Description of sections

Education/training indicators

Education/training Indicators incorporate both educational and training requirements. These indicators consist of eight education or training types and two factors. The two factors are included in the rating where applicable. They represent requirements for entry into occupations that either cannot be objectively measured or are additional (+), and that are characterized as regulatory (R).

Each occupation is given multiple ratings, when applicable, to indicate all possible educational/training paths. In an occupation where high school and another type of training are required, the rating for high school completion has been dropped because a high school education is not sufficient for entry into that occupation.

Note: to obtain the lowest entry requirements – if the NOC describes the education or training as "usually" required, then it has been rated as if it is required. If it has been described as "may be" required, then it is rated as if it is not required. For all other cases, the education or training listed in the description has been rated as a possible option.

Indicator description

1 – No formal education or training requirements

The occupation does not require formal education or training.

2 – Some high school education and/or on the job training or experience

Some high school education is required, or on-the-job training or previous related experience alone is adequate. Some high school education may also be combined with on-the-job training or previous experience related to the occupation.

3 – High school

The completion of high school is required.

4 – Course work, training, workshops and/or experience related to the occupation

The completion of course work, training, workshops and/or experience related to the occupation, usually on completion of high school, is required. Course work refers to courses taken at special training institutes, colleges, universities and/or other training venues, but does not include the completion of a program.

5 – Apprenticeship, specialized training, vocational school training

The completion of an apprenticeship program, a specialized training program (e.g., hospital-based training for nurses) or a vocational school training program is required.

6 – College, technical school (certificate, diploma)

Completion of a program at a college or technical school is required. A program could lead to a certificate or a diploma.

7 – Undergraduate degree

Completion of a university degree at the bachelor's level is required.

8 – Post-graduate or professional degree

Completion of a university degree at the master's or doctoral level is required. Professional degrees that require additional education beyond the bachelor's level, such as law, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine, are also included.

+ – Additional requirement beyond education and training

This requirement could include extensive experience, demonstrated ability, creative ability, appointments, practicums and internships not included in other education and training descriptors. When this additional requirement is specified in the NOC, a '+' is attached to the relevant numerical ratings, or is listed separately, for an occupation. The amount of experience required may vary according to industry and/or employer. Demonstrated ability may be shown through a portfolio of work or the completion of an examination. Creative ability is required for artists, performers and athletes. In the case where two or more of these factors are required for an occupation (i.e., both extensive experience and demonstrated ability) only one '+' will appear. The narrative accompanying the ratings provides more specific details.

R – Regulated requirement(s)

An 'R' is added to the ratings to indicate that some regulated requirement exists for an occupation. Regulated requirements include licensing, certification and/or association membership. In the case where two or more regulated requirements exist, only one 'R' will appear and the accompanying narrative provides additional details.

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