and unit groups. For each unit group, there is a list of example titles, occupations that are included in that unit group.
Within each broad occupational category, one or more major groups are identified; within each major group, one or more minor groups are identified and within each minor group one or more unit groups. This structure is expressed in the coding system.
For example:
| Code | Descrioption |
|---|---|
| A | Management Occupations |
| A0 | Senior Management Occupations |
| A01 | Legislators and Senior Management |
| A011 | Legislators |
| A012 | Senior Government Managers and Officials |
| A013 | Senior Managers - Financial, Communications Carriers and Other Business Services |
| A014 | Senior Managers - Health, Education, Social and Community Services Membership Organizations |
| A015 | Senior Managers - Trade, Broadcasting and Other Services, n.e.c. |
| A016 | Senior Managers - Goods Production, Utilities, Transportation and Construction |
The broad occupational category code, designated by a capital letter, is repeated at all levels. Major group codes are created by adding a digit after the letter. This digit appears after the letter at all lower levels in the structure. Minor group codes add a second digit after the letter. Finally, the 4-digit unit group codes contain the letter identifying the broad occupational group, followed by the digit identifying the major group and the digit identifying the minor group and a last digit identifying the unit group.
Abbreviations
Few abbreviations are used in this classification. Particular attention should be given to the abbreviation n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified). As an occupational qualifier it is occasionally used in the labels of major, minor and unit groups to refer to occupations not elsewhere classified; e.g. A3 Other Managers n.e.c.
Language
The NOC-S is available separately in both official languages. It is important to note that the French version includes only titles commonly used in French and proper to the milieu and, therefore, these are not normally translations of the English titles. The classification structure is the same in both versions.
Modifying terms
Modifying terms have been added to several job titles to designate the industrial sector or the domain of expertise. If applicable, this information is preceded by a hyphen at the end of the title (cashier supervisor – retail trade) to distinguish between similar titles. These modifying terms specify where the titles appear in the classification structure (painter – visual arts; painter – manufacture of motor vehicles). This information should be considered when coding job titles.
Related classifications: NAICS, NOC, Class of worker
The classification of occupations does not stand alone but must be understood as being related to other classifications such as the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)and that ofclass of worker. Each of these classifications supplements the NOC-S in presenting a rounded picture of the nature of a person's job.
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
The industrial qualifier which may accompany the job title:
- Indicates the type of economic activity with which the job is usually associated. (It is important to note that the assignment of an industrial qualifier does not necessarily limit a job to that industry. These qualifiers are merely indicative of the possible areas of activity in which the job may be found.)
- Permits the assignment of similar occupational titles to different occupation groups where the duties vary between industries.
- Aids in defining the specific occupations and helps the coder grasp the underlying principles of this classification.
The industry in which the individual is employed is determined by the kind of economic activity of the establishment. The establishment is usually a factory, mine, farm, store, other place of business or an institution for which a number of basic production variables can be compiled.
It is important to note the conceptual differences between an industry classification and an occupation classification. An establishment can employ individuals performing completely different occupations, and these are classified to appropriate occupational groups, but the industrial classification of each individual employed in the establishment should be the same and is determined by the nature of the product made or service rendered. In other words, the nature of the factory, business or service in which the person is employed does not determine the classification of the occupation, except to the extent that it enables the nature of the duties to be more clearly defined.
Class of Worker
An individual's employment relationship to the business in where he or she works, as self employed, employee or unpaid family worker i.e., class of worker, provides another means of describing the work. This is usually indicated by the form of remuneration the worker receives. The self-employed depend upon a residual return in the form of profit, while employees are paid wages or salaries and unpaid family workers receive no set remuneration. In the NOC-S, the class of worker classification is not identified separately for each occupation since many occupations can be assigned to more than one category (i.e., working for wages, salary, tips or commission; working without pay in a family business or farm; self-employed without paid help; and self-employed with paid help). However, a general rule has been established for coding purposes and is discussed in full under the section on Coding.
National Occupational Classification
The NOC-S is a statistical classification designed by Statistics Canada to classify data on occupations from the Census of Population and other Statistics Canada surveys. Although it is based on the National Occupational Classification there is a different aggregation structure between the classifications that was necessary because of the special requirements of a statistical classification.
At the major group level, the NOC-S is quite different from the NOC. As a statistical classification, the population distribution for a level of aggregation is very significant for determining the statistical utility of the aggregation. The population of a class determines the amount of cross classification and geographic detail possible as well as the suitability of the class for surveys with a smaller sample. The NOC-S major groups were designed to have a population distribution that was as even as possible, with a population minimum that was sufficient to be used by the Census of Population for increased geographical detail and for cross classifications; and also to be suitable for use as detailed classes for the Labour Force Survey. This was achieved by a simple reaggregation of the minor groups. The result was forty-seven major groups. The work performed focus and the population criterion used to create these groups resulted in skill type groups many of which are also homogeneous by skill level. The user that requires skill level groups can use, as an alternative, the major groups of the NOC. Since there are only twenty-six major groups in the NOC the choice of skill level results in a certain loss of occupational detail. It should be noted that thirty-six of the forty-seven NOC-S major groups are homogeneous by skill level according to the NOC criteria.
The NOC-S and the NOC also differ in their classification of military personnel. All military personnel are classified solely on the basis of rank to either one of two NOC‑S unit groups: A353 Commissioned Officers, Armed Forces and G624 Other Ranks, Armed Forces. On the other hand, the NOC unit groups for military occupations (0643 Commissioned Officers, Armed Forces and 6464 Occupations Unique to the Armed Forces) are defined to include only those military personnel whose occupations do not have a civilian counterpart (e.g., infantry officers, artillery soldiers). Those military personnel whose occupations do have a civilian counterpart are classified in the unit group appropriate to the occupation (e.g., dental officers are classified with dentists and military police officers are classified with police officers).
NOC-S 2006
The purpose of the 2006 revision of the National Occupational Classification for Statistics (NOC-S) has been to update the classification to incorporate emerging occupations and new job titles while maintaining historical comparability.
The structure of NOC-S 2006 remains unchanged from that of NOC-S 2001. No major groups, minor groups or unit groups have been added, deleted or combined, though some groups have new names or updated content.
Title changes at the unit group and minor group levels and updates to the definitions of some unit groups reflect added information, correction of terminology to correspond with current usage and the evolution of some occupations and where they are found.
Many new occupational titles have been added to NOC-S 2006. New occupational titles arise as the division of labour in Canadian society evolves, creating new jobs and new specializations, and as technological change brings with it new terminology. Some of the occupational titles added to reflect such changes are: respite worker (home support), telehealth registered nurse, bioanalytical chemist, systems biologist, artificial intelligence designer, benefits consultant (HR), turntablist, veejay (VJ), accounting technician, e-business manager, e-business software developer and e-business Web site developer. Other added titles are modified versions of, or alternatives for, titles that appeared in previous versions of the NOC-S and have been added to help users find particular occupations they are looking for. For example, grape grower appeared in earlier versions of the NOC-S; viticulturist has been added.
A very few occupational titles have been re-assigned to a different unit group in NOC-S 2006 than in NOC-S 2001. The impact of this on the comparability of data between 2001 and 2006 is negligible.
The only persons who have been coded to a different unit group in 2006 are those who reported their occupation as “florist” and who worked in “retail”. They have moved from Retail Trade Managers (A211) to Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks (G211). This change will have a minimal impact on the unit groups affected. The occupational title, library curator, has been moved from Library, Archive, Museum and Art Gallery Managers (A341) to Conservators and Curators (F012) as this is a more appropriate placement; however, as this title was not reported in 2001, there is no impact on data comparability.
In all other cases where occupational titles have been moved, this was done to more accurately describe the content of these unit groups as they were disseminated in 2001. For example, because of the nature of the duties reported by census respondents, personal trainers were coded to Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness (F154) in 2001, not to Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program Supervisors and Consultants (E036), and campground maintenance workers were coded to Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Labourers (I212) rather than to Operators and Attendants in Amusement, Recreation and Sport (G731). These placements have been recognized in NOC-S 2006. The majority of occupational titles that moved are military titles. In NOC-S, all military personnel are classified solely on the basis of rank either to Commissioned Officers, Armed Forces (A353) or to Other Ranks, Armed Forces (G624). The NOC-S 2001 noted this treatment of military personnel in its Introduction, but showed some military occupational titles in unit groups with their civilian counterparts. The NOC-S 2006 more clearly conveys how military personnel have been coded by showing all exclusively military occupational titles in the appropriate military unit group.
More information on these changes is available in the following tables which summarize the changes of note between NOC-S 2001 and NOC-S 2006.
- NOC-S Unit Group Titles Changed in 2006
- NOC-S Minor Group Titles Changed in 2006
- NOC-S Definitions Updated in 2006
- NOC-S Unit Groups with Added or Modified Occupational Titles in 2006
NOC-S Unit Group Titles Changed in 2006
Note: Text that was added or changed in 2006 appears in italics.
| Code | NOC-S 2001 Unit Group Title | NOC-S 2006 Unit Group Title |
|---|---|---|
| A343 | Recreation and Sports Program and Service Directors | Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program and Service Directors |
| C073 | Software Engineers | Software Engineers and Designers |
| C181 | Computer and Network Operators and Web Technicians | Computer Network Technicians |
| F154 | Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation and Sport | Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness |
| G941 | Butchers and Meat Cutters - Retail and Wholesale | Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers – Retail and Wholesale |
| H421 | Automotive Service Technicians, Truck Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers | Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers |
NOC-S Minor Group Titles Changed in 2006
Note: No minor group titles were changed in 2006.
NOC-S Definitions Updated in 2006
Note: Text that was added or changed in 2006 appears in italics.
| Code | NOC-S 2006 Unit Group | NOC-S 2006 Definition |
|---|---|---|
| A012 | Senior Government Managers and Officials | Senior government managers and officials plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate, through middle managers, the major activities of municipal or regional governments or of provincial, territorial or federal departments, boards, agencies or commissions. They establish the direction to be taken by these organizations in accordance with legislation and policies made by elected representatives or legislative bodies. |
| A141 | Facility Operation and Maintenance Managers | Facility operation managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of commercial, transportation and recreational facilities and the included real estate. Facility operation managers are employed by a wide range of establishments, such as airports, harbours, canals, shopping centres, convention centres, warehouses and recreational facilities. Maintenance managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the maintenance department within commercial, industrial, institutional, recreational and other facilities. Maintenance managers are employed by a wide range of establishments, such as office buildings, shopping centres, airports, harbours, warehouses, grain terminals, universities, schools and sports facilities, and by the maintenance and mechanical engineering departments of manufacturing and other industrial establishments. |
| A353 | Commissioned Officers, Armed Forces | This unit group consists of commissioned officers in the armed forces who plan, organize, command and evaluate the activities of personnel in the armed forces. The ranks of commissioned officers included in this unit group range from lieutenant to general. |
| A343 | Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program and Service Directors | This unit group includes managers who plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations of comprehensive recreational, sports and fitness programs and services, national or provincial sports governing agencies and professional athletic teams. They are employed by municipalities, community and private recreational and fitness organizations, sports governing agencies and professional athletic team organizations. |
| B513 | Records Management and Filing Clerks | Records management clerks process, code, store and retrieve records and documents and apply retention and disposal schedules according to established policies and procedures. Filing clerks file papers, records, documents and other material according to subject matter or other filing system. Records management and filing clerks are employed throughout the private and public sectors. This unit group also includes health records technicians, who maintain systems for the collection, storage, retrieval and retention of health information. Health records technicians are employed by hospitals, clinics and other health care institutions. |
| B522 | Data Entry Clerks | Data entry clerks input coded, statistical, financial and other information into computerized databases, spreadsheets or other templates using a keyboard, mouse, or optical scanner, speech recognition software or other data entry tools. They are employed in the private and public sectors. |
| B523 | Desktop Publishing Operators and Related Occupations | Desktop publishing operators use computers to enter copy into a typesetting system or operate typesetting output equipment to produce text that is ready to print. They are employed by firms that specialize in typesetting, commercial printing companies, publishing and printing companies and various establishments in the public and private sectors that have in-house printing departments. This unit group also includes markup persons and pre-flight operators. |
| C181 | Computer Network Technicians | Computer network technicians establish, operate, maintain, and co-ordinate the use of local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), mainframe networks, hardware, software and related computer equipment. They set up and maintain Internet and Intranet Web sites and Web-server hardware and software, and monitor and optimize network connectivity and performance. They are employed in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors. Supervisors of computer network technicians are included in this group. |
| C182 | User Support Technicians | Technicians in this group provide first-line technical support to computer users experiencing difficulties with computer hardware and with computer applications and communications software. They are employed by computer hardware manufacturers and retailers, software developers, in call centres and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors. Technicians in this group are also employed by independent technical support companies or they may be self-employed. |
| D112 | Registered Nurses | This unit group includes registered nurses, nurse practitioners, registered psychiatric nurses and graduates of a nursing program who are awaiting registration (graduate nurses). They provide direct nursing care to patients, deliver health education programs and provide consultative services regarding issues relevant to the practice of nursing. They are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, community agencies, companies and private homes, or they may be self-employed. |
| D213 | Veterinary and Animal Health Technologists and Technicians | Veterinary and animal health technologists and technicians provide technical support to veterinarians by caring for animals and assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health disorders. They are employed in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, humane societies, zoos, animal research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and government. |
| D232 | Midwives and Practitioners of Natural Healing | Midwives are primary care providers who provide full-course care to women and their babies during pregnancy, labour, birth and the post-natal period. They are employed in hospitals, birthing centres and private practice. Practitioners of natural healing provide alternative forms of health care to patients. They are employed by clinics, health clubs, spas or health food stores, or they may work in private practice. |
| E023 | Family, Marriage and Other Related Counsellors | Family, marriage and other related counsellors assist individuals and groups of clients to identify, understand and overcome personal problems and achieve personal objectives. They are employed by counselling centres, social service agencies, group homes, government agencies, family therapy centres, and health care and rehabilitation facilities, or they may work in private practice. |
| E033 | Business Development Officers and Marketing Researchers and Consultants | Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants conduct research, formulate policies and manage programs to stimulate industrial and commercial business investment or tourism in urban and rural areas or to promote commercial or industrial products and services. They are employed by government departments, international organizations, marketing firms and business associations or may be self-employed. |
| E036 | Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program Supervisors and Consultants | This unit group includes those who oversee and administer recreation, sports and fitness programs and activities, provide consulting services, conduct research and develop programs and policies related to recreation, sports and physical fitness. They are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments, recreation, sports, fitness and health care facilities, retirement homes, community centres, sports and fitness consulting firms and organizations, or they may be self-employed. |
| E037 | Program Officers Unique to Government | Program officers in this unit group are primarily concerned with the administration and operation of government institutions, such as Parliament, and activities unique to the operations of government, such as international relations, federal-provincial affairs, elections and tribunals. |
| E121 | College and Other Vocational Instructors | This unit group includes instructors who teach applied arts, academic, technical and vocational subjects to students at community colleges, CEGEPs, agricultural colleges, technical and vocational institutes, language schools and other college level schools. This unit group also includes trainers who are employed by private training establishments, companies, community agencies and governments to deliver internal training or development courses. College teachers who are heads of departments are included in this group. |
| E217 | Early Childhood Educators and Assistants | Early childhood educators plan and organize activities for preschool and school-age children. Early childhood educator assistants provide care and guidance to preschool children under the supervision of early childhood educators. Early childhood educators and assistants lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth. They are employed in child-care centres, kindergartens, nursery schools, agencies for exceptional children, and other environments where early childhood education services are provided, or they may be self-employed. Early childhood educators who are supervisors are included in this group. |
| F024 | Professional Occupations in Public Relations and Communications | This unit group includes specialists in public relations and communications who develop and implement communication and promotion strategies and information programs, publicize activities and events, and maintain media relations on behalf of businesses, governments and other organizations, and for performers, athletes, writers and other talented individuals. They are employed by consulting firms, corporations, associations, government, social agencies, museums, galleries, public interest groups, and cultural and other organizations, or they may be self-employed. Agents such as entertainment, literary and sports agents are included in this unit group. |
| F154 | Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness | Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness lead and instruct groups and individuals in recreational, sports, fitness or athletic programs. They are employed by community centres, sports and fitness clubs, outdoor centres, resorts, recreational facilities, health care facilities, correctional institutions, government departments, private businesses, tourism associations and similar establishments. |
| G011 | Retail Trade Supervisors | Retail trade supervisors supervise and co-ordinate the activities of workers in the following unit groups: Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks (G211), Cashiers (G311), Grocery Clerks and Store Shelf Stockers (G972) and Other Elemental Sales Occupations (G973). They are employed by stores and other retail businesses, wholesale businesses that sell on a retail basis to the public, rental service establishments and businesses involved in door-to-door soliciting and telemarketing. |
| G311 | Cashiers | Cashiers operate cash registers, optical price scanners, computers or other equipment to record and accept payment for the purchase of goods, services and admissions. They are employed in stores, restaurants, theatres, recreational and sports establishments, currency exchange booths, government offices, business offices and other service, retail and wholesale establishments. |
