O*NET Updates Job Zone Classification System

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) O*NET system announced an update to its job zone classification structure, consolidating the previous five-level system into a four-level framework, to be implemented in February 2026. This change is a result of shifts in the labor market and rising skill requirements across occupations. For the benefit of MurthyDotCom readers, the change and its impact on the PERM labor certification process are explained here.

Understanding the Job Zone Update

The O*NET classification system is used by the DOL to determine the industry-norm for education, training, and experience, or special vocational preparation (SVP) classification, for particular occupations. The O*NET collects real-world data for hundreds of occupations and currently divides occupations into five job zones. Each job zone has a specific SVP range, and an occupation is assigned a job zone based on its particular SVP, with occupations requiring the lowest amount of preparation placed in job zone one and occupations requiring the highest amount of preparation in job zone five.

Begining in February 2026, O*NET will consolidate Job Zones 1 and 2 into a single category, Job Zone 1-2, while maintaining the definitions for Job Zones 3, 4, and 5. The updated structure now consists of:

• Job Zone 1-2 – Very little to some preparation needed
•  Job Zone 3 – Medium preparation needed
• Job Zone 4 – Considerable preparation needed
• Job Zone 5 – Extensive preparation needed

Implications for PERM Labor Certifications

When filing a PERM labor certification application, employers must specify minimum education and experience requirements. While most PERM processes are for occupations classified in Job Zones 3-5, if a position is in either Job Zone 1 or 2, the update may affect how the DOL evaluates whether an employer’s stated requirements are normal or higher than normal for a position. When an employer’s minimum requirements exceed what the DOL considers normal, the employer may need to demonstrate the business necessity of the requirements, as explained in the MurthyDotCom InfoArticle Determining Normal Position Requirements for PERM (13.May.2024).

Conclusion

The O*NET Job Zone update reflects changes in the U.S. labor market and the increasing skill requirements across occupations. Employers filing PERM labor certification applications should understand how these changes may affect the evaluation of their stated job requirements and be prepared to establish business necessity when requirements exceed industry norms. The Murthy Law Firm has extensive experience in all aspects of the PERM process, and our skillful team is available to provide assistance and representation with these matters.

Copyright © 2025, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved