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Using The Occupational Classification System Manual (OCSM)
A. OCSM Coding System
B. Steps For Getting The Proper Occupation Classification
1. Obtain a job description
2. Determine the nature, duties, and responsibilities of the job 3. Determine the Major Occupational Group (MOG) 4. Determine the appropriate "Sub-MOG" 5. Determine the correct Census code for the job
C. Special Topics
1. Cross References 2. Defining Apprentices, Helpers, and Laborers for NCS Purposes
3. Defining Managers and Supervisors for NCS Purposes
4. N.E.C. Occupations
A. OCSM Coding System
The OCSM is based on the 1990 Census of Population and Housing Classified Index of
Industries and Occupations. The Census Bureau categorizes the occupations of
individuals recorded by the decennial Census and creates the Census Index. The Census
Index classifies occupations into about 500 occupation classifications within 13 major
group categories.
MOGs Defined
A Major Occupation Group (MOG) is an NCS term referring to a particular occupation
group used in the programs. The MOGs are based on Census occupation groupings and are
composed of Census occupation classifications. The BLS combines the thirteen Census
occupational groups into eleven MOGs. Currently, nine of eleven MOGs are in scope for the
NCS surveys. The eleven MOGs with their alphabetic assigned code are listed below:
MOG |
Title |
In-scope? |
A |
Professional, Technical, and Related Occupations |
YES |
B |
Executive, Administrative, and Managerial
Occupations |
YES |
C |
Sales Occupations |
YES |
D |
Administrative Support Occupations |
YES |
E |
Precision, Production, Craft, and Repair Occupations |
YES |
F |
Machine Operators, Assemblers, and Inspectors |
YES |
G |
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations |
YES |
H |
Handlers, Equipment Cleaners, Helpers, and Laborers |
YES |
I |
Farming, Forestry, and Fishing Occupations* |
NO |
K |
Service Occupations |
YES |
L |
Private Household Occupations* |
NO |
*Farming, Forestry, and Fishing, and Private Household MOGs
are out of scope for the NCS surveys. Selected agricultural occupations found in the
nonfarm sector are included in MOG H (H483-H498). All other MOG I and MOG L occupations
are out-of-scope for NCS.
Nearly all Census occupations are used in the OCSM. In addition, BLS has chosen
to identify at least one Not Elsewhere Classified (N.E.C.) occupation within each MOG.
This action has necessitated the creation of occupational classifications that are not
included by the Census. The N.E.C. occupation category is included in each MOG to ensure
that a classification exists for that occupation. A note appears for each OCSM occupation
that varies from the Census classification. See "Special topics" for additional
information regarding N.E.C. occupations.
NCS adds the corresponding Major Occupation Group (MOG) alpha code to a
three-digit occupation code to establish a four character occupation code. The alpha MOG
code (A, B, C, etc.) is the first character of the code. The remaining characters are
numeric and correspond to the numeric codes that are assigned by the Census. For example,
the four character code for "Lawyers" is A178. The MOG code is "A" and
the numeric Census code is "178."
B. Steps For Getting The Proper Occupation
Classification
In order to publish data by any occupational breakdown, BLS must classify each job
correctly using the OCSM. Matching solely by title often leads to error. The duties and
responsibilities of the position must be used to ensure a proper match.
1. Obtain a job description
2. Determine the nature, duties, and responsibilities of the
job
Nature :
- Is this job exempt or nonexempt?
- Blue-collar or white-collar?
- If the job is blue-collar, is it skilled or unskilled?
Duties :
- Are the employees doing work that requires a degree?
- If so, what kind of degree?
- Do the employees do tasks that are clerical in nature?
- Are they involved primarily with sales?
- Do the employees work primarily with machines or people?
- Do the employees transport either people or goods?
Do the employees supervise other people?
Are the employees expected to show judgment in determining what tasks need to be done?
All of this information is used to determine the proper classification.
3. Determine the Major Occupational Group (MOG)
Occupational classification focuses on the duties of the job, rather than what a
particular incumbent might do in a job. The duties of the job determine the Major
Occupational Group. In an engineering firm, for example, some of the engineers may
lend their expertise to help out with accounting, budgeting, or sales. Nevertheless, the
intent of the job is engineering, despite occasional tasks that cross into other MOGs.
4. Determine the appropriate "Sub-MOG"
A "Sub-MOG" is a term invented by BLS to refer to a group of similar
occupations. The OCSM lists the occupations by Sub-MOGs. Examples include "Engineers,
Architects, and Surveyors" and "Mechanics and Repairers".
The 9 MOGs are broken up into 62 Sub-MOGs. MOG A has the most Sub-MOGs, with 15. MOG B
has only one Sub-MOG with the other MOGs somewhere in between.
Once the MOG is determined, the most appropriate Sub-MOG is determined based on the
duties and responsibilities of the job.
If a job can not be classified in a Sub-MOG, the MOG-level Not Elsewhere Classified
(N.E.C.) codes are used.
Not all jobs have overall MOG N.E.C. jobs. Heres a list:
MOG |
Overall MOG
N.E.C. jobs |
A |
YES |
B |
NO |
C |
YES |
D |
YES |
E |
NO |
F |
NO |
G |
YES |
H |
YES |
K |
YES |
5. Determine the correct Census code for the job
After determining the correct Sub-MOG for a job, the Census code that best fits
the duties and responsibilities of a job is determined.
