Variant of NAICS 1997 - Goods and services

41-91 - Services

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 industries, accounting and related services industries, architectural, engineering and related services industries, surveying and mapping services industries, design services industries, management, scientific and technical consulting services industries, scientific research and development services industries, and advertising services industries.

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 industries, accounting and related services industries, architectural, engineering and related services industries, surveying and mapping services industries, design services industries, management, scientific and technical consulting services industries, scientific research and development services industries, and advertising services industries.

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.

  • Example Activities:

    • Laboratories (see specific type)
5419 - Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

This industry group comprises establishments, not classified to any other industry group, primarily engaged in providing professional, scientific and technical services. Examples of establishments included in this industry group are marketing research and public opinion polling houses; photographic studios; translators and interpreters; and veterinary practices.

54191 - Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in gathering, recording, tabulating, and presenting marketing and public opinion data.

  • Exclusion(s):

    Establishments primarily engaged in:

    • providing advice on marketing strategies (See 54161 Management Consulting Services)
    • conducting fundamental and experimental research in economics, sociology, and related fields (See 54172 Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities)
541910 - Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling

This Canadian industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in gathering, recording, tabulating, and presenting marketing and public opinion data.

  • Example Activities:

    • Market analysis or research services
    • Opinion research services
    • Political opinion polling services
    • Public opinion polling services
    • Public opinion research services
    • Sampling services, statistical
    • Broadcast media rating services
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