You asked
FOI reference: FOI-2026-3418
I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). This request concerns the classification of technical writing roles under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, specifically the criteria used to place technical writers under SOC 3412 ("Technical writer – excluding computing", RQF 3–5) rather than SOC 2133 (RQF 6+). This distinction has material consequences for individuals subject to the UK Skilled Worker visa route, where SOC codes determine visa eligibility and applicable salary thresholds.
To ensure this request remains well within the Section 12 cost limit, I have limited the scope to centrally held classification documentation specifically relevant to technical writing. I am not requesting general SOC development history, stakeholder consultation responses, or material relating to other occupations within SOC 3412.
1. Industry Qualifier Criteria for Coding Technical Writers to SOC 2133
Having reviewed the SOC 2020 coding index, I can see that the job title "technical writer" is routed to SOC 2133/99 when the industry term "computing/IT" is present, and to SOC 3412/07 in its absence. Please confirm what criteria or instructions CASCOT coders are given when applying this industry qualifier, and specifically what range of industries or sectors are treated as "computing/IT" for this purpose.
If no written criteria exist beyond the industry term itself, please confirm this explicitly.
2. Classification Criteria for SOC 3412/07 Technical Writers
Please provide any centrally held documentation explaining the criteria used to classify a role as a "technical writer (excluding computing)" under SOC 3412/07. In particular, I am interested in whether the distinction from SOC 2133 is determined by sector, primary tasks performed, required qualifications, required technical knowledge, or some combination of these factors.
3. CASCOT Guidance on SOC 3412/07 and SOC 2133
Please provide the current guidance or classification instructions within CASCOT that relate specifically to SOC 3412/07 and SOC 2133, including any supplementary notes or decision rules addressing how to distinguish between these two codes for technical writing roles.
4. Skill Level Attribution for SOC 3412 Technical Writers
Please provide any recorded methodological documentation explaining how the RQF 3–5 skill level attribution was determined, specifically for technical writers classified under SOC 3412.
If no such evidence is held distinctly from other SOC 3412 occupations, please confirm this explicitly.
5. Scope of SOC 3412/07 in Computing-Adjacent Sectors
Please confirm whether "technical writer (excluding computing)" within SOC 3412/07 encompasses technical writers whose primary subject matter is engineering, semiconductor, scientific, or manufacturing content, in cases where computing tools are routinely used but are not the primary subject of the documentation.
We said
Thank you for your request.
Please find responses to each part of your request below:
1. Industry Qualifier Criteria for Coding Technical Writers to SOC 2133
Computer Assisted Structured Coding Tool (CASCOT) is referenced from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020 webpages for the convenience of SOC users. CASCOT itself is a product developed and maintained by the Warwick Institute for Employment Research (IER), and therefore the ONS does not have access to the criteria or instructions relating to how CASCOT coders apply industry qualifiers.
Any enquiries regarding CASCOT's methodology should be directed to the IER. The ONS does not hold any additional written criteria beyond those published within the SOC 2020 pages.
2. Classification Criteria for SOC 3412/07 Technical Writers
SOC occupations are grouped according to their skill level and skill specialism. At the 4‑digit Unit Group (UG) level, the job title technical writer (computing/IT) is coded to 2133 – IT business analysts, architects and systems designers, while the default of technical writer title is coded to 3412 – Authors, writers and translators.
SOC 2020 Volume 1: Structure and descriptions of unit groups provides the full Unit Group descriptions, including typical entry routes and tasks associated to each UG.
At the more detailed 6‑digit Sub‑Unit Group (SUG) level, technical writer (computing/IT) is coded to 2133/99 – IT business analysts, architects and systems designers n.e.c., and the default of technical writer is coded to 3412/07 – Technical writers (excluding computing).
The Extended SOC 2020 provides the associated SUG descriptions.
3. CASCOT Guidance on SOC 3412/07 and SOC 2133
Please contact IER for enquiries relating to CASCOT.
4. Skill Level Attribution for SOC 3412 Technical Writers
As referenced above, SOC occupations are grouped according to their skill level and skill specialism. Skill levels in SOC are not based on Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) levels. Instead, they reflect the approximate length of time typically required for a person to become fully competent in a job. This includes the time needed to obtain any necessary formal qualifications, complete work‑based training, and acquire relevant experience.
Within the SOC framework, there are four skill levels. For their definitions, see Section 2 of SOC 2020 Volume 1: Structure and descriptions of unit groups.
5. Scope of SOC 3412/07 in Computing-Adjacent Sectors
Technical writer (computing/IT) – SOC 2133 is intended for computing roles that include, but are not limited to, producing technical documentation for software, firmware and hardware. The default code for technical writer – 3412/07 – should be used for all other technical writing roles, that may include those focused on engineering, semiconductors, scientific fields or manufacturing, even where computing tools are routinely used in preparing documentation. Please refer to the Extended SOC 2020 link above for the SUG description for 3412/07.