Skills, Education, and Experience

• well developed analytical skills
• patience and persistence
• interest in methodical and precise work
• detail-oriented
• ability to think logically and creatively
• good interpersonal and communication skills

Most employers require:

• a bachelor’s degree in computer science or in another discipline with a significant programming component

OR

• a college diploma in computer science

If you specialize in programming for engineering and scientific applications you should have specific post-secondary study or experience.

Due to the nature of the job, you need to continually upgrade your skills. Employers will often pay for training to keep your skills up to date.

This occupation is not regulated in British Columbia. There are no mandatory requirements for licensing or professional certification in order to work as a computer programmer in BC.

However, you can apply for the Information Systems Professional (ISP) designation through the Canadian Information Processing Society. Language-specific certification for computer programmers with specialized knowledge of a particular programming language is also available.

For more information on the ISP designation: