The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is used by Federal statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data. All workers are currently classified into one of over 820 occupations according to their occupational definition. These occupations are currently combined into 23 major groups, 96 minor groups, and 449 broad occupations. Each broad occupation includes detailed occupation(s) requiring similar job duties, skills, education, or experience.
Under the current system, 2000 SOC, Audiologist is classified in the broad occupation category "Therapist". Proposed changes to the current SOC for implementation in the 2010 SOC were published on May 22, 2008 and include moving Audiologist to its own broad occupation category, no longer within Therapist. This move signifies the role of the audiologist as a separate occupation from therapist, and is consistent with audiologists' role as the primary specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance conditions.
The Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the SOC Policy Committee, will consider the proposed changes and finalize its decisions for the 2010 SOC. Comments regarding the proposed changes will be accepted in writing by the Office of Management and Budget until July 21, 2008. Final decisions for the proposed changes will be published in the Federal Register.
More information about the SOC system and the 2010 SOC revision can be found at www.bls.gov/soc.
New Occupational Classification Proposed for 'Audiologist'
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