NOC 40021School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education

TEER 0 — Management occupations

NOC 40021 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education. It is classified TEER 0 — Management occupations, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Education, law, social & government services

4 › 40 › 400 › 4002

Definition

School principals plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of teachers and other staff of an elementary or secondary school. They are employed by public and private schools. Administrators of elementary and secondary education plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the academic affairs of a school system. They are employed by school boards.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
School principals
Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate, through department heads or supervisors, the activities of teachers and support staff
Review programs to ensure conformance to school board or provincial standards and develop programs within limits of authority
Coordinate teaching activities of the institution by making personnel assignments, determining class size and preparing timetables
Organize and maintain procedures for the keeping of records
Prepare and administer institution or program budget
Direct and coordinate school maintenance services and the use of school facilities
May recruit and hire teachers and other staff
May teach.
Administrators of elementary and secondary education
Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate, through school principals, the academic affairs of a school district
Evaluate curriculum, teaching methods and community participation in programs for a school district and revise programs as required
Develop and administer programs for the education and training of students and adults
Make recommendations concerning the annual operating budget of a school district
Direct the recruitment, appointment, training, evaluation and promotion of teaching personnel.

Example job titles

•board of education administrator
•chief superintendent - schools
•director of education - correctional institution
•director of school for the hearing impaired
•district school superintendent
•private school headmaster/mistress
•school principal
•school vice-principal

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Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, NOC 40021 covers school principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education. Classified under TEER 0, these management professionals are essential to the Canadian school system. School principals plan, organize, direct, control, and evaluate the overall activities of public or private elementary and secondary schools. Meanwhile, school administrators direct and control the academic affairs and educational policies of school districts or school boards.

To qualify for employment under NOC 40021, candidates must satisfy rigorous academic and professional standards. School principals must possess a bachelor's degree in education, several years of experience as a qualified teacher, and a valid provincial teacher's certificate. In some cases, a master's degree in education is also required. Administrators of elementary and secondary education typically require a master's degree in education, extensive experience as a teacher or school principal, and provincial teacher certification.

Skilled individuals in this category can explore various Canadian immigration streams, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program under the Express Entry system and several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 40021 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education is TEER 0, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 40021 usually require?

School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education is classified as TEER 0 — Management occupations. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

Is this occupation regulated in Québec?

Yes — School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education is regulated in Québec, so practising there requires recognition from the relevant professional body, and Québec immigration programs take this into account.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.