The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
At the start of your research, it may not be clear what specific industry you should be examining. A good strategy is to find out if your business idea is classified in an industrial classification system. These systems organize industries by assigning them a numeric code. The most commonly used system is the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Once you know your Industry Classification Code you can use this number to:
- Find industry-specific statistics on government websites or in library databases
- Generate lists of competitors in company directories
Another common classification system is the Standard Industry Code (SIC). NAICS have mostly replaced the SIC, but the SIC is still used by some commercial databases. Finding and using these classification systems to effectively search can be tricky, so don't hesitate to ask a librarian for help.
Try These
| Type | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NAICS | 2361 – Residential Building Construction | Construction or remodelling and renovation of single-family and multi-family residential buildings |
| NAICS | 236110 – Residential Building Construction (CAN) | Construction or remodelling and renovation of single-family and multi-family residential buildings. Does not include construction and leasing of residential buildings. |
| NAICS | 2362 – Non-residential Building Construction | Construction of industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings. |
| NAICS | 236210 – Industrial Building and Structure Construction (US) | Construction of industrial buildings (except for warehouses) such as assembly plants, cement plants, and foundries. |
| NAICS | 236220 – Commercial and Institutional Building Construction (US) | Construction of commercial and institutional buildings and related structures such as office buildings, hotels and motels, and swimming pools. |
| NAICS | 2381 – Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors | Includes establishments engaged in specialty trades needed to complete basic building structures (eg. foundation, frame, shell). |
| NAICS | 238110 – Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors | Includes establishments that pour and finish concrete foundations and structural elements. |
| NAICS | 238120 - Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors (US) | Includes establishments that assemble structural parts (made from steel or precast concrete) and install steel construction products to reinforce poured-place concrete. |
| NAICS | 238130 – Framing Contractors (US) | Includes establishments that perform structural framing and sheathing with materials other than steel or concrete. |
| NAICS | 238140 – Masonry Contractors (US) | Includes establishments that perform masonry work, stone setting, brick layering, and other stone work. |
| NAICS | 238150 – Glass and Glazing Contractors (US) | Includes establishments that install glass panes and other glass work for buildings. |
| NAICS | 238160 – Roofing Contractors (US) | Includes establishments that perform roofing. Also includes establishments that spray, paint and coat roofs, and install skylights. |
| NAICS | 238170 – Siding Contractors (US) | Includes establishments that install siding of wood, aluminum, vinyl or other finish material. |
| NAICS | 238190 – Other foundation, Structure and Building Contractors (US) | Includes establishments that are not classified under any other industry, but which perform foundation, structure, and building exterior trades work. |
Search or browse all NAICS or SIC codes on the NAICS Association website. Some NAICS codes are different in Canada — you can search by keyword or browse Canadian NAICS codes at Statistics Canada or Canadian Industry Statistics. To search for a SIC code using a NAICS code and vice versa, use the NAICS & SIC Crosswalks.
For more information about planning your industry research, including identifying your industry codes, check out the video tutorial for Module 3: Planning Your Industry Research.