NOC 41320Educational counsellors

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

NOC 41320 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Educational counsellors. It is classified TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree, 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

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Definition

Educational counsellors advise current and prospective students on educational issues, career planning and personal development, and coordinate the provision of counselling services to students, parents, teachers, faculty and staff. They are employed by school boards and post-secondary educational institutions.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Counsel students regarding educational issues such as course and program selection, time tables and scheduling, school adjustment, attendance problems and study skills
Counsel students regarding career or vocational issues including career exploration and planning, résumé preparation, job interview skills and job search strategies and make available to them a wide range of educational and occupational information
Coordinate co-op and school-to-work transition programs, and the provision of counselling and information services, such as career information, professional development sessions and exchanges with other educational institutions, to students, parents, teachers, faculty and staff
Consult with teachers and parents or faculty and other professionals such as psychologists, speech therapists and social workers regarding various issues and concerns, and with administrators and community agencies regarding programs and referrals
Administer and interpret standardized intelligence, personality, vocational, aptitude and interest tests
Develop and coordinate study skills groups or workshops in high schools, colleges and universities on topics such as note-taking, test or examination anxiety and preparation strategies and time management skills
Visit colleges and secondary schools to provide academic information to prospective students, their parents and educational counsellors
Coordinate or participate in student orientation programs in colleges or universities
Arrange for employers to recruit graduating college and university students, and students for co-op education work terms
Counsel students regarding personal and social issues such as substance abuse, depression, sexuality, eating disorders, anxiety, self-esteem, family problems, relationship and interpersonal skills and anger management
Counsel students in crisis situations such as dealing with the death of a friend or family member, suicidal tendencies and abuse situations
May supervise peer counselling programs in school settings
May supervise field experience for graduate students in counselling
May teach regular classes.
Vocational counsellors in Quebec may also provide professional orientation to individuals with a mental illness, disabilities, and those with adaptation difficulties. Those with specific training may also perform certain mental health assessments.

Example job titles

•academic counsellor
•career counsellor - education
•Indigenous advisor - college
•school counsellor
•student services counsellor

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Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Educational Counsellors are classified under code 41320 (TEER 1). Individuals in this occupation provide information, counsel, and guidance on academic, career, and personal matters to students in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educational institutions. Their duties typically involve consulting with teachers, parents, and community agencies, administering standardized tests, and coordinating career development programs to support student success.

To qualify for employment under NOC 41320 in Canada, candidates generally require a bachelor's degree in education, psychology, social work, or a related discipline. In many cases, a master's degree in counselling psychology, guidance counselling, or school counselling is required. Depending on the province or territory of employment, registration with a provincial regulatory body or membership in a professional association may be mandatory.

As a TEER 1 occupation, educational counsellors are eligible for key Canadian economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) managed under the Express Entry system. Various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also offer targeted pathways for skilled workers in this category.

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 41320 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Educational counsellors is TEER 1, 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 41320 usually require?

Educational counsellors is classified as TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

Is this occupation regulated in Québec?

Yes — Educational counsellors 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.