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Information Systems Quality Assurance Analyst

Information systems quality assurance analysts develop and introduce policies and procedures. They strive to ensure customer satisfaction, peak performance, and overall quality of software products and information systems.

Also Known As

Computer Specialist, Information Technology Specialist, Systems Analyst, Systems Quality Analyst

NOC Codes

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

  • 2171.3: Information Systems Quality Assurance Analysts

2006 NOC-S

  • C071: Information Systems Analysts and Consultants

2011 NOC

  • 2171: Information systems analysts and consultants

2016 NOC

  • 2171: Information systems analysts and consultants

2021 NOC

  • 21222: Information systems specialists

2023 OaSIS

  • 21222.00: Information systems specialists
Duties
Updated Apr 12, 2022

Developing software and information systems involves several steps:

  • Consulting users to define what the software or system must do (complex software and systems have hundreds of requirements)
  • Studying those needs and designing software and systems to meet them
  • Developing and testing software and systems and putting them into use, and repeating this process until the specified needs are met
  • Maintaining software and systems to ensure they continue to meet customer needs
  • Using internal resources to inform stakeholders of missing features or requirements

Information systems quality assurance (QA) analysts take part in all phases of software development. At each stage, they develop and introduce policies and procedures. Their goal is to improve the function and overall quality of software products and information systems.

Duties vary, but in general they include:

  • Developing and advocating for quality standards and measures
  • Auditing software and systems to ensure accurate specifications
  • Researching, developing, implementing, and documenting test plans and scripts
  • Assessing automated testing tools
  • Suggesting changes to improve software and system quality

QA analysts frequently test software and systems themselves. They may also work with software and system users, or work with systems testers (to learn more, see the Systems Tester profile). They may train software and system users.

Working Conditions
Updated Apr 12, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

In general, information systems quality assurance analysts work standard hours in office settings. They may have to work some evenings and weekends to meet project deadlines.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Information Systems Quality Assurance Analysts

2006 NOC: 2171.3

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing information to assess overall efficiency, effectiveness and quality against established standards, and to design quality control plans and specifications

METHODICAL

Interest in precision working to administer organizational policies and procedures to ensure integrity and to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of product development; and in monitoring compliance with standards and policies

DIRECTIVE

Interest in consulting to advise on quality control issues and practices

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Apr 12, 2022

Information systems quality assurance analysts need:

  • Logical and critical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • The ability to work well on their own or in teams
  • The ability to listen carefully and speak clearly and tactfully
  • Communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences

They should enjoy:

  • Studying problems
  • Finding creative solutions
  • Taking ownership of projects
  • Planning and making decisions
  • Managing the work of others

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Information systems analysts and consultants

2016 NOC: 2171

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 178 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 26, 2024 and Oct 09, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management and service delivery
Tasks: Design, develop and implement information systems business solutions
Tasks: Confer with clients to identify and document requirements
Tasks: Conduct reviews to assess quality assurance practices, software products and information systems
Tasks: Assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware
Tasks: Develop policies, procedures and contingency plans to minimize the effects of security breaches
Tasks: Develop and implement policies and procedures throughout the software development life cycle
Attention to detail
Client focus
Work under pressure
Educational Requirements
Updated Apr 12, 2022
  • Minimum Education Varies

Information systems quality assurance analysts need related post-secondary education or several years of process or testing experience. Minimum requirements include:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • At least 1 year of technical support experience
  • Knowledge of programming languages, web apps, operating systems, and peripheral hardware
  • Experience working with databases, web apps, and both desktop and mobile platforms
  • Basic knowledge of SCADA and ICS systems (where appropriate)

Many degree, diploma, and certificate programs related to computer science, computer engineering, and software engineering provide good background. Many universities, colleges, technical institutes, and private vocational schools offer such programs. Prospective quality assurance analysts should talk to potential employers about required and preferred qualifications before starting an education program.

Computer technology changes constantly. Those who work with it must upgrade their knowledge on an ongoing basis.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Apr 12, 2022
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

In general, employers consider specialized certifications an asset. Several certification options are available to help job candidates stand out. To learn more about available certification programs, visit QAI Canada or the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

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 Professional

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.

Legislation

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.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Apr 12, 2022

Some information systems quality assurance (QA) analysts work for information technology (IT) consulting firms. Others work in the IT departments of large organizations in both the private and public sectors. Some are self-employed.

Many QA analysts start as computer programmers or systems testers. With time on the job, they move into analyst positions. Depending on the size of the organization and their qualifications, some become supervisors. Those with business experience or training may establish their own consulting firms.

Industry Concentration

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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Information systems specialists
2021 NOC: 21222
High
Demand
23,500
Employed

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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Information systems analysts and consultants
2016 NOC: 2171
2.5%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
674
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Apr 12, 2022

Incomes for information system quality assurance analysts vary a lot. Wages and salaries depend on required duties, education, and experience.

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.

Information systems analysts and consultants

2016 NOC: 2171
Average Wage
$45.60
Per Hour
Average Salary
$90,533.00
Per Year
Average Hours
38.3
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2171 Wage Profile

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.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Oil & Gas Extraction
Construction
Manufacturing
Information, Culture, Recreation
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
37%
37%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
17%
17%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
5%
5%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Computer and Information Technology
Other Sources of Information
Updated Apr 12, 2022

American Society for Quality (ASQ) website: asq.org

Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: ab.cips.ca

Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.ca

QAI Canada website: qai.org

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.

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