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)

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.

• Exclusion(s):

  Establishments primarily engaged in:

  • performing laboratory testing for the veterinary profession (See 54194 Veterinary Services)
  • performing clinical laboratory testing for the medical profession (See 62151 Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories)
  • auto emissions testing (See 81119 Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance)

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.

• Example Activities:

  • Assaying services
  • Automobile proving and testing ground
  • Biological testing (except clinical and veterinary)
  • Calibration and certification testing services
  • Electrical testing laboratory
  • Environmental laboratory testing services
  • Film badge testing services
  • Fire Insurance Underwriters' Laboratories
  • Food testing laboratory
  • Forensic laboratories (except medical)
  • Geotechnical testing laboratory
  • Hydrostatic testing laboratories
  • Acoustics testing services
  • Industrial testing laboratories
  • Laboratories, product testing
  • Laboratory testing service (except clinical and veterinary)
  • Laboratory, food testing
  • Mechanical testing, laboratories
  • Metallurgical testing laboratories
  • Non destructive testing services
  • Pollution testing service (except automotive emissions testing)
  • Product testing services
  • Radiation testing services
  • Radiographic testing services
  • Radon testing services
  • Seed testing laboratories
  • Soil testing services
  • Testing laboratory (except medical or dental)
  • Thermal testing, laboratories
  • Vibration testing services
  • X-ray inspection service