How is the NOC Organized?
The NOC can seem confusing if you are not familiar with it. Basically, it is a tool that is used to classify occupations according to their skill level and skill type.
Every occupation is identified by a five-number code, called the NOC code. Each number represents a different trait, which describes the type of industry, and the education and skills required.
Major Groups
The first number of the NOC Code indicates the occupational category. ESDC has divided all occupations in Canada into 10 different broad categories:
NOC Occupations – Structure Breakdown
Source: NOC Hierarchy & Structure | Structure Breakdown
The second number identifies the occupation's training, education, experience and responsibilities – TEER. Combined, these two digits define the NOC "Major Group" for all occupations with the same skill level and skill type. There are 45 major groups in NOC 2021.
Second number
Source: NOC
A TEER category is defined by the amount and type of training and education required to enter and perform the duties of an occupation. It also takes into consideration the experience required and the complexity of responsibilities involved in the work.
For more information:
Sub-major, Minor and Unit Groups
The third number further divides the major groups into 89 sub-major groups in NOC 2021.
The fourth number represents the Minor group of the classification - the domain in which an occupation is carried out. There are 162 minor groups in NOC 2021.
The fifth number represents the Unit Group of the classification - the most detailed level of the classification and represents one or several occupations combined together within the NOC. There are 516 units groups in NOC 2021.
Here is an example of how these groups are combined for Lawyers and Judges:
Source: NOC