Hardware circuit board designer NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for hardware circuit board designer.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for hardware circuit board designer is 21311 (Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)), a TEER 1 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's a high-wage occupation (Level 2): +40 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 70 for a job offer.
NOC code
21311
TEER 1 · skilled
High-wage
Level 2
+40 work · 70 job offer
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 21311 covers
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) research, plan, design, develop, modify, evaluate and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware and related equipment, and information and communication system networks including mainframe systems, local and wide area networks, fibre-optic networks, wireless communication networks, intranets, the Internet and other data communications systems. They are employed by computer and telecommunication hardware manufacturers, by engineering, manufacturing and telecommunications firms, in information technology consulting firms, by governmental, educational and research institutions and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.
| Unit group | 21311 — Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 1 — usually requires a university degree |
| Broad category | Natural and applied sciences and related occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Computer and telecommunications hardware engineers
- Analyze user requirements, and design and develop system architecture and specifications
- Research, design, develop and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware such as microprocessors, integrated circuit boards and semiconductor lasers
- Develop and conduct design verification simulations and prototype bench tests of components
- Supervise, inspect and provide design support during the manufacturing, installation and implementation of computer and telecommunications hardware
- Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and clients
To use NOC 21311 on an Express Entry profile or reference letter, your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties. See every duty and the full Express Entry breakdown for NOC 21311 →
Other job titles under NOC 21311
- Computer hardware engineer
- Fibre-optic network designer
- Hardware development engineer
- Hardware technical architect
- Network test engineer
- Telecommunications hardware engineer
- Systems designer - hardware
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 21311, one of these may fit better:
- Advertising designer — NOC 52120 (Graphic designers and illustrators, TEER 2)
- Aircraft interior designer — NOC 52121 (Interior designers and interior decorators, TEER 2)
- Bank note designer — NOC 52120 (Graphic designers and illustrators, TEER 2)
- Board of education administrator — NOC 40021 (School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education, TEER 0)
- Circuit board assembler — NOC 94201 (Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers, TEER 4)
- Circuit breaker assembler — NOC 94202 (Assemblers and inspectors, electrical appliance, apparatus and equipment manufacturing, TEER 4)
- Clothing designer — NOC 53123 (Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers, TEER 3)
- Costume designer — NOC 53123 (Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers, TEER 3)
Calculate your CRS score → · All job titles A–Z · High-wage list
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0 (example titles and duties); IRCC high-wage occupations and category-based selection lists. Check the official NOC site before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for hardware circuit board designer?+
In NOC 2021, "hardware circuit board designer" is an example title in unit group 21311 — Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers). It is a TEER 1 occupation in the "Natural and applied sciences and related occupations" broad category.
Is hardware circuit board designer eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 21311 is TEER 1, which IRCC counts as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class — provided your actual duties match the NOC description and you meet every other program requirement.
Does hardware circuit board designer get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 21311 is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 2. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work adds 40 CRS points, or a valid job offer is worth 70 (whichever is higher).
Can a hardware circuit board designer get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 21311 isn't on any of IRCC's current category-based selection lists. You can still be invited in general, Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program rounds.
What if my job title says hardware circuit board designer but my duties are different?+
IRCC assesses your duties, not your job title. Compare what you actually do with the lead statement and main duties of NOC 21311. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.