If a job can not be classified in any of the jobs in the Sub-MOG, a Sub-MOG level
N.E.C. code is used. These are jobs which can be matched to a particular Sub-MOG, but not
to any particular job in the Sub-MOG.
C. SPECIAL TOPICS
1. Cross References
Cross references are included if two or more Census occupations occur with similar job
functions or titles. The cross references are exclusion statements that precede the Census
occupation description for the pertinent occupations. For example, immediately preceding
the description for occupation A063 (Surveyors and Mapping Scientists) is the statement,
"Exclude Surveyor Helpers (H866) and Surveying and Mapping Technicians (A218)."
Prior to matching a job to A063, verify that the establishment job matches the occupation
description for A063 and does not more appropriately fit the descriptions for H866 or
A218.
2. Defining Apprentices, Helpers, and Laborers for NCS
Purposes
Four related jobs categories—apprentices, helpers, laborers, and journey level
workers—are given special attention in the OCSM. These jobs are prevalent in many
industries, especially manufacturing and construction.
a. For NCS purposes apprentices are workers who learn
a recognized skill, craft, or trade requiring one or more years of on-the-job training
through job experience supplemented by related instruction. Usually, before entering an
apprenticeship program certain requirements must be fulfilled. Apprenticeship is a program
that can be defined through a contract or agreement.
b. For NCS purposes helpers are semi-skilled workers
who assist other workers who usually have higher levels of competence or expertise.
Helpers perform a variety of duties such as furnishing another worker with materials,
tools, and supplies; cleaning work areas, machines, and equipment; feeding or offbearing
machines; holding materials or tools; and performing other routine duties. A helper may
learn a trade but does so informally and without contract or agreement with the employer.
c. For NCS purposes laborers are unskilled workers
who perform tasks at the work area. Laborers perform unskilled tasks, primarily manual,
and do not have an area of trade specialization.
d. For NCS purposes journey level workers are workers
who have completed a specified training program or apprenticeship program or have
qualifying experience in a craft or trade.
e. Summary
Apprentices are included with the corresponding skilled census occupation unless
specifically excluded. If the apprentice job is excluded, you will find
the appropriate match specific to the apprentice within the same MOG as the skilled
occupation. All apprentices are matched with their corresponding skilled occupations
except for 8 MOG E specific apprentice jobs.
Helpers are excluded from skilled occupations (and corresponding MOG) unless the job
description specifically included them. All those excluded will be matched in MOG H.
Construction helpers specialize in a particular craft or trade.
Helpers (outside the construction industry) whose duties are limited or are primarily
engaged in one type of activity are classified according to the appropriate laborer
occupation in MOG H. Other helpers are classified in MOG H in the appropriate helper
occupation.
3. Defining Managers and Supervisors for NCS Purposes
Managers and supervisors are employees who are distinguished by what they control or
oversee. Managers control functions of a department or organization while supervisors
oversee employees in job activities to ensure that the objectives set by the managers are
realized. Both managers and supervisors are included in NCS.
a. Managers are employees who plan, organize, direct, and control the
functions of an establishment or department through subordinates at the managerial or
supervisory level. Managers make decisions and establish objectives for the department or
establishment. Generally they are not concerned with the fabrication of products or the
provision of services.
Managers preside over supervisors and, in some cases, other managers (except in small
establishments where the manager may serve as supervisor). Managers assume responsibility
for the products or services of the department or establishment. Most managers are
classified in MOG B.
b. Supervisors are employees who oversee and coordinate the activities
of workers. Supervisors assign duties, examine the work performed, and monitor work
performance and work procedures. They analyze and try to resolve work problems.
Supervisors also suggest and initiate plans for increased work efficiency. Supervisors may
possess knowledge of and perform the work of the employees they oversee. Supervisors work
closely with employees and are usually classified in the MOG of the workers they direct.
Some managerial occupations may perform both managerial duties and responsibilities
similar to those of a supervisor, particularly in small departments or establishments and
retail and wholesale trade establishments. The classification of this occupation is based
on the amount of control the employee maintains over the functions of the department or
establishment in which the employee works.
See the following table for additional information regarding the relationship between
managers and supervisors.
Managers |
Supervisors |
Establish objectives, make decisions, and set standards
for the department or establishment. |
Carry out management decisions by directing employees
toward goals and objectives |
May preside over supervisors and other managers (except
in small establishments where manager can also serve as supervisor). |
Do not preside over other supervisors and/or manager. |
Generally are unconcerned with the tasks required to
meet department or establishment goals. |
Directly oversee employees in job activities and may be
skilled to perform these duties. Possess knowledge of operational procedures,
capabilities, and performance. |
4. N.E.C. Occupations
The Census occupations are all inclusive in coverage. In other words, any
establishment occupation (except in MOGs I and L) can be matched. To guarantee this full
coverage of occupations, certain occupations are designated "Not Elsewhere
Classified" (N.E.C.).
An N.E.C. occupation captures the occupations not specifically classified or
included in a separate Census occupation. N.E.C. occupations are at or below the MOG
level. For example, occupation D336 (Records Clerks N.E.C.) is below the MOG because the
occupation is restricted to include only those records clerks in MOG D who cannot be
classified in one of the specific records clerks occupations. Occupation D389
(Administrative Support Occupations, N.E.C.) is at the MOG level because the occupation is
a catch-all for all MOG D occupations that do not match specific MOG D occupations but
maintain the distinction of administrative support or clerical occupations.
Go to the Occupational Classification System Manual
Last modified: October 16, 2001
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