| G624 | Other Ranks, Armed Forces | This unit group includes armed forces personnel who are not commissioned officers. They provide collective defence measures to protect Canadian waters, land, airspace and other interests. They are employed by the Canadian armed forces. |
| G631 | Security Guards and Related Occupations | This unit group includes security guards and other related workers who guard property against theft and vandalism, control access to establishments, maintain order and enforce regulations at public events and within establishments. They are employed by private security agencies, retail stores, transportation facilities, residential complexes, educational, financial and health institutions, industrial establishments, cultural establishments, and organizations throughout the private and public sectors. |
| G731 | Operators and Attendants in Amusement, Recreation and Sport | This unit group includes amusement occupations such as operators of amusement rides, games and other attractions, and attendants in amusement, recreation and sports facilities who assist patrons, collect tickets and fees and supervise the use of recreational and sports equipment. They are employed by amusement parks, fairs, exhibitions, carnivals, arenas, billiard parlours, bowling alleys, golf courses, ski centres, tennis clubs, campgrounds and other recreational and sports facilities. |
| G811 | Visiting Homemakers, Housekeepers and Related Occupations | Visiting homemakers provide ongoing or short-term home support services for individuals and families during periods of incapacitation, convalescence or family disruption. They are employed by government, non-profit and home care agencies, or are self-employed. Housekeepers perform housekeeping and other home management duties in private households, embassies and other residential establishments. Companions provide elderly and convalescent clients with companionship and personal care in residential settings. They are employed by home care agencies or may be self-employed. Foster parents care for children or family members in their homes under the direction of a foster parent agency. |
| G933 | Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents | Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents clean and maintain the interior and exterior of commercial, institutional and residential buildings and their surrounding grounds. Building superintendents employed in large establishments are responsible for the operation of the establishment and may also supervise other workers. They are employed by office and apartment building management companies, condominium corporations, educational institutions, health care facilities, recreational and shopping facilities, religious establishments, and industrial and other establishments. |
| H121 | Carpenters | Carpenters construct, erect, install, maintain and repair structures and components of structures made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials. They are employed by construction companies, carpentry contractors, and maintenance departments of factories, plants and other establishments, or they may be self-employed. |
| H132 | Concrete Finishers | Concrete finishers smooth and finish freshly poured concrete, apply curing or surface treatments and install, maintain and restore various masonry structures such as foundations, floors, ceilings, sidewalks, roads, patios and high rise buildings. They are employed by construction companies, cement and concrete contractors and manufacturers of precast concrete products, or they may be self-employed. |
| H421 | Automotive Service Technicians, Trucks and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers | Automotive service technicians and truck and bus mechanics inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components of cars, buses, and light and commercial transport trucks. They are employed by motor vehicle dealers, garages, truck and trailer dealerships, fleet maintenance companies, and service stations, automotive specialty shops, transportation companies and retail establishments which have automotive service shops. This unit group also includes mechanical repairers who perform major repairs and replacement of mechanical units on newly assembled motor vehicles. They are employed by motor vehicle manufacturing companies. |
| H422 | Motor Vehicle Body Repairers | Motor vehicle body repairers repair and restore damaged motor vehicle body parts and interior finishing; repaint body surfaces; and repair and/or replace automotive glass. They are employed by automobile dealerships, automobile body repair shops and automobile appraisal centres. This unit group also includes metal repairers who repair defective automobile body parts and damage to the bodies of newly assembled cars. They are employed by motor vehicle manufacturers. |
| H711 | Truck Drivers | Truck drivers operate heavy trucks to transport goods and materials over urban, interurban, provincial and international routes. They are employed by transportation companies, manufacturing and distribution companies, moving companies and employment service agencies, or they may be self-employed. This unit group also includes shunters who move trailers to and from loading docks within trucking yards or lots. |
| H821 | Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers | Construction trades helpers and labourers assist skilled tradespersons and perform labouring activities at construction sites, in quarries and in surface mines. They are employed by construction companies, trade and labour contractors, and surface mine and quarry operators. |
| J182 | Camera, Platemaking and Other Prepress Occupations | This unit group includes prepress technicians who operate various computer controlled systems to perform prepress activities and workers who operate graphic arts cameras and scanners, assemble film and negatives and prepare, engrave and etch printing plates or cylinders for various types of printing presses. They are employed in firms that specialize in colour graphics or platemaking and cylinder preparation, commercial publishing and printing companies, newspapers, magazines, and in various establishments in the public and private sectors that have in-house printing departments. |
| J212 | Motor Vehicle Assemblers, Inspectors and Testers | Motor vehicle assemblers assemble and install prefabricated motor vehicle parts and components to form subassemblies and finished motor vehicles. Motor vehicle inspectors and testers inspect and test parts, subassemblies, accessories and finished products to ensure proper performance and conformity to quality standards. They are employed in plants which manufacture automobiles, vans and light trucks. |
