National Occupational Classification

The NOC provides a standardized language for describing the work performed by Canadians and serves as a framework to:

• define and collecting statistics
• manage information databases
• analyze labour market trends
• extract practical career planning information

Using a standard way of organizing occupational information, the NOC supports various career information resources, such as:

• the occupational outlooks
• the national Job Bank listing of jobs available across Canada

The basic principle of classification of the NOC is the kind of work performed. It represents the main source of information for identifying and grouping occupations.

NOC users include:

• economists and statisticians
• researchers
• career developers
• counsellors
• students
• immigrants
• job seekers

ESDC, in partnership with Statistics Canada, update the NOC on an ongoing basis. The objective of revisions is to ensure that the information of the NOC is accurate and current.