What is the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)?
The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is a universal number system used by the federal government to classify occupations based upon work performed, skills, education, training, and credentials. The government has identified 820 occupations, and new occupations are emerging all the time. Each occupation is assigned a 6 digit SOC code, which uniquely identifies that occupation. The SOC system uses a hierarchal structure so that occupations are grouped into categories based on work preformed. For more information about the Standard Occupational Classification system go to the BLS website.
