National Occupational Classification, 2011

August 11, 2011 Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor HR Analytics, HRMS, Human Resources, Recruiting and Hiring, Training and Development, Union Relations

The structure of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011 has changed and is replacing Statistics Canada’s National Occupational Classification for Statistics (NOC-S) 2006 and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s (HRSDC) NOC 2006, eliminating the differences that have existed between these two classifications. The NOC is being adapted to reflect the significant structural changes in the Canadian labour market since 2001.

The National Occupational Classification is the nationally accepted reference on occupations in Canada. It organizes over 30,000 job titles into 520 occupational group descriptions and in terms of aptitudes, interests, education, physical activities and other qualifiers. It is used daily by thousands of people to compile, analyze and communicate information about occupations, and to understand the jobs found throughout Canada’s labour market. The structure and content of the NOC are also implemented in a number of major services and products throughout the private and public sectors.

The Canadian National Occupation Classification is also applicable to people applying for immigration to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

The 2011 edition of NOC consists of major revisions that involve in-depth analysis and assessment of the input received through consultations and job studies.

Key revisions include:

Implementing a unified coding structure based on the NOC Skill Type by Skill Level logic of the Matrix
Realigning the NOC-S and NOC structures to a common system of 39 major groups
Expanding certain Skill Types to account for new major groups
Dividing the middle management group into three major groups and incorporating all management occupations in Skill Level “A”
Classifying all military occupations in one of the two existing unit groups, specific to the military, consistent with NOC-S coding of military personnel for data purposes

The NOC provides employers and employees with a standardized way of describing and understanding the nature of work

Practically, the National Occupational Classification content can help users develop job descriptions to hire employees, evaluate employee performance and identify training needs.

Yosie Saint-Cyr
First Reference Inc. Human Resources and Compliance Managing Editor

About
Latest Posts

Follow me

Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor

Managing Editor at First Reference Inc.

Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B., is a trained lawyer called to the Quebec bar in 1988 and is still a member in good standing. She practiced business, employment and labour law until 1999. For over 18 years, Yosie has been the Managing Editor of the following publications, Human Resources Advisor, Human Resources PolicyPro, HRinfodesk and Accessibility Standards PolicyPro from First Reference. Yosie is one of Canada’s best known and most respected HR authors, with an extensive background in employment and labour across the country. Read more