What is NOC/TEER? Canada's Occupation Classification Explained
NOC stands for National Occupational Classification — Canada's official system for classifying every job in the economy. Since November 2022, each NOC code also carries a TEER category (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities), a number from 0 to 5 that replaced the older "Skill Type/Skill Level" system. Your occupation's NOC/TEER classification determines eligibility for most Express Entry programs and category-based draws.
The TEER Categories
| TEER | Typical Requirement | Example Occupations |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Management occupations | Senior managers, directors |
| 1 | University degree | Engineers, accountants, IT professionals |
| 2 | College diploma or apprenticeship (2+ years) or supervisory role | Electricians, technicians, supervisors |
| 3 | College diploma or apprenticeship (under 2 years) | Cooks, some trades |
| 4 | High school diploma and/or short-term training | Retail, food service, general labour |
| 5 | Short demonstration and no formal education | Entry-level, on-the-job training only |
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and most category-based draws require experience at TEER 0-3. Anything TEER 4-5 generally isn't eligible for these programs, though provincial programs sometimes have separate rules.
Why Your NOC/TEER Code Matters
- Program eligibility: Whether you qualify for FSW, CEC, or a category-based draw depends on your NOC/TEER classification.
- Job offer points: A qualifying job offer only adds CRS points if it's classified at the right TEER level with LMIA backing.
- Category-based draws: Trades, Healthcare, STEM, and other category draws are defined by specific lists of NOC codes — your occupation either is or isn't on the list.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing the NOC code that sounds best rather than the one that matches your actual duties. IRCC checks your work experience letters against the NOC's official duties list — a mismatch is a common cause of application delays or refusals.
- Assuming your job title maps directly to a NOC code. NOC classification is based on actual duties performed, not job titles, which vary widely between employers and countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my NOC/TEER code?
Search the National Occupational Classification tool on the Government of Canada website using your job title or duties — it will return the matching NOC code and TEER level.
Did TEER replace NOC entirely?
No — NOC codes still exist and identify the specific occupation. TEER replaced the old "Skill Type/Skill Level" classification that used to sit alongside NOC codes, providing a more precise breakdown of the education/training/experience required.
Can I qualify under a different NOC code than my actual job title?
Your NOC code must match your actual job duties, not your job title — this is verified against your work experience reference letters, so choose the code that genuinely reflects the work you performed.