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Systems Tester: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Can you explain complex ideas clearly? Do you understand computers? Can you follow instructions and pay attention to details? Are you logical and tactful? Then you may test the idea of a career as a systems tester.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Systems Tester

Systems testers create and execute test plans. They gauge how computer software, information systems, and telecommunication systems are working.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Computer Specialist, Information Technology Specialist

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

  • 2283: Systems Testing Technicians

2006 NOC-S

  • C183: Systems Testing Technicians

2011 NOC

  • 2283: Information systems testing technicians

2016 NOC

  • 2283: Information systems testing technicians

2021 NOC

  • 22222: Information systems testing technicians

2023 OaSIS

  • 22222.00: Information systems testing technicians
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

When companies develop software apps, information systems, and telecommunication systems, they use systems testers to look for bugs (errors or faults). When they find a bug, they reprogram the app. Systems testers then retest to make sure the new programming works and has not introduced new bugs.

Systems testers do different types of testing at different stages. They may first test a system to see how it works on its own. They may then test it to see how it works in a network environment. Complex apps require several testing cycles.

Duties vary but, in general, systems testers:

  • Review and study development documents
  • Develop test plans, scenarios, and schedules
  • Prepare test cases, scripts, and data
  • Run tests and do exploratory testing
  • Coordinate testing teams
  • Make sure software meets specifications (specs)
  • Make sure software doesn’t crash (stop working) even when used in ways developers may not intend
  • Familiarize themselves with UX (user experience) to ensure testing is based on the way end users will deploy things
  • Keep detailed records of what they did that resulted in an error message so programmers can replicate the problem, figure out what caused it, and fix it

They may also:

  • Prepare for testing by installing computer hardware and software, including operating system (OS) software
  • Do audits to ensure accurate specs
  • Look for bugs in any automated testing tools they use

Systems testers often work closely with other computer specialists. This includes system developers (see the Computer Programmer occupational profile) and quality assurance analysts (see the Information Systems Quality Assurance Analyst occupational profile).

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Systems testers work standard office hours in an office setting. They may work evenings or weekends to meet project deadlines.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
I
Investigative
This occupation
You
C
Conventional
R
Realistic
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Information systems testing technicians
2023 OaSIS: 22222.00

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

  • 2
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

  • 3
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Information systems testing technicians
2023 OaSIS: 22222.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Systems testers need:

  • Logical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • The ability to follow instructions
  • The skills to simplify and explain complex concepts in clear language
  • Tact
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • The ability to work well in teams and on their own

They should enjoy:

  • Taking a step-by-step approach to precise tasks
  • Studying information to solve problems
  • Consulting and collaborating with 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 testing technicians

2016 NOC: 2283

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 103 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Sep 05, 2023 and Oct 08, 2025.

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: Develop and document software testing plans
Tasks: Execute and document results of software application tests and information and telecommunication systems tests
Tasks: Develop and implement software and information system testing policies and procedures
Tasks: Install software and hardware and configure operating system software in preparation for testing
Team player
Organized
Attention to detail
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Initiative
Client focus
Tasks: Develop and document software testing plans 98
Tasks: Execute and document results of software application tests and information and telecommunication systems tests 97
Tasks: Develop and implement software and information system testing policies and procedures 96
Tasks: Install software and hardware and configure operating system software in preparation for testing 95
Construction Specialization: Team player 62
Construction Specialization: Organized 60
Attention to detail 50
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years 43
Construction Specialization: Initiative 41
Construction Specialization: Client focus 36
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Systems testers are often graduates of post-secondary programs related to computer science. Software vendors also offer some training programs. Some employers require applicants to have certification or training in a specific type of software.

Computer technology is constantly changing. As a result, systems testers must upgrade their knowledge on an ongoing basis.

In Alberta, many universities, colleges, technical institutes, and private vocational schools offer programs related to computer science. These include a wide range of degree, diploma, and certificate programs. For a list, see the Computer Programmer occupational profile. Prospective systems testers should talk to potential employers about required and preferred qualifications before enrolling in an education or training program.

Related Education

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

ABM College
Medicine Hat College
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Robertson College - Calgary
Robertson College - Edmonton

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 Mar 31, 2022
  • Certification Provincially regulated

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 Mar 31, 2022

Systems testers work wherever software apps, information systems, and telecommunication systems are developed and implemented.

With time on the job, testers may become quality assurance analysts or supervisors.

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 testing technicians
2016 NOC: 2283

75.8% 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.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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 testing technicians
2021 NOC: 22222
Warm
Job Market
< 1500
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 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
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

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

Information systems testing technicians
2016 NOC: 2283
2.6%
Annual Growth
(Above average)
30
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 Jun 05, 2025

Salaries for systems testers vary a lot. Factors include the duties of the position and the tester’s education and experience.

Systems testers are part of the larger 2021 National Occupational Classification 22222: Information systems testing technicians. 

According to the 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Information systems testing technicians occupational group earned on average from $35.93 to $42.73 an hour. The overall average was $40.12 an hour. For more information, see the Information systems testing technicians wage profile.

Related High School Subjects
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Information Processing
    • Networking
  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Media, Design and Communication Arts
    • Communication Technology
  • Science
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Computer and Information Technology
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2022

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

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

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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