ISCO-88 provides the following description of technicians and associate professionals: Technicians and associate professionals perform mostly technical and related tasks connected with research and the application of scientific or artistic concepts and operational methods, and government or business regulations, and teach at certain educational levels.

Tasks performed by technicians and associate professionals usually include: undertaking and carrying out technical work connected with research and the application of concepts and operational methods in the fields of physical sciences, including engineering and technology; life sciences, including the medical profession; and the social sciences and humanities. Tasks also include: teaching children at primary and pre-primary levels; teaching and educating handicapped persons; initiating and carrying out various technical services related to trade, finance, administration, including administration of a number of government laws and regulations, and to social work; providing artistic and sports entertainment; and executing some religious tasks. Supervision of other workers may be included.