Question 1

What is a NAICS code?

Accepted Answer

NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) is a standardized system used by the United States, Canada, and Mexico to classify businesses by their primary economic activity. Each NAICS code is a 2- to 6-digit number that identifies a specific industry. The system was introduced in 1997 to replace the older SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) system and is updated every five years, with the most recent revision in 2022.

Question 2

Who uses NAICS codes?

Accepted Answer

NAICS codes are used by government agencies (Census Bureau, IRS, SBA, OSHA), insurance companies for risk classification and underwriting, banks for commercial lending, government contractors for bid eligibility, market researchers for industry analysis, and businesses for regulatory compliance. They are the primary industry classification standard in North America.

Question 3

How are NAICS codes structured?

Accepted Answer

NAICS codes use a hierarchical 2- to 6-digit structure. The first 2 digits identify the sector (e.g., 31-33 = Manufacturing). The 3rd digit identifies the subsector. The 4th digit identifies the industry group. The 5th digit identifies the NAICS industry. The 6th digit identifies the national industry, which allows the US, Canada, and Mexico to have country-specific detail while sharing the same higher-level structure.

Question 4

What changed in the NAICS 2022 revision?

Accepted Answer

The NAICS 2022 revision updated industry classifications to better reflect the modern economy. Key changes include reorganization of technology and digital economy sectors, updated definitions for e-commerce and gig economy activities, new codes for emerging industries like cannabis and renewable energy, and consolidation of some legacy manufacturing categories. trueNAICS uses the latest 2022 codes.

Question 5

How many NAICS codes are there?

Accepted Answer

The NAICS 2022 system contains 20 sectors (2-digit codes), 99 subsectors (3-digit), 311 industry groups (4-digit), 710 NAICS industries (5-digit), and 1,012 national industries (6-digit). trueNAICS covers all 2,129 codes across all levels of the hierarchy.

Question 6

What is the difference between NAICS and SIC codes?

Accepted Answer

SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) was used from the 1930s until NAICS replaced it in 1997. Key differences: SIC uses 4-digit codes while NAICS uses up to 6 digits; SIC was production-oriented while NAICS is process-oriented; SIC had limited coverage of service industries while NAICS provides comprehensive coverage; SIC was frozen in 1987 while NAICS is updated every 5 years. Many legacy systems still use SIC, which is why code conversion tools remain essential.

Question 7

Can a company have multiple NAICS codes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Businesses are assigned a primary NAICS code based on their main revenue-generating activity, but companies with diversified operations often have secondary NAICS codes. For example, a company that primarily manufactures electronics but also provides repair services would have a primary code in manufacturing and a secondary code in repair services. trueNAICS shows both primary and secondary classifications.

Question 8

How does trueNAICS determine a company's NAICS code?

Accepted Answer

trueNAICS is powered by Veridion's AI-driven company intelligence platform, which analyzes data from over 120 million companies worldwide. The system examines multiple data points including business descriptions, websites, SEC filings, government registrations, and industry databases to determine the most accurate NAICS classification. Each result includes a confidence score indicating the reliability of the match.

Question 9

What does the confidence score mean?

Accepted Answer

The confidence score indicates how certain the system is about the NAICS code assignment. High confidence (green) means strong evidence from multiple sources supports the classification. Medium confidence (amber) means the classification is likely correct but based on fewer data points. Low confidence (red) means the classification is a best estimate and should be verified independently.

Question 10

How do I search for a company's NAICS code?

Accepted Answer

Use the Company Search tool by entering the company name plus at least one additional identifier (address or website). The system will match the company against Veridion's database of 120M+ companies and return the primary and secondary NAICS codes, along with evidence tags and a confidence score. You can also search by NAICS code or keyword using the main search bar.

Question 11

Is trueNAICS free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, trueNAICS is completely free for individual lookups. You can search for NAICS codes by keyword, browse the full directory, convert between classification systems, and look up company NAICS codes at no cost. Company searches are rate-limited to 10 per hour to ensure fair access. For bulk data, API access, or enterprise needs, contact our team.

Question 12

How often is the data updated?

Accepted Answer

Veridion's company database is updated continuously with data from public records, web crawling, government filings, and other sources. NAICS code definitions follow the 2022 revision. Company profiles and industry classifications reflect the most current available data.

Question 13

Can I share search results?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After performing a company search, click the share link button to copy a permanent URL. Anyone with the link can view the same result without using a search credit. Share links do not expire.

Question 14

Does trueNAICS have an API?

Accepted Answer

trueNAICS itself does not offer a public API. However, the underlying data is powered by Veridion's company intelligence API, which provides programmatic access to NAICS classifications, company matching, and industry data for over 120 million companies. Visit veridion.com for API access and enterprise solutions.

Question 15

What data sources power trueNAICS?

Accepted Answer

trueNAICS is powered by Veridion's company intelligence platform, which aggregates data from government business registrations, SEC filings, company websites, industry databases, trade associations, and public records across 200+ countries. The platform uses AI and machine learning to classify companies and assign NAICS codes based on multiple evidence sources.

Question 16

How accurate are the NAICS code assignments?

Accepted Answer

Veridion's classification engine achieves high accuracy by cross-referencing multiple data sources. However, NAICS codes assigned by trueNAICS are evidence-based estimates and may differ from official government classifications. For official filings, government contracts, or regulatory compliance, we recommend independently verifying the code with the relevant agency.

Question 17

What is the rate limit for company searches?

Accepted Answer

Company searches are limited to 10 per hour per IP address. NAICS code lookups, directory browsing, and crosswalk conversions are unlimited. If you need higher volume, contact our team for enterprise access.

Question 18

How do insurance companies use NAICS codes?

Accepted Answer

Insurance underwriters use NAICS codes to classify businesses for risk assessment and premium calculation. The NAICS code determines the industry risk category, which affects workers' compensation rates, general liability premiums, and professional liability coverage. Accurate NAICS classification is critical — an incorrect code can lead to inadequate coverage or overpayment. trueNAICS helps agents verify classifications using real company data rather than self-reported codes.

Question 19

How are NAICS codes used in government contracting?

Accepted Answer

Federal agencies use NAICS codes to categorize procurements and determine small business eligibility. Each federal contract is assigned a NAICS code, and the SBA sets size standards (revenue or employee thresholds) for each code. Businesses must certify under the correct NAICS code to qualify as a small business for set-aside contracts. Choosing the wrong NAICS code can disqualify a bidder or trigger compliance issues.

Question 20

What NAICS codes qualify for SBA loans?

Accepted Answer

All NAICS codes are eligible for SBA loans, but the SBA sets different size standards for each code. Size standards determine whether a business qualifies as 'small' and are based on either annual revenue or number of employees, depending on the industry. For example, most manufacturing industries have a 500-employee threshold, while many service industries use revenue thresholds of $8M to $41.5M. Check the SBA's size standards table using your NAICS code.

Question 21

How do I find the NAICS code for a construction company?

Accepted Answer

Construction companies fall under NAICS Sector 23. The specific 6-digit code depends on the type of construction: 236115 for new single-family housing, 236220 for commercial building construction, 237110 for water and sewer infrastructure, 238210 for electrical contractors, etc. Use the trueNAICS search to find the exact code by entering the company name or searching for the specific construction activity.

Question 22

What NAICS code should I use for a restaurant?

Accepted Answer

Most restaurants use NAICS 722511 (Full-Service Restaurants) or 722513 (Limited-Service Restaurants, including fast food). Other food service codes include 722514 (Cafeterias and Buffets), 722515 (Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars), and 722310 (Food Service Contractors). The correct code depends on the service model — use trueNAICS to verify based on the specific business.

Question 23

What is the NAICS code for software companies?

