How Can I Learn More About the NOC?
An NOC Training Tutorial is available online for individuals who wish to develop an understanding of the classification system and how it can be used to explore the world of work. This tutorial is self-directed and allows individuals to study specific parts of the NOC.
Where do I find information on credential recognition?
The NOC 2006 does not contain information about recognition of foreign or international credentials.
Information on foreign credential recognition is available through the Web site of the Working in Canada. This service is designed for internationally-trained and educated individuals who wish to have their credentials recognized in Canada. It provides information, guidelines and referral services to help people put their skills to work in Canada more rapidly.
For information on regulated occupations and credential recognition between Canadian provinces and territories, please visit the Working in Canada Web site.
If you need help to find the NOC 2006 code for your occupation, please Ask Us.
Where do I find information about immigration?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) uses the NOC 2006 to determine if individuals meet the experience requirements to immigrate to Canada through the Skilled Workers and Professionals Program. However, the NOC is not part of CIC and we cannot advise you on matters related to immigration procedures.
If your question is related to immigration, you will have to contact CIC.
We also suggest you contact the Working in Canada. This service provides information on procedures to follow for the recognition of education and training credentials obtained outside of Canada. It also provides referral services to help people put their skills to work in Canada more rapidly and efficiently.
Information on living and working in Canada can be found on HRSDC's Going to Canada Immigration Portal Web site.
If you need help in finding your NOC 2006 code, which you will need in order to complete your immigration application, please Ask Us.
How often is the NOC updated?
The NOC is updated to coincide with Census cycles through a collaborative partnership with Statistics Canada. The last NOC update was done in 2006, in conjunction with Census 2006. Occupational research and analyses for the NOC 2011 update are underway.
How can I access information on wages, salaries and jobs in my field of work?
Canadian labour market information is available on the Government of Canada's Working in Canada Web site. It answers questions about jobs, skills, wages, salaries and the availability of workers in specific areas across Canada. Users can perform searches by NOC 2006 code.
Where can I find information on education and training programs?
The NOC 2006 does not contain information regarding specific training or educational programs. Training and education in Canada are the responsibilities of individual provincial and territorial governments. Therefore, it is suggested that you contact the Ministry of Education and Training in your province or territory.
We also encourage you to visit the CanLearn Web site for information about Canadian universities, colleges, scholarships and programs.
For information about regulated trades and professions in Canada, including the regulatory bodies responsible for licensure, please visit the Working in Canada Web site.
How can I find a job?
The NOC 2006 does not offer employment services. Please consult the following resources for information on current employment opportunities in Canada:
www.jobs.gc.ca
www.jobbank.gc.ca
For training, career and worker information, please visit:
www.jobsetc.ca
What are NOC Skill Types and Skill Levels?
The first digit of the NOC 2006 code identifies the Skill Type of an occupation. For example, Health Occupations start with the digit 3. Management Occupations, which are found across all Skill Types, from 1 through 9, start with the digit 0.
The NOC 2006 consists of four broad skill levels identified as A through D. These levels correspond to the kind and/or amount of training or education required for entering an occupation. Management occupations are not subject to the skill level criteria as entry into management is often dependant on previous occupational experience or expertise and other factors.
Occupations in Skill Types 1 through to 9 are classified under Skill Levels A, B, C or D. Management occupations, which span all Skill Types, are found above the Skill Level categorization in the NOC Matrix 2006.
Skill Level is referenced by the second digit of the NOC 2006 code. The second numeral in the NOC 2006 code for an occupation identifies the Skill Level as follows:
- 1 corresponds to Skill Level A
- 2 or 3 correspond to Skill Level B
- 4 or 5 correspond to Skill Level C
- 6 corresponds to Skill Level D
Skill Level A represents occupations usually requiring university education. Skill Level B refers to occupations usually requiring college education or apprenticeship training. Skill Level C occupations generally require completion of secondary school and some job-specific training or completion of courses directly related to the work. Skill Level D occupations usually require on-the-job training, short demonstration sessions or instruction that takes place in the work environment.
Please consult the NOC Training Tutorial for further details.
How can I make use of the NOC 2006 Web Service (NOCWS)?
The NOC 2006 Web Service (NOCWS) enables users to integrate NOC 2006 information directly into their organizations' Internet-enabled applications (i.e.: Web sites).
The NOCWS 2006 is designed to help organizations provide better quality services to their clients. It enables organizations to:
- Improve timely access to relevant occupational and skill information;
- Ensure accuracy and consistency of information in their products and services;
- Integrate occupational information into Web sites under their own look and feel; and
- Save money on costs related to application development, database uploading and maintenance.
Please note that if you wish to use NOC 2006 data for commercial purposes, a licensing royalty fee will apply.
For more information on how NOCWS 2006 can provide useful solutions for your organization, please Ask Us.
How can I order NOC 2006 materials or publications?
If you would like to order NOC 2006 bookmarks, Career Handbook bookmarks or NOC 2006 Matrix posters, please Ask Us.
As of the 2006 update of the NOC, all NOC materials, including the Index of Titles and the Career Handbook, are available on our Web site free of charge.
For those users who are unable to access NOC 2006 information electronically, a paper version of the NOC 2006 has been made available. Print copies may be purchased from Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) for $99.95 CAD plus shipping, handling and taxes. Ordering information.
How do I apply for copyright clearance to use NOC 2006 content?
Please Ask Us for this information
Is there a crosswalk between the NOC and the NOC-S?
For information on how to obtain a crosswalk - or concordance table - between the NOC and the NOC-S, please visit our About NOC 2006 section.