Information Systems Professional
Information you need to know to work in Information Technology
Who is the licensing body responsible for Information Systems Professionals in Alberta?
In Alberta, you do not need to be licensed to work in the Information Systems industry; however, to call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the ISP designation, you must be a registered member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta). To sign up as a CIPS member or to apply for the I.S.P. designation, you can do so at the CIPS National website.
What are the registration requirements for internationally educated Information Systems Professionals?
Internationally educated Information Systems Professionals who wish to become certified as Information Systems Professionals must:
- Complete the ISP Self Assessment.
- Apply to CIPS for evaluation for the preferred route. The Established IT Professionals Route is recommended for applicants with extensive work experience. The Education Plus Experience Route is recommended for applicants who have completed an Information Technology (IT) post-secondary education and have accumulated a certain number of years of professional experience. I.S.P. designation eligibility criteria and application routes can be found on the CIPS website. Note: Individuals who completed their education at an educational institution outside North America must have their educational transcripts officially translated (if the transcript is in a language other than English or French) and must submit a course-by-course analysis and at statement of equivalency from a recognized Canadian academic credential assessment service.
- Have completed a minimum of 1000 work hours during the 12 months prior to the application.
- Write and pass the CIPS Professional and Ethics in Computing and IT Exam. Visit the Certification page for more information on writing the CIPS Professional and Ethics in Computing and IT exam.
- Register with CIPS Alberta.
What are the educational requirements for Information Systems Professionals in Alberta?
CIPS provides a number of routes for applying for certification as an ISP. Each route has a different educational requirement.
In Alberta, the following institutions offer four-year degree programs in computer sciences:
- Athabasca University (distance education)
- Grande Prairie Regional College in Grande Prairie
- MacEwan University in Edmonton
- King's University College in Edmonton
- Mount Royal University in Calgary
- University of Alberta in Edmonton
- University of Calgary in Calgary
- University of Lethbridge in Lethbridge
- In Alberta, the following institutions offer two-year diploma programs in computer sciences:
- SAIT Polytechnic (SAIT) in Calgary
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton
- MacEwan University in Edmonton
What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?
There are no formal English requirements for ISPs; however, ISPs must be able to communicate effectively. Having a high level of English in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are necessary in order to be successful in the profession. To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.
What resources and supports are available for internationally educated IT professionals?
Directions for Immigrants offers workplace communication groups to help you integrate into the Canadian work environment. The Clear Communication for Business workplace communication group is designed to help internationally educated professionals fine-tune their communication skills with colleagues, supervisors, and clients. In one week, you will learn through role-play and scenarios the nuances and expectations of the Canadian business culture. Topics include active listening, assertiveness, conflict resolution, problem solving, and teamwork. Visit the Clear Communications for Business page for more information.
What resources are available for Information Systems Professionals?
- Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS)
- Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)
- Canadian Technology Immigration Network
- e-Talent Canada
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