School principal NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for school principal.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for school principal is 40021 (School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education), a TEER 0 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
40021
TEER 0 · skilled
High-wage
Level 2
+40 work · 70 job offer
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 40021 covers
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.
| Unit group | 40021 — School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 0 — management occupations |
| Broad category | Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services |
Main duties to compare with yours
- 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
To use NOC 40021 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 40021 →
Other job titles under NOC 40021
- Board of education administrator
- District school superintendent
- School vice-principal
- Chief superintendent - schools
- Director of education - correctional institution
- Director of school for the hearing impaired
- Private school headmaster/mistress
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 40021, one of these may fit better:
- Aviation school manager — NOC 40020 (Administrators - post-secondary education and vocational training, TEER 0)
- Business school manager — NOC 40020 (Administrators - post-secondary education and vocational training, TEER 0)
- Cooking school manager — NOC 60040 (Managers in customer and personal services, TEER 0)
- Driving school manager — NOC 60040 (Managers in customer and personal services, TEER 0)
- Primary school teacher — NOC 41221 (Elementary school and kindergarten teachers, TEER 1)
- School bus driver — NOC 73301 (Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators, TEER 3)
- School bus drivers supervisor — NOC 72024 (Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators, TEER 2)
- School counsellor — NOC 41320 (Educational counsellors, TEER 1)
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 school principal?+
In NOC 2021, "school principal" is an example title in unit group 40021 — School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education. It is a TEER 0 occupation in the "Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services" broad category.
Is school principal eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 40021 is TEER 0, 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 school principal get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 40021 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 school principal get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 40021 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 school principal 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 40021. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.