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Computer Specialist, Information Technology Specialist, Systems Analyst, Systems Quality 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
Developing software and information systems involves several steps:
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:
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.
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.
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 assess overall efficiency, effectiveness and quality against established standards, and to design quality control plans and specifications
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
Interest in consulting to advise on quality control issues and practices
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 quality assurance analysts 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 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 28, 2024 and Apr 15, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Design, develop and implement information systems business solutions | 88 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management and service delivery | 84 |
| Tasks: Confer with clients to identify and document requirements | 76 |
| Tasks: Assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware | 70 |
| Tasks: Conduct business and technical studies | 65 |
| Tasks: Conduct reviews to assess quality assurance practices, software products and information systems | 65 |
| Tasks: Develop policies, procedures and contingency plans to minimize the effects of security breaches | 60 |
| Tasks: Develop and implement policies and procedures throughout the software development life cycle | 54 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 49 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 48 |
Information systems quality assurance analysts need related post-secondary education or several years of process or testing experience. Minimum requirements include:
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.
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
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 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: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
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.
In the 2171: Information systems analysts and consultants occupational group, 79.9% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2171: Information systems analysts and consultants occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 366 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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.
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 |
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.
