SIMINCA - Work in Canada - National Occupational Classification

National Occupational Classification of Canada (NOC)

The National Occupational Classification of Canada (NOC):

Is Canada's official source of information on professions
Provides descriptions about occupations available in the country
Represents a standardized employment classification system
Is based on extensive research and analysis on available careers and professions
Is updated every five years in collaboration with Statistics Canada (Canada's Government statistical agency) and
Takes into account the evolution of Canada's labour market.

Canada's immigration policy aims to attract skilled workers who have the following training and experience:

in Management (classified under the NOC's Skill type O --please consult the table below for a general description of skill levels and types) or
in any other field as long as their experience has been in an occupation which the NOC defines as being of A or B Skill level.

Quebec aims to attract workers with the same profile as well as with experience in a C Skill level rated occupation.

The next table summarizes the kind of educational backgrounds which usually characterize these O, A, B and C occupations, as defined by the NOC.

For further details please consult the following Government of Canada Human Resources and Social Development internet link National Occupational Classification (2006) .

Skill type letter	Skill level digit	Nature of education or training
O Management	N/A	Education is ot a determining factor in most cases. Experience is required.
Skill level
A Occupations usually require university education	1	University degree at the bachelor's, master's or doctorate level
B Occupations usually require college education or apprenticeship training	2 or 3	a) Two to three years of post-secondary education at a community college, institute of technology or CEGEP (Quebec college) Or b) Two to five years of apprenticeship training Or c) Three to five years of secondary school and more than two years of on-the-job training, specialized training courses or specific work experience. d) Occupations with supervisory responsibilities and occupations with significant health and safety responsibilities, such as firefighters, police officers and registered nursing assistants are all assigned the skill level B.
C Occupations usually require secondary school and/or occupation-specific training	4 or 5	a) One to four years of secondary education Or b) Up to two years of on-the-job training, specialized training courses or specific work experience.
D On-the-job training is usually provided for occupations	6	a) Short work demonstration or on-the-job training Or b) No formal educational requirements