NOC-S Unit Groups with Added or Modified Occupational Titles in 2006
| Code | NOC-S 2006 Unit Group with New or Updated Occupational Titles |
|---|---|
| A012 | Senior Government Managers and Officials |
| A122 | Computer and Information Systems Managers |
| A131 | Sales, Marketing and Advertising Managers |
| A141 | Facility Operation and Maintenance Managers |
| A211 | Retail Trade Managers |
| A221 | Restaurant and Food Service Managers |
| A303 | Other Business Services Managers |
| A342 | Managers - Publishing, Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and Performing Arts |
| A343 | Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program and Service Directors |
| A372 | Residential Home Builders and Renovators |
| A391 | Manufacturing Managers |
| B013 | Securities Agents, Investment Dealers and Brokers |
| B014 | Other Financial Officers |
| B021 | Specialists in Human Resources |
| B111 | Bookkeepers |
| B115 | Assessors, Valuators and Appraisers |
| B211 | Secretaries (Except Legal and Medical) |
| B311 | Administrative Officers |
| B312 | Executive Assistants |
| B535 | Collectors |
| B553 | Customer Service, Information and Related Clerks |
| B554 | Survey Interviewers and Statistical Clerks |
| C012 | Chemists |
| C021 | Biologists and Related Scientists |
| C031 | Civil Engineers |
| C045 | Petroleum Engineers |
| C061 | Mathematicians, Statisticians and Actuaries |
| C071 | Information Systems Analysts and Consultants |
| C072 | Database Analysts and Data Administrators |
| C073 | Software Engineers and Designers |
| C074 | Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers |
| C075 | Web Designers and Developers |
| C132 | Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians |
| C181 | Computer Network Technicians |
| D032 | Dietitians and Nutritionists |
| D044 | Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment |
| D112 | Registered Nurses |
| D211 | Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists' Assistants |
| D213 | Veterinary and Animal Health Technologists and Technicians |
| D214 | Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists and Cardiopulmonary Technologists |
| D234 | Ambulance Attendants and Other Paramedical Occupations |
| D235 | Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment |
| D313 | Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services |
| E012 | Lawyers andQuebec Notaries |
| E021 | Psychologists |
| E023 | Family, Marriage and Other Related Counsellors |
| E034 | Social Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers |
| E036 | Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program Supervisors and Consultants |
| E037 | Program Officers Unique to Government |
| E112 | Post-Secondary Teaching and Research Assistants |
| E121 | College and Other Vocational Instructors |
| E131 | Secondary School Teachers |
| E133 | Educational Counsellors |
| E212 | Community and Social Service Workers |
| E214 | Instructors and Teachers of Persons with Disabilities |
| E215 | Other Instructors |
| E216 | Other Religious Occupations |
| F013 | Archivists |
| F024 | Professional Occupations in Public Relations and Communications |
| F033 | Musicians and Singers |
| F036 | Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists |
| F112 | Technical Occupations Related to Museums andArtGalleries |
| F126 | Other Technical and Co-ordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts |
| F131 | Announcers and Other Broadcasters |
| F132 | Other Performers |
| F141 | Graphic Designers and Illustrators |
| F154 | Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness |
| G211 | Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks |
| G513 | Food and Beverage Servers |
| G611 | Police Officers (Except Commissioned) |
| G731 | Operators and Attendants in Amusement, Recreation and Sport |
| G732 | Other Attendants in Accommodation and Travel |
| G811 | Visiting Homemakers, Housekeepers and Related Occupations |
| G812 | Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants |
| G932 | Specialized Cleaners |
| G933 | Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents |
| G941 | Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers – Retail and Wholesale |
| G961 | Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers and Related Occupations |
| G971 | Service Station Attendants |
| G983 | Other Elemental Service Occupations |
| H112 | Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers |
| H121 | Carpenters |
| H221 | Stationary Engineers and Auxiliary Equipment Operators |
| H415 | Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors |
| H422 | Motor Vehicle Body Repairers |
| H521 | Printing Press Operators |
| H533 | Automotive Mechanical Installers and Servicers |
| H535 | Other Repairers and Servicers |
| H711 | Truck Drivers |
| H721 | Railway and Yard Locomotive Engineers |
| H812 | Material Handlers |
| H821 | Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers |
| H831 | Public Works and Maintenance Labourers |
| H832 | Railway and Motor Transport Labourers |
| I011 | Farmers and Farm Managers |
| I016 | Supervisors, Landscape and Horticulture |
| I022 | Nursery and Greenhouse Workers |
| I142 | Oil and Gas Well Drilling Workers and Services Operators |
| I162 | Silviculture and Forestry Workers |
| I211 | Harvesting Labourers |
| I212 | Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Labourers |
| I215 | Oil and Gas Drilling, Servicing and Related Labourers |
| J122 | Foundry Workers |
| J162 | Fabric, Fur and Leather Cutters |
| J182 | Camera, Platemaking and Other Prepress Occupations |
| J183 | Binding and Finishing Machine Operators |
| J194 | Metalworking Machine Operators |
| J212 | Motor Vehicle Assemblers, Inspectors and Testers |
| J213 | Electronics Assemblers, Fabricators, Inspectors and Testers |
| J225 | Plastic Products Assemblers, Finishers and Inspectors |
| J319 | Other Labourers in Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities |
Coding
The NOC-S provides an overall structure for classifying occupations according to kind of work performed. The lists of example titles are merely indicative of the types of occupations that fit within specific unit groups. The lists of example titles are not exhaustive nor are they intended to be.
