NOC 21221 · TEER Level 1

Business system specialists

Business systems specialists perform detailed system tests, produce reports and develop new system architectures. They must also identify the strategic objectives of a company and translate these objectives into achievable tasks for an organization's information technology department.

Also known as:Business Analystbusiness analyst – computer systemsbusiness continuity analystbusiness data analystbusiness intelligence analyst – Information technology (IT)business intelligence specialistBusiness Change AdvisorBusiness ConsultantBusiness Continuity Administrator (Business Continuity Admin)Business Continuity AnalystBusiness Continuity and Disaster Recovery ConsultantBusiness Continuity And Disaster Recovery SpecialistBusiness Continuity ConsultantBusiness Continuity Coordinator
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Good

Market Demand

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TEER 1

Skill Level

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PE, NS, BC

Top Provinces

What They Do

  • Confer with clients to identify and document requirements
  • Analyze information systems processes, and propose customized solutions to improve performance and efficiency
  • Design, develop, integrate, test and implement information systems business solutions
  • Provide advice on information systems strategy, policy, management, security and service delivery
  • Act as a liaison between the business units, technology teams and support teams
  • Conduct tests to ensure the reliability, accuracy, and functionality of system changes and enhancements

Qualifications

  • checkA bachelor's degree in computer science, business administration, information systems or a related discipline or completion of a college program in computer science is usually required.
  • checkCertification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.

Market Outlook by Province

PE

Prince Edward Island

The employment outlook will be Good for business systems specialists (NOC 21221) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.The prospect for employment in this occupation is expected to be favorable as organizations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, cloud computing, and data-driven decision-making. These professionals analyze, design, and optimize information systems to align with business goals, and are employed in IT consulting firms, financial institutions, healthcare, and all levels of government. The shift toward e-health technologies, cybersecurity, and AI integration continues to fuel growth in this field. While most opportunities are concentrated in urban centers, smaller communities may face challenges attracting and retaining talent. Individuals pursuing this career should focus on building strong analytical skills, learning multiple programming languages, and staying current with emerging technologies. Certifications in systems analysis, cloud platforms, or cybersecurity should enhance job prospects in this profession. Here are some key facts about business systems specialists in Prince Edward Island: Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Business systems specialists mainly work in the following sectors: Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 36%Management and administrative services (NAICS 55, 56): 24%Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 20%Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 11%Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 10% 18% of business systems specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 33% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 67% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 32% compared to 25% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 26% compared to 17% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 21% compared to 8% for all occupations

Good

Outlook

NS

Nova Scotia

The employment outlook will be Good for business systems specialists (NOC 21221) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about business systems specialists in Nova Scotia: Approximately 550 people work in this occupation. Business systems specialists mainly work in the following sectors: Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 27%Utilities (NAICS 22): 12%Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 12%Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 7%Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 7% 82% of business systems specialists work all year, while 18% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.6% of business systems specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 53% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 47% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 47% compared to 20% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 22% compared to 10% for all occupations

Good

Outlook

BC

British Columbia

The employment outlook will be Moderate for business systems specialists (NOC 21221) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Banking, insurance and property services are several of the sectors that are undergoing increased technological innovation and rapid digitalization that is expected to increase the need for skilled workers in data analysis, cybersecurity and digital client services.Here are some key facts about business systems specialists in British Columbia: Approximately 4,300 people work in this occupation. Business systems specialists mainly work in the following sectors: Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 28%Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 8%Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 8%Hospitals (NAICS 622): 8%Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 6% 79% of business systems specialists work all year, while 21% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.13% of business systems specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 54% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 46% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 8% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 49% compared to 22% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 24% compared to 12% for all occupations

Moderate

Outlook

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Immigration Pathways

TEER 1 occupations typically require a university degree and qualify for Express Entry. These are high-priority for STEM and healthcare category draws.

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Express Entry (FSW)

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Provincial Nominee Programs

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Category-Based Draws

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Top Companies Hiring

Organizations with the most NOC 21221 openings right now.

Cognizant

Cognizant

6 active roles · Toronto, ON · Mississauga, ON

Air Canada

Air Canada

3 active roles · Dorval, QC · Toronto, ON

Co-operators

Co-operators

3 active roles · Toronto, ON · Guelph, ON

SurveyMonkey

SurveyMonkey

3 active roles · Ottawa, ON

Capgemini -

Capgemini - Make it real.

3 active roles · Toronto, ON · Mississauga, ON

Nutrien

Nutrien

3 active roles · Saskatoon, SK · Calgary, AB

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Core Competencies

Evaluation and Systems Analysis

to review, create and test scenarios to analyze how different systems may impact efficiency

Critical Thinking, Decision Making and Problem Solving

to analyze business information management data to identify trends, patterns, or warnings indicating security threats and propose alternative solutions

Fluency of Ideas

to propose customized solutions to improve performance and efficiency

Verbal Ability

to give presentations to clients on business strategies, information management systems and testing outcomes

Attention to Detail

to prepare reports summarizing operational results, performance, or accomplishments of specified objectives, goals, or plans

Knowledge in Economics

to understand complex economic theories and analyses to conduct research, develop performance assessments, or act as a consultant on business systems plans

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