2282-NOC

Information systems testing technicians

(NOC 2283)
High opportunity occupation High opportunity occupation
Annual Earnings
$69,513
Typical Education Background
Degree
Job Openings
(2022-2032)
870

Career Overview

Information systems testing technicians put test plans in place to make sure that software applications and information and telecommunications systems work.

Duties

Information systems testing technicians perform some or all of these duties:

  • Develop and record software testing plans including a range of testing types, such as functional, non-functional, system integration and user acceptance testing (UAT)
  • Put software and hardware in place
  • Put together the operating system software so that it can be tested
  • Create test settings, test cases, and review and report on test data
  • Review and record the results of software application tests and information and telecommunication systems tests
  • Bring up any problems or problems found when testing, fix them and re-test
  • Assist with creating and using software and information system testing processes
  • Work with a team made up of people with different skill sets, professional backgrounds and experience

Earnings

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.

Annual Earnings

$69,513

Provincial Hourly Rate

High$40.46/hr
Median$33.33/hr
Low$22.00/hr
Source: B.C. Labour Market Information Office, derived from 2022 Job Bank Wage data

Work Environment

# Workers Employed

1,000

% Employed Full Time

60%
Source: 2016 Census

Information systems testing technicians typically work a 40-hour work week. Sometimes overtime or additional work hours may be needed to take care of unexpected technical problems or to meet deadlines to launch new products or services.

Information systems testing technicians work in an office or computer lab. They spend a great deal of time on their computer and this may cause eyestrain, back pain, and hand and wrist problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Ergonomic workstations and processes are often put in place by the employer to help people avoid these health issues.

People in this career can work in both the private and public sectors. They are typically part of information technology departments or divisions, or they may be employed by a company that develops software or designs computer and telecommunication systems.

Career Pathways

Moving into computer programming, interactive media development, web development or systems analysis is possible with experience. Information systems testing technicians that have worked for several years may be able to find more senior jobs in areas such as project management and in supervisory or quality assurance management positions.

Occupational Interests

It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.

For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.

Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:

Investigative
Investigative
Conventional
Conventional

Job Titles

Analyst, test co-ordination
Co-ordinator, software testing
Technician, testing - application / systems
Tester, software / user acceptance
Video game tester

Education, Training and Skills

Information systems testing technicians usually need to complete a college or university program in computer science, computer programming or network administration. Entry-level training programs in computer science, computer programming and network administration are eight months to two years long.

In addition, one to two years’ experience in the information technology industry and specific job experience in this area are often needed to get a job in this field. It’s also important for people with this job to take courses throughout their careers to keep their skills up to date.

Completion of a post-secondary program and at least two years of industry work experience can lead to certification as a technologist or technician with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC). Certification is not necessary, but it may increase job opportunities.

For more information, visit the ASTTBC website at www.asttbc.org

People with this career should have good computer skills. They must be able to find what works and what needs to be improved. Attention to detail is important for this job. Information systems testing technicians should have a clear understanding of what the end user needs so they can make sure their expectations are met.

Patience is a good skill to have for this job. Information systems testing technicians should be able to solve problems, make decisions under pressure and keep working towards a solution, no matter how difficult. It’s also helpful if they can communicate well with people who have technical skills and to explain the process to those who do not.

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

  • Computer Information Systems/Science
  • Networking and Security
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Find out more information about programs offered specifically for this career.

Skills

Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.

Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.

See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

72%
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

70%
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

67%
Speaking

Talking to others to share information effectively.

65%
Complex Problem Solving

Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.

64%
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

63%
Active Learning

Understanding how new information could be used to solve current and future problems in making decisions.

60%
Judgment and Decision-Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

60%
Monitoring

Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

59%
Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations and the environment will affect outcomes.

59%

Labour Market Statistics

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Employment

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

Employment

1,000
Source: 2016 Census

Employment by Region

Map of BC Map of Cariboo region Map of Kootenay region Map of Mainland/Southwest region Map of North Coast and Nechako region Map of Northeast region Map of Thompson-Okanagan region Map of Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
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Region Employment (2022) % Employment of this Occupation
Cariboo N/A 0.0%
Kootenay N/A 0.0%
Mainland/Southwest 1,340 83.6%
North Coast and Nechako N/A N/A
Northeast N/A 0.0%
Thompson-Okanagan 40 2.6%
Vancouver Island/Coast 190 14.4%
Source: 2016 Census and B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Labour Market Outlook

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Forecasted Job Openings (2022-2032)

870
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted Job Openings

Forecasted Employment Growth Rate

Composition of Job Openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job Openings by Region (2022-2032)

Map of BC Map of Cariboo region Map of Kootenay region Map of Mainland/Southwest region Map of North Coast and Nechako region Map of Northeast region Map of Thompson-Okanagan region Map of Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
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Region Job Openings Avg. Annual Employment Growth
Cariboo N/A N/A
Kootenay N/A N/A
Mainland/Southwest 700 3.1%
North Coast and Nechako N/A N/A
Northeast N/A N/A
Thompson-Okanagan 0 4.1%
Vancouver Island/Coast 140 4.0%
N/A: Data is not available for this region.
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Industry Highlights

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Forecasted Job Openings by Industry

IndustryJob Openings (2022-2032)
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services148,000
Information, Culture and Recreation57,300
Manufacturing49,200
Finance, insurance and real estate50,900
Retail Trade115,500
For additional industry information, visit the Industry Profiles page.
Source: 2016 Census and B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Insights from Industry

It is expected that most opportunities in this career will come from the creation of new jobs. Unfortunately, because of the ability to work remotely, some of these jobs may be given to people who do not live in B.C. or in Canada. Some companies hire people from other countries where it costs less to provide these services.

An increase in the use of computer and telecommunications systems, such as wireless email and broadband internet, along with more complicated software applications, means that there will be a growing need for information systems testing technicians. Computer security, gaming and electronic commerce are three areas that are seeing strong growth. In addition, automation technology and computer ordering systems in the manufacturing industry are areas that need information systems testing technicians. An increase in elements such as Agile or Lean methods in software development are being put into place. This means this position may also include activity in Test Driven Development (TDD) and Behaviour Driven Development (BDD) testing.

People in this job may need to test for accessibility. This includes making sure that people with visual disabilities, such as those who cannot see or have limited vision, are considered when testing how the system or software works.

Information systems testing changes often as computers and software programs are improved. Information systems testing technicians must keep up with these changes and develop new programs and policies to manage this.

Resources