National Occupational Classification, 2016
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Released: 2016-10-25
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 is jointly released by Statistics Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This classification is an update to NOC 2011.
NOC provides a systematic classification structure that categorizes the entire range of occupational activity in Canada. Detailed occupations are identified and grouped primarily according to the work performed, as determined by the tasks, duties and responsibilities of the occupation. The NOC 2016 update incorporates emerging and new job titles, and clarifies the content of unit groups. The descriptions and job titles of some unit groups were updated to reflect added information, changes in terminology to correspond with current usage, and the evolution of some occupations.
NOC 2016 maintains the structure of NOC 2011 and provides historic comparability. No major groups, minor groups or unit groups were added, deleted or combined, though some groups have new names or updated content. Like NOC 2011, the organization of NOC 2016 is based on the dual criteria of skill type and skill level to support relevant labour market analysis.
NOC is jointly reviewed and updated by ESDC and Statistics Canada. This update to the classification reflects occupational research and consultation done every 5 years to incorporate information on new occupations. Each 10 years, structural changes that affect the classification framework, such as the addition of new classes, are considered.
NOC 2016 is being used in the 2016 Census for classifying occupation data. Census 2016 data on occupations will be released in November 2017.
Note to readers
Additional information is also available on the Contact for National Occupational Classification page of the Employment and Social Development Canada website.
Products
The National Occupational Classification (NOC), 2016 (12-583-X), is now available from the Browse by key resource module of our website, under Publications.
Contact information
For more information, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; STATCAN.infostats-infostats.STATCAN@canada.ca).
To enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Media Relations (STATCAN.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.STATCAN@canada.ca), Statistics Canada, or visit the Employment and Social Development Canada website.
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