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Computer Specialist, Information Technology Specialist
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:
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 copying information to execute and document results of software application tests and information and telecommunication systems tests
Interest in operating computers to conduct tests to certify that new and modified systems meet standards; and to install software and hardware and configure operating system software in preparation for testing
Interest in developing and implementing software and information system testing policies and procedures; and in developing and documenting software testing plans
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.
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:
They may also:
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).
Systems testers work standard office hours in an office setting. They may work evenings or weekends to meet project deadlines.
Systems testers need:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 16 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 11, 2021 and Jun 27, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Develop and document software testing plans | 15 |
|---|---|
| Install software and hardware and configure operating system software in preparation for testing | 15 |
| Execute and document results of software application tests and information and telecommunication systems tests | 15 |
| Develop and implement software and information system testing policies and procedures | 14 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 9 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 8 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 7 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 7 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 6 |
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.
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.
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].
To call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the ISP designation, you must register as a member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta).
You do not have to register 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.
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.
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 2283: Information systems testing technicians occupational group, 75.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2283: Information systems testing technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 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.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for systems testers vary a lot. Factors include the duties of the position and the tester’s 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.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.23 | $70.00 | $36.00 | $39.45 |
| Overall | $23.08 | $80.00 | $45.55 | $50.54 |
| Top | $26.44 | $90.00 | $57.78 | $66.74 |
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
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $96,841 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $89,350 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $87,895 |
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.
