Main Characteristics
The Descriptor Profile provides, in narrative form, the Main Characteristics of an occupation by describing its predominant aptitudinal, interest and functional elements.
The Descriptor Profile highlights the aptitudes most relevant in the performance of the work. They are based on the same theoretical principles and level configuration as that of the predecessor of the NOC, the Canadian Classification and Dictionary of Occupations (CCDO), Volume 2. Aptitude ratings are further discussed in the Descriptor Definitions and Rating Methodology sections.
The interests for the occupation are assigned in order of predominance. Interests are based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI). They are highlighted, along with worker functions (Data/People/Things - DPT) as further qualifiers, to describe the involvement that a worker in the occupation will have with data/information, people and things. DPT is adopted from the scales used in the CCDO.
This interpretative narrative is based on the Main Duties section of the NOC unit group descriptions as well as on the assigned ratings for the above-mentioned scales. For some groups derived from NOC subgroups with little information, research, secondary sources and the CCDO were used to provide additional narrative content. The CCDO information is generally from Volume 2, which identifies skills rather than specific job tasks.