North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2012

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54 - Professional, scientific and technical services

This sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in activities in which human capital is the major input. These establishments make available the knowledge and skills of their employees, often on an assignment basis. The individual industries of this sector are defined on the basis of the particular expertise and training of the service provider.

The main components of this sector are legal services; accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services; architectural, engineering and related services; specialized design services; computer systems design and related services; management, scientific and technical consulting services; scientific research and development services; and advertising, public relations, and related services.

The distinguishing feature of this sector is the fact that most of the industries grouped in it have production processes that are almost wholly dependent on worker skills. In most of these industries, equipment and materials are not of major importance. Thus, the establishments classified in this sector sell expertise. Much of the expertise requires a university or college education, though not in every case.

Establishments primarily engaged in providing instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects and those primarily engaged in providing health care by diagnosis and treatment are not included in this sector.

541 - Professional, scientific and technical services

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in activities in which human capital is the major input. These establishments make available the knowledge and skills of their employees, often on an assignment basis. The individual industries of this subsector are defined on the basis of the particular expertise and training of the service provider.

The main components of this subsector are legal services; accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services; architectural, engineering and related services; specialized design services; computer systems design and related services; management, scientific and technical consulting services; scientific research and development services; and advertising, public relations, and related services.

The distinguishing feature of this subsector is the fact that most of the industries grouped in it have production processes that are almost wholly dependent on worker skills. In most of these industries, equipment and materials are not of major importance. Thus, the establishments classified in this subsector sell expertise. Much of the expertise requires a university or college education, though not in every case.

Establishments primarily engaged in providing instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects and those primarily engaged in providing health care by diagnosis and treatment are not included in this subsector.

5413 - Architectural, engineering and related services

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing architectural, engineering and related services, such as structure design, drafting, building inspection, landscape design, surveying and mapping, laboratory and on-site testing, and interior, industrial, graphic and other specialized design services.

54138 - Testing laboratories

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing physical, chemical and other analytical testing services. The testing activities may occur in a laboratory or on-site.

541380 - Testing laboratories

This Canadian industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing physical, chemical and other analytical testing services. The testing activities may occur in a laboratory or on-site.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • assaying services
    • automobile proving and testing ground
    • calibration and certification services
    • food testing laboratory
    • forensic laboratories (except medical)
    • hydrostatic testing laboratories
    • non destructive testing services
    • radiation testing services
    • radiographic testing services
    • seed testing laboratories
    • testing laboratory (except medical or dental)

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • performing laboratory testing for the veterinary profession (See 541940 Veterinary services)
    • performing clinical laboratory testing for the medical profession (See 621510 Medical and diagnostic laboratories)
    • auto emissions testing (See 811199 All other automotive repair and maintenance)
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