The O*NET® Content Model
The Content Model is the conceptual foundation of O*NET. The Content Model provides a framework that identifies the most important types of information about work and integrates them into a theoretically and empirically sound system.
The Content Model was developed using research on job and organizational analysis. It embodies a view that reflects the character of occupations (via job-oriented descriptors) and people (via worker-oriented descriptors). The Content Model also allows occupational information to be applied across jobs, sectors, or industries (cross-occupational descriptors) and within occupations (occupational-specific descriptors). These descriptors are organized into six major domains, which enable the user to focus on areas of information that specify the key attributes and characteristics of workers and occupations.
Occupational Requirements — a comprehensive set of variables or detailed elements that describe what various occupations require. This domain includes information about typical activities required across occupations. Task information is often too specific to describe an occupation or occupational group. The O*NET approach is to identify generalized work activities (GWAs) and detailed work activities (DWAs) to summarize the broad and more specific types of job behaviors and tasks that may be performed within multiple occupations. Using this framework makes it possible to use a single set of descriptors to describe many occupations. Contextual variables such as the physical, social, or structural context of work that may impose specific demands on the worker or activities are also included in this section.
Work Context — Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work
Interpersonal Relationships
- Communication
- Communication Methods
Public Speaking
- Telephone
- Electronic Mail
- Letters and Memos
- Face-to-Face Discussions
- Contact With Others
- Role Relationships
- Job Interactions
- Work With Work Group or Team
- Deal With External Customers
- Coordinate or Lead Others
- Responsibility for Others
- Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
- Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
- Conflictual Contact
- Frequency of Conflict Situations
- Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
- Deal With Physically Aggressive People
- Physical Work Conditions
- Work Setting
- Frequency Required to Work:
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
- Outdoors, Under Cover
- In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
- Physical Proximity
- Environmental Conditions
- Frequency in Environmental Conditions
- Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Job Hazards
- Frequency of Exposure to Job Hazards
- Exposed to Radiation
- Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Exposed to High Places
- Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Likelihood of Injury From Job Hazards
- Degree of Injury
- Body Positioning
- Time Spent in Body Positions
- Spend Time Sitting
- Spend Time Standing
- Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Spend Time Walking and Running
- Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
- Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Work Attire
- Frequency of Wearing Work Attire
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Structural Job Characteristics
- Criticality of Position
- Consequence of Error
- Impact of Decisions
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Frequency of Decision Making
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Routine versus Challenging Work
- Degree of Automation
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Structured versus Unstructured Work
- Competition
- Level of Competition
- Pace and Scheduling
- Time Pressure
- Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Work Schedules
- Duration of Typical Work Week
Primary occupational information source for Content Model items:
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U.S. Department of Labor O*NET Data Collection Program |
Supplemental sources of information:
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U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics  |
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U.S. Department of Labor America's Career InfoNet |
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U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship |
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U.S. Department of Education Classification of Instructional Programs |
Other indicators:
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Data not currently available |