How to become an information systems specialist
Official title: Information systems specialists
Also called: Systems analyst, Systems auditor, Systems consultant, Computer systems analyst, System integration analyst, System integration consultant, Cloud service management specialist, Information technology (it) analyst, Information technology (it) auditor, Information technology (it) engineer, Systems specialist - computer systems, Information technology (it) consultant
Information systems specialists analyze, test and assess systems requirements, develop and implement information systems development plans, policies and procedures, and provide advice on a wide range of information systems issues. They are employed in information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the public and private sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Design, develop, test, implement and oversee IT systems
- Collect and analyze data to identify areas for improvement within an organization's IT infrastructure
- Review existing IT systems and internal processes
- Develop, implement and apply policies and procedures throughout the software development life cycle to maximize the efficiency, effectiveness and overall quality of software products and information systems, and to ensure that all systems and processes meet organization standards and user requirements
- Develop quality assurance procedures and tests for the development and improvement of new and existing systems
- Identify, analyze and document discrepancies and ensure that appropriate adjustments are made
- Perform preventive maintenance tasks on computer systems
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, business administration or a related discipline or completion of a college program in computer science is usually required. Experience as a computer programmer is usually required. Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers. A professional certification such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or another related information technology (IT) designation.
Ways in
- University: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $89,993 a year The middle half earn $70,200 to $110,994.
- About 229,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 278,000 are projected by 2033. (+21.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become an information systems specialist?
A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, business administration or a related discipline or completion of a college program in computer science is usually required. Experience as a computer programmer is usually required. Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers. A professional certification such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or another related information technology (IT) designation.
How much does an information systems specialist earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $89,993 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $70,200 to $110,994.
Is an information systems specialist a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 21% by 2033, from about 229,400 to about 278,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an information systems specialist?
Usually. 65% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03