National Occupational Classification

one of the requirements for obtaining points in the work experience category of canada's point system is that your occupation must be in the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC).

what is the NOC?

NOC stands for National Occupational Classification. it is the job classification system of Canada that explains in detail the duties, skills, talents and work setting for all the occupations in canada.

there are 10 skill types as follows:
0 Management Occupations
1 Business, Finance and Administration Occupations
2 Natural and Applied Sciences and Related Occupations
3 Health Occupations
4 Occupations in Social Science, Education, Government Service and Religion
5 Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
6 Sales and Service Occupations
7 Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupations
8 Occupations Unique to Primary Industry
9 Occupations Unique to Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities

and 4 skill levels:
A occupations which usually require university education
B occupations which usually require college education or apprenticeship training
C occupations which usually require secondary school and/or occupation-specific training
D on-the-job training is usually provided for occupations

it is important that you meet the requirements of the NOC in obtaining points for work experience. look at the descriptions carefully and check that it matches your work experience. if your current work experience is not listed in the NOC, then review all the jobs you had in the past ten years and see if one of your past jobs match any of the occupations listed. you can view a full listing of all the occupations and their descriptions here.

you must remember that your application as a skilled worker will be denied if (1) none of your work experience is on the NOC list or (2) if your experience did not occur in the past 10 years prior to your application.