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Business Systems Specialist, Computer Specialist, Informatics Consultant, Information Specialist, Information Technology Specialist, Management Information Systems Consultant, Systems Analyst
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Information systems consultants help companies operate efficiently and effectively. They develop information technology (IT) solutions for business problems.
Information systems and technology provide support for many common functions within organizations. Both for-profits and not-for-profits rely on:
Information systems consultants help people throughout organizations define their information-related needs. They then develop suitable information systems. Consultants assess the fit of available software and adapt existing apps for specific uses. They sometimes help design or restructure business processes supported by information systems.
There are 5 phases in developing an information system:
When acting as project managers, information systems consultants oversee the work of computer programmers. Programmers write programs or integrate the required system components.
Information system consultants must spend a lot of time reading and attending seminars and conferences. This helps them keep up to date with new developments in the computer industry,
To learn more about systems analysts who specialize, see the Information Systems Quality Assurance Analyst, Systems Auditor, and Systems Security Analyst occupational profiles.
In general, information systems consultants work standard office hours. They work in office settings or from home. Private consultants spend much of their time in clients’ offices. They may travel for extended periods of time.
They sometimes work evenings and weekends to meet project deadlines.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in analyzing information to design, develop and administer information systems business solutions
Interest in precision working to ensure products and systems are delivered according to accepted policies and standards, in administering task schedules, and in documenting technical specifications
Interest in consulting to advise on information systems strategy, policy, management and service delivery, to set and clarify objectives and agendas; and to plan and manage projects
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Information systems consultants need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 246 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 26, 2024 and Dec 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management and service delivery | 210 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Design, develop and implement information systems business solutions | 208 |
| Tasks: Confer with clients to identify and document requirements | 201 |
| Tasks: Conduct reviews to assess quality assurance practices, software products and information systems | 191 |
| Tasks: Assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware | 162 |
| Tasks: Develop policies, procedures and contingency plans to minimize the effects of security breaches | 159 |
| Tasks: Develop and implement policies and procedures throughout the software development life cycle | 147 |
| Attention to detail | 126 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 111 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 104 |
Information systems consultants need technical expertise as well as business-related training or experience. A certificate, diploma, or 4-year university degree in computer science is a good starting point.
However, few employers hire consultants directly out of post-secondary. Most computer science graduates must first gain industry experience in computer programming. They must also acquire education or experience related to business administration or management.
Information systems consultants must engage in ongoing learning to keep up with changing methods and technologies.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop, or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies. They do so objectively applying specialized knowledge and professional judgement.
Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf]. This means that to call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the I.S.P. designation, you must be a registered member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta).
You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Information Systems Professional.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Information systems consultants who work as employees provide services for a whole organization. Those who work as private consultants work on a contract basis and do different projects for different companies. To learn more about private consultants, see the Management Consultant occupational profile.
Many information systems consultants start off as computer programmers. With experience and training, they move into information systems management. Further advancement prospects depend on the size and nature of the organization and the consultant’s qualifications.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Information systems analysts and consultants
2016 NOC: 2171
79.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $21.90 | $55.07 | $35.33 | $34.21 |
| Overall | $27.67 | $63.22 | $45.60 | $45.67 |
| Top | $32.26 | $81.63 | $54.92 | $53.87 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $90,533 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $115,141 |
| Construction | $103,316 |
| Manufacturing | $72,145 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $84,515 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $83,049 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $88,840 |
| Educational Services | $85,632 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $90,018 |
| Public Administration | $92,701 |
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: www.cipsalberta.ca
Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.ca
Technology Alberta website: technologyalberta.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
