North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2017 Version 1.0

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.

5411 - Legal services

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing legal and paralegal services. Examples of establishments in this industry group are offices of lawyers, offices of notaries and offices of paralegals.

5412 - Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in auditing accounting records; designing accounting systems; preparing financial statements; developing budgets; preparing tax returns; processing payrolls; bookkeeping; and billing.

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.

5414 - Specialized design services

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing specialized design services, except architectural, engineering and computer systems design.

5415 - Computer systems design and related services

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing expertise in the field of information technologies through one or more activities, such as writing, modifying, testing and supporting software to meet the needs of a particular customer, including custom video design and development and Internet webpage development; planning and designing computer systems that integrate hardware, software and communication technologies; on-site management and operation of clients' computer and data processing facilities; providing advice in the field of information technologies; and other professional and technical computer-related services, such as training and support after sales.

5416 - Management, scientific and technical consulting services

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing expert advice and assistance to other organizations on management, environmental, scientific and technical issues.

  • Exclusion(s)

    • providing expert advice and assistance to other organizations on architectural and engineering issues (See 5413 Architectural, engineering and related services)
    • providing expert advice and assistance to other organizations on information technology issues (See 5415 Computer systems design and related services)
    • providing expert advice and assistance to other organizations on interior, industrial and graphic design issues (See 5414 Specialized design services)

5417 - Scientific research and development services

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting original investigation, undertaken on a systematic basis to gain new knowledge (research), and in the application of research findings or other scientific knowledge for the creation of new or significantly improved products or processes (experimental development). The industries within this industry group are defined on the basis of the domain of research; that is, on the scientific expertise of the establishment.

5418 - Advertising, public relations, and related services

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in creating mass-media advertising or public relation campaigns; placing advertising in media for advertisers or advertising agencies; selling media time or space to advertisers or advertising agencies for media owners; creating and implementing indoor or outdoor display advertising campaigns; creating and implementing direct mail advertising campaigns; delivering (except by mail) advertising materials or samples; creating and implementing specialty advertising campaigns; providing related services, such as sign painting and lettering, welcoming services and window trimming services.

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.

Report a problem on this page

Is something not working? Is there information outdated? Can't find what you're looking for?

Please contact us and let us know how we can help you.

Privacy notice

Date modified: