What NOC and TEER mean
The National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021) gives every type of job a five-digit code. The second digit is its TEER level (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities), from 0 (management) to 5 (no formal education needed).
| TEER | What it usually means | Counts for FSW and CEC? |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Management | Yes |
| 1 | University degree | Yes |
| 2 | College diploma, apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory | Yes |
| 3 | College under 2 years, apprenticeship under 2 years, or 6+ months of training | Yes |
| 4 | High school and job training | No |
| 5 | Short work demonstration, no formal education | No |
How to choose the right code
- Search the official NOC site with your job title.
- Open the unit group and read the lead statement and main duties.
- Pick the code where the lead statement matches your work and you performed most of the main duties.
- Your reference letters should describe those duties in your own job's terms.
Why it matters
- Program eligibility depends on TEER.
- Category rounds list specific codes. Being one digit off can mean you are not eligible.
- Many provincial streams target specific codes.
Try the NOC finder to see how any code is treated in 2026.
Common questions
My employer used a different job title. Does that matter?
No. IRCC looks at your duties, not your title.
Can I have work in two NOC codes?
Yes, but FSW counts continuous experience in one primary occupation. Category rounds let you combine months across listed occupations.