When coding an occupation, all the relevant facts about the job and its environment should be obtained. These include the kind of work performed, the most important activities or duties, the job titles, the kind of business, industry or service, and the class of worker described earlier. The more complete and comprehensive the information the coder is able to assemble about the tasks performed by a worker on a particular job, the easier it will be to determine the appropriate classification.
To code an occupation, it is possible to start with either the structure or the search tool.
Using the Structure
When using the structure, it is best to exploit the hierarchical nature of the classification. First the broad occupational category which seems most likely to contain the job should be identified. Next the most appropriate major group within the broad occupational category should be found. The process should be continued to find the most appropriate minor group within the major group selected. Finally the most appropriate unit group within the minor group selected should be identified. The unit group definition should be read carefully before deciding if this unit group offers the best possible classification. In addition, the example titles listed for the unit group should be examined to ensure that the choice is actually the best.
Using the Search Tool
- First search for the occupation. This can be done by searching using a key part of the occupation title and reviewing the search results to find the four-digit code that contains the occupation sought. Check whether the title appears in any other four-digit code listed. If it does, the corresponding industrial qualifiers should be checked and the one which relates most closely to the one stated by the respondent selected. Using this code, go to the unit group. Read its definition carefully as well as the list of example titles before deciding whether it is the most appropriate classification.
- If the occupation title cannot be found or if the definition appears inappropriate, enter another title in the search. Some suggestions are:
- Look for the noun form: answering the phone will be a Receptionist or Telephone Clerk
- Shorten the title: Electronic Data Processor to Data Processor
- Find a synonym: Aircraft Mechanic for Jet Mechanic
- If the title is inverted, look for it in its natural order e.g. Manager, Store may be located using Store Manager
- Consider such factors as:
- Job location - Tunnel Worker; Bridge Keeper
- Kind of machines used - Cement-Mixer Operator; Hydraulic Riveter
- Material used - Concrete Mason; Leather Handbag Maker
- Subject matter - Music Cataloguer; Press Clipper
- Activity performed - Locomotive Inspector; Bodyshop Foreman/Woman
- Job skills - Surgical Instrument Repairer; Tool Machinist
Coding Procedures for Problem Responses
The procedure described above assumed responses that contained sufficient information for coding. Unfortunately, depending upon the survey methods used, some responses may be problematic. This occurs when the information in the response is either vague or contradictory. Experience at Statistics Canada suggests the following approaches to resolving such problems.
1) Coding Vague Responses
In previous occupational classifications there was a systematic provision of not elsewhere classified (n.e.c) classes that were used to code vague responses. Since there were occupations classified in these classes, it was not possible to determine what proportion of the population was represented by these occupations and what proportion was due to vague responses. The 2006 NOC-S has few n.e.c. classes and a different approach to vague responses is required. It is suggested that the response be coded only to the level within the classification that is possible. Of course, before doing so, any information that is available about the respondent should be consulted.
2) Using Education in Coding
This is especially useful in coding occupational responses that are vague. The most reliable way of using education is as an exclusionary edit. Certain occupations require a minimum education and it is possible to exclude vague responses from being coded to such occupations if the respondent does not have the minimum education required. Great care must be taken when using education in occupational coding and it should only be used as a last resort.
3) Coding When the Response Contains Contradictory Information
Sometimes the responses will give an occupational title and a description of work performed that are contradictory. A response "labourer, driving dump truck" is contradictory in terms of the classification, as driving a truck is not considered elemental work. This response should be coded as a truck driver in H711 Truck Drivers.
In general it is best to let the description of the work performed predominate over occupational titles when coding.
Some occupational titles can be misleading. Titles that have manager as part of the title are sometimes not managers. For example, project managers and case managers are usually not managers and must be coded based on a description of their work. Special care must be given to responses that have manager, labourer, or consultant as part of the title as these terms have a variety of meanings in the workplace.
4) Coding Responses Containing Two or More Occupations
Where two or more occupations are reported in reply to a question on occupation, the first one mentioned should be coded unless there is additional information to suggest otherwise.
