What is the NOC code for a project manager?

There is no single 'project manager' NOC code — the right code depends on the industry. IT/software project managers usually fit NOC 20012 (Computer and information systems managers, TEER 0). Construction PMs fit NOC 70010. Engineering PMs fit NOC 20011. Generic business-process PMs often map to NOC 11201 (Business management consulting professionals).

Can I use NOC 20012 if I'm a Scrum Master or Agile Coach?

Only if you also direct and evaluate the work of IT teams. A pure Scrum Master role without management authority is closer to NOC 21231/21232 (depending on technical depth) or NOC 11201.

Is project manager always TEER 0?

No. NOC 20012 is TEER 0 (manager). NOC 11201 is TEER 1. NOC 70010 (construction) is TEER 0. Pick the one that matches your industry AND your duties — never both by title alone.

Project manager NOC code — picking the right one for Express Entry

There is no single project manager NOC code — it depends on your industry. IT/software PMs map to NOC 20012 (TEER 0), construction PMs to NOC 70010, engineering PMs to NOC 20011, and business-process PMs to NOC 11201 (TEER 1). Pick by what you actually manage — not by the words "project manager" in your title.

Knowing your NOC code is only half the equation. IRCC doesn't ask what your code is — they ask whether your reference letter duties prove it. Most refusals at the eligibility stage aren't wrong NOC codes, they're correct codes (like 20012 for project managers) with reference letters that don't back them up.

A NOC code that doesn't match your actual duties isn't just a paperwork issue — IRCC can treat it as misrepresentation, which carries consequences that go well beyond a single refused application.

Confirming your NOC code before you submit is a lot cheaper than correcting it after.

Educational information only, not legal advice. Consequences vary based on individual circumstances.

Real example: A Project Manager applicant claimed NOC 20012 but their reference letter described meeting notes and Jira housekeeping, none of the planning, budgeting, or engineering-oversight duties NOC 20012 requires. Refused at the eligibility stage.

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PM-to-NOC map by industry

IT / software / digital PM: NOC 20012 (Computer and information systems managers, TEER 0) — if you direct IT teams. Otherwise NOC 11201.
Construction PM: NOC 70010 (Construction managers, TEER 0).
Engineering PM (civil, mechanical, electrical): NOC 20011 (Engineering managers, TEER 0).
Manufacturing / operations PM: NOC 70020 (Managers in transportation) or NOC 90010 (Manufacturing managers).
Business-process / consulting PM: NOC 11201 (Professional occupations in business management consulting, TEER 1).
Marketing campaign manager: NOC 11202 or NOC 10022.
R&D / scientific PM: NOC 20011 or NOC 21100 (Physicists and astronomers / discipline-specific).

The PMP myth

The PMP certification has zero weight in NOC selection. IRCC reads duties, not credentials. A PMP-certified person whose duties are mostly status-reporting and coordination — without people-management authority — does not automatically qualify as NOC 20012 or any other TEER 0 code.

Manager vs coordinator vs scrum master

If you don't have people-management authority (hire/fire, performance reviews, budget), you're not a manager NOC. Pure coordination work usually fits NOC 11201 (TEER 1). Scrum Masters with no people authority should look at NOC 21231/21232 or NOC 11201 depending on technical depth.

What IRCC actually checks

What surprises most applicants: IRCC officers compare your reference letter duty lines word-by-word against the official NOC duty list. Generic phrases like “managed projects” or “supported the team” fail this check every time.

IRCC refused 23% of Express Entry applicants at the eligibility stage. A $9.99 check is insurance against a $1,500+ mistake.

PM is a job title — NOC needs a domain. Pick wrong, get refused.

Tech PMs, construction PMs, and marketing PMs land in three different NOCs. The Match + alternatives plan ranks every candidate code against your duties so you pick the one IRCC will accept.

Check My NOC

FAQ

What is the NOC code for a project manager?: There is no single 'project manager' NOC code — the right code depends on the industry. IT/software project managers usually fit NOC 20012 (Computer and information systems managers, TEER 0). Construction PMs fit NOC 70010. Engineering PMs fit NOC 20011. Generic business-process PMs often map to NOC 11201 (Business management consulting professionals).
Can I use NOC 20012 if I'm a Scrum Master or Agile Coach?: Only if you also direct and evaluate the work of IT teams. A pure Scrum Master role without management authority is closer to NOC 21231/21232 (depending on technical depth) or NOC 11201.
Is project manager always TEER 0?: No. NOC 20012 is TEER 0 (manager). NOC 11201 is TEER 1. NOC 70010 (construction) is TEER 0. Pick the one that matches your industry AND your duties — never both by title alone.

Last updated: June 2026