Variant of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0 for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Additional information

The newly created variant of the NOC 2021 Version 1.0 - STEM groups occupations into three groupings. The first digit of the variant code represents the variant groupings: A = STEM, B = STEM related and C = Other than STEM.

A. STEM occupations refer to occupations which generate advancements and create innovations through the application of knowledge and expertise from one or more fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as a central function of the occupation.

B. STEM-related occupations refer to occupations requiring the application of knowledge and expertise from one or more fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to perform central functions related to the occupation.

C. Other than STEM occupations (Non-STEM) refer to occupations requiring knowledge and competencies in one or more areas (usually related to the occupation) other than STEM to complete central functions of a job. Fundamental STEM knowledge may be used to varying degrees to support tasks. This category includes a wide variety of occupational areas such as senior management, law, culture, recreation, operations, trades and sales. These occupational areas may require knowledge and/or expertise acquired through formal and non-formal education or training.

The 2nd digit of the variant code for A - STEM occupations only represents the categories of STEM: A1 - STEM - Science and Science Technology; A2 - STEM - Engineering and Engineering Technology; A3 - STEM - Mathematics, Computer, and Information Sciences.

The 2nd digit of the variant code for B - STEM-related and C - Other than STEM occupations represents the Broad Occupational Categories (BOC) of the standard classification. For example, B2 = STEM-related - Natural and applied sciences and related occupations, and C9 = Other than STEM - Occupations in manufacturing and utilities.

Note 1: There are no STEM related occupations in BOCs 0, 5, 6, and 7, this is why the BOC variant codes start at B1 and change from B4 to B8.

Note 2: Teaching and academic research occupations within University professors and lecturers (NOC 41200), Post-secondary teaching and research assistants (NOC 41201) and College and other vocational instructors (NOC 41210) could be considered STEM, STEM-related or Other than STEM depending on subject matter being taught.