Accepted Answer

Software companies typically fall under NAICS 511210 (Software Publishers) for companies that publish and distribute software, or 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) for companies that write custom code. SaaS companies may be classified under 511210 or 518210 (Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing). The classification depends on the primary business model.

Question 24

How do I convert a SIC code to NAICS?

Accepted Answer

Use the trueNAICS SIC to NAICS crosswalk tool. Enter your 4-digit SIC code and the tool will instantly show all matching NAICS 2022 codes with their official titles. Note that SIC-to-NAICS is not always a 1-to-1 mapping — some SIC codes map to multiple NAICS codes due to differences in classification methodology.

Question 25

What is NACE and how does it relate to NAICS?

Accepted Answer

NACE (Nomenclature statistique des activités économiques) is the European Union's standard for classifying economic activities, derived from the UN's ISIC system. There is no direct official concordance between NACE and NAICS, but trueNAICS provides a crosswalk tool that maps NACE codes to their closest NAICS equivalents through intermediate mappings.

Question 26

How do I find a NAICS code for my business?

Accepted Answer

There are several methods: (1) Search by keyword on trueNAICS using terms that describe your business activity. (2) Use the Company Search to look up your company by name and website. (3) Browse the NAICS Directory starting from your sector. (4) If you have a SIC, NACE, or ISIC code, use our crosswalk tools to convert. The most accurate method is Company Search, which uses AI to analyze your actual business activity.

Question 27

What happens if my business spans multiple NAICS codes?

Accepted Answer

Most businesses have one primary NAICS code based on their largest revenue source, plus optional secondary codes for other activities. For government purposes (contracting, SBA), you typically use the primary code. For insurance, all relevant codes may be needed. trueNAICS shows both primary and secondary NAICS codes when available.

Question 28

Are NAICS codes the same in the US, Canada, and Mexico?

Accepted Answer

NAICS codes are identical at the 5-digit level across all three countries. The 6th digit allows each country to add national-specific detail. For example, the US might subdivide an industry differently than Canada at the 6-digit level. trueNAICS uses the US version of 6-digit codes.

Question 29

How do I look up a NAICS code by number?

Accepted Answer

Enter the NAICS code number directly into the trueNAICS search bar. The system will show the matching code with its full title, description, hierarchy (parent sector, subsector, industry group), and related codes. You can also browse the full NAICS Directory to explore the hierarchy visually.

Question 30

What is the NAICS code for consulting?

Accepted Answer

Consulting falls under several NAICS codes depending on the type: 541611 (Administrative Management Consulting), 541612 (Human Resources Consulting), 541613 (Marketing Consulting), 541614 (Process and Logistics Consulting), 541618 (Other Management Consulting), 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting). Use trueNAICS to find the most specific code for your consulting specialty.

Question 31

How do I verify a company's NAICS code?

Accepted Answer

Use trueNAICS Company Search to look up the company by name and website or address. The system will return the evidence-based NAICS classification with a confidence score. You can also check the company's SEC filings (for public companies), state business registration, or the Census Bureau's NAICS search tool for official government-assigned codes.

Feature	trueNAICS	Census Bureau	NAICS Association	SBA
Evidence-based matching	✅	❌	❌	❌
Real company data (120M+)	✅	❌	❌	❌
Company-to-NAICS lookup	✅	❌	✅	❌
Code crosswalks (SIC/NACE/ISIC)	✅	✅	❌	❌
Free tier	✅	✅	✅	✅
Updated for NAICS 2022	✅	✅	✅	✅
AI-powered classification	✅	❌	❌	❌
Confidence scores	✅	❌	❌	❌

Instant NAICS Search
Backed by Evidence

trueNAICS is perfect for

Government Contractors

Insurance Agents

Business Analysts

Compliance Teams

Market Researchers

Supply Chain Managers

How trueNAICS compares

Frequently Asked Questions

Need bulk data or API access?

Instant NAICS SearchBacked by Evidence