6.2 Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT)
- Barry Smith
Comprehensive Summary of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT)
Overview
The Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) was published by the U.S. Department of Labor and served as a comprehensive occupational classification system, detailing over 12,000 jobs in the labor market. Though it was primarily designed for American users, many Canadian vocational rehabilitation professionals have found it useful. The DOT has been replaced by O*NET, which is less detailed for vocational rehabilitation services.
DOT Coding System
The DOT uses a nine-digit code to classify occupations. Each digit has a specific meaning:
First digit: Represents one of the nine Occupational Categories.
First two digits: Denote Occupational Divisions (83 total).
First three digits: Define Occupational Groups (564 total).
Middle three digits: Indicate worker function ratings, representing functional demands of the job:
4th digit: Worker functions related to Data.
5th digit: Worker functions related to People.
6th digit: Worker functions related to Things.
Last three digits: Differentiate similar jobs within an occupational group, ensuring unique codes.
Categories of Occupations & Worker Function Ratings
Occupations are categorized based on their first digit:
Category (1st Digit) | Data (4th Digit) | People (5th Digit) | Things (6th Digit) |
|---|---|---|---|
0/1 Professional/Technical/Managerial | 0 Synthesizing | 0 Mentoring | 0 Setting Up |
2 Clerical and Sales | 1 Coordinating | 1 Negotiating | 1 Precision Working |
3 Service | 2 Analyzing | 2 Instructing | 2 Operating-Controlling |
4 Agricultural, Fishery, Forestry | 3 Compiling | 3 Supervising | 3 Driving-Operating |
5 Processing | 4 Computing | 4 Diverting | 4 Manipulating |
6 Machinery Trades | 5 Copying | 5 Persuading | 5 Tending |
7 Benchwork | 6 Comparing | 6 Speak-Signaling | 6 Feeding-Off Bearing |
8 Structural Work | 7 Serving | 7 Handling |
|
9 Miscellaneous | 8 Talking/Helping |
|
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Occupational Definition Components
Each occupation in the DOT follows a systematic analysis that includes:
Occupational Code Number
Occupational Title
Industry Designation
Alternate Titles (if any)
Body of the Definition
Undefined Related Titles (if any)
Definition Trailer
Job Analysis and Worker Characteristics
Each job is assessed using key worker characteristics such as:
Worker functions
Vocational aptitudes
Temperaments
Interests
Physical demands
Working conditions
General education development (GED)
Specific vocational preparation (SVP)
Vocational Aptitudes & Temperaments
Vocational Aptitude | Temperament |
(G) General learning aptitude | (D) Directing, controlling, or planning activities of others |
(V) Verbal aptitude | (R) Performing repetitive or short-cycle work |
(N) Numerical aptitude | (I) Influencing people in their opinions, attitudes, and judgments |
(S) Spatial aptitude | (V) Performing a variety of duties |
(F) Form perception | (E) Expressing personal feelings |
(Q) Clerical perception | (A) Working alone or apart in physical isolation from others |
(K) Motor coordination | (S) Performing effectively under stress |
(F) Finger dexterity | (T) Attaining precise set limits, tolerances, and standards |
(M) Manual dexterity | (U) Working under specific instructions |
(E) Eye-hand-foot coordination | (P) Dealing with people |
(C) Color discrimination | (J) Making judgments |
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Multiple Choice Questions
What does the first digit of the DOT code represent? a) Occupational Group
b) Occupational Division
c) Occupational Category
d) Worker FunctionHow many Occupational Divisions are there in the DOT? a) 83
b) 564
c) 9
d) 45What does the 5th digit in the DOT code represent? a) Worker function related to Data
b) Worker function related to People
c) Worker function related to Things
d) Industry DesignationWhat is the primary replacement for the DOT? a) NOC
b) NAICS
c) O*NET
d) SOCWhich of the following is not included in a DOT occupational definition? a) Industry Designation
b) Specific Vocational Preparation
c) Income Range
d) Worker Functions
Answer Key
c) Occupational Category
a) 83
b) Worker function related to People
c) O*NET
c) Income Range