Classification Rules
Managers
Managers are usually classified to the broad occupational category A Management Occupations. Within this category the senior managers that are the top of a management hierarchy as denoted by terms such as president, chief executive officer, etc. are classified in major group A0 Senior Management Occupations.
Managers with a management specialty, such as human resource management, are classified according to specialty in major group A1 Specialist Managers. However, senior managers with a specialist responsibility would be classified with senior management in major group A0 Senior Management Occupations.
An attempt has been made to isolate many of the managers of small businesses by classifying managers of retail stores, restaurants, hotels and similar businesses in a separate major group A2 Managers in Retail Trade, Food and Accommodation Services.
Some managers are not classified to the managerial groups. For example, farm managers and other managers in agriculture and landscaping are not classified as managers but to the appropriate unit group from the following:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| I011 | Farmers and Farm Managers |
| I012 | Agricultural Service Contractors |
| I014 | Nursery and Greenhouse Operators |
| I015 | Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Contractors |
| I017 | Aquaculture Operators |
All other managers are classified according to the type of business managed within major group A3 Other Managers n.e.c.
Proprietors
As a general rule, the class of worker status, that is, whether the respondent works for wages or is self-employed with or without paid help, is not considered for classification purposes. An exception is made for proprietors in retail trade, food and accommodation services and residential home building. These are classified as managers to the following unit groups:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| A211 | Retail Trade Managers |
| A221 | Restaurant and Food Service Managers |
| A222 | Accommodation Service Managers |
| A372 | Residential Home Builders and Renovators |
Contractors
Contractors are classified in several areas of the classification. General Contractors in construction are classified in unit group A371 Construction Managers. Renovation contractors and home building contractors are classified in unit group A372 Residential Home Builders and Renovators.
Contractors specializing in a specific trade such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, etc., are classified together with supervisors to the appropriate unit group for that trade. That is, a plumbing contractor is classified to unit group H013 Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting Trades.
Supervisors and Foremen/Women
Supervisors are classified to separate unit groups for supervisors where they exist. These are found in the following major groups for supervisors:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| B4 | Clerical Supervisors |
| G0 | Sales and Service Supervisors |
| H0 | Contractors and Supervisors in Trades and Transportation |
| J0 | Supervisors in Manufacturing |
These unit groups for supervisors are found outside of supervisor major groups:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| D111 | Head Nurses and Supervisors |
| I013 | Farm Supervisors and Specialized Livestock Workers |
| I111 | Supervisors, Logging and Forestry |
| I121 | Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying |
| I122 | Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service |
Where a separate unit group does not exist, supervisors are classified with the workers supervised. For example, in most areas of the Professional Major Groups there are no separate unit groups for supervisors. The one exception being unit group D111 Head Nurses and Supervisors.
Technical occupations follow a similar rule and there are no separate unit groups for supervisors in this area.
Even where separate supervisory unit groups exist, "lead hands" are not classified to them as previous research has indicated that supervision is usually only a minor part of such jobs.
Apprentices
Apprentices are classified as tradesmen/women. For example an apprentice carpenter is considered a carpenter and is classified to unit group H121 Carpenters.
Helpers
Helpers are usually considered as labourers. Most helpers will be found in the building trades such as carpenter's helper, mason's helper, roofer's helper, etc. These jobs are not to be confused with formal apprenticeships and are not classified as tradesmen/women but are classified to unit group H821 Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers.
Labourers
Labourers are classified in separate unit groups in the following major groups and minor groups:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| I2 | Primary Production Labourers |
| J3 | Labourers in Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities |
| H82 | Trades Helpers and Labourers |
| H83 | Public Works and Other Labourers n.e.c. |
Sample questions for obtaining occupation information
The following questions indicate the type of information and the format that could be used to obtain the facts necessary to classify an occupation.
- For whom did you work?
- Name of firm, government agency, etc.
- Department, branch, division, section or plant.
- What kind of business, industry or service was this?
- Give full description; for example, paper boxmanufacturing, road construction, retail shoe store, secondary school, dairy farm.
- What kind of work were you doing?
- Give full description; for example, accounting clerk, sales representative, civil engineer, secondary teacher, garage foreman/woman, metal worker.
- In this work, what were your most important activities or duties?
- For example, verifying invoices, selling electrical tools, managing the research department, teaching mathematics, supervising auto mechanics, operating lathe
- (If in the armed forces, give rank.)
- In this job were you mainly:
- Working for wages, salary, tips or commission?
- Working without pay on a family farm or in a business?
- Self-employed without paid help?
- Self-employed with paid help?