In many role-playing game

Role-playing game

A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...

s (either Live action role-playing, table-top or in RPG video games), job class refers to a character's job or what abilities they know or can learn. It is sometimes called a Character class

Character class

In role-playing games, a common method of arbitrating the capabilities of different game characters is to assign each one to a character class. A character class aggregates several abilities and aptitudes, and may also sometimes detail aspects of background and social standing or impose behaviour...

.

Several games that feature job classes include Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy

is a media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, and is developed and owned by Square Enix . The franchise centers on a series of fantasy and science-fantasy role-playing video games , but includes motion pictures, anime, printed media, and other merchandise...

, Everquest

EverQuest

EverQuest, often shortened to EQ, is a 3D fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game that was released on the 16th of March, 1999. The original design is credited to Brad McQuaid, Steve Clover, and Bill Trost...

, Dungeons and Dragons and many others.

The vast majority of RPGs, like Dungeons and Dragons, World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the fourth released game set in the fantasy Warcraft universe, which was first introduced by Warcraft: Orcs & Humans in 1994...

, and many others, have non-changeable job classes.

Some games like Final Fantasy X-2

Final Fantasy X-2

is a console role-playing game developed and published by Square for Sony's PlayStation 2. It was released in 2003 and is the sequel to the best-selling 2001 game Final Fantasy X...

 feature changeable job classes

Games like Fire Emblem

Fire Emblem

is a fantasy tactical role-playing video game franchise developed by Intelligent Systems , the maker of Advance Wars , and published by Nintendo...

 and many Final Fantasy games have upgradeable job classes.

In addition, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

is a tactical role-playing game developed and published by Square for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance. A spin-off of the popular Final Fantasy series, the game shares several traits with 1997's Final Fantasy Tactics, although it is not a direct sequel. The player assembles a clan of characters, and...

 has upgradeable and changeable job classes.

Types of Job Classes

Main Character Classes

• Warriors
  Warrior (character class)
  Warrior is a character class found in many role-playing games. This class may also be referred to as Fighter, as in Dungeons & Dragons. The class is sometimes also referred to as a Knight, although in some games this is a separate class with a more chivalric aspect...
  
  - Classes that do decent damage in close range, have average armor and speed. Similar classes include knights and fighters.
• Tanks- Tanks are similar to warriors but do less damage and can take more damage as they can either have more armor and health than other classes or have the ability to heal one's self. Example classes include defenders, protectors, paladins, and wardens
• Assassins
  Assassin (character class)
  Assassin is a character class common to many games. Such characters typically combine elements of combat gaming with strong stealth skills, and specialise in defeating an enemy without becoming involved in a protracted melee...
  
  - Classes that deal heavy damage in close range but is also susceptible to damage as he has less defense and health. Similar classes include rouges, thieves, berserkers, monks, and ninjas.
• Rangers
  Ranger (character class)
  A Ranger is a type of warrior appearing in fantasy fiction and role-playing games....
  
  - Classes that inflict consistent, usually less, ranged damage. Example classes include archers and gunners.
• Spell Casters- Classes that can cast supportive, defensive, offensive, and healing spells. Example classes include healers, dark mages, bards, and sages.

Character Class Verses Job Class

Character Class refers to any Job that is available only to that race. A perfect example is Champions of Norrath

Champions of Norrath

Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest is an online-capable action role-playing game for the PlayStation 2, set in the EverQuest universe. It is playable with one single player or cooperative for up to four players. However, with a Network Adapter, players can take the game online with others...

.
A Job Class is available to many races or factions, but are not Limited to just one type of character.