Tech job titles change fast, but NOC codes don't. Here is where common IT roles sit in NOC 2021. All of the codes below are TEER 0 or 1, so the work counts for Express Entry.
| Job | NOC code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Software developer, programmer, application programmer | 21232 | 1 |
| Software engineer, software architect, cloud engineer | 21231 | 1 |
| Web developer, web programmer | 21234 | 1 |
| Web designer | 21233 | 1 |
| Business systems analyst, IT business analyst | 21221 | 1 |
| Computer systems analyst, IT consultant, QA analyst | 21222 | 1 |
| Database administrator, data administrator | 21223 | 1 |
| Data scientist, machine learning engineer | 21211 | 1 |
| Cybersecurity analyst, IT security specialist | 21220 | 1 |
| IT manager, computer systems manager | 20012 | 0 |
| Help desk, technical support, user support technician | 22221 | 2 |
Developer vs engineer vs web developer
- 21232 developers and programmers write, test and maintain code from specifications.
- 21231 software engineers and designers research, design and evaluate software systems and architecture, and usually lead technical design.
- 21234 web developers build and maintain websites and web applications.
Many people with the title "software engineer" mostly write and ship code, which matches 21232. Pick the code your duties match.
Business analyst and data roles
"Business analyst" is a title, not a code. An analyst who gathers requirements for IT systems fits 21221. One who analyzes finances or markets may fit a business or finance code instead. "Data analyst" can be 21223 (database work) or 21211 (data science and modelling), or a non-IT code if the job is reporting and analysis.
IT codes in category-based draws
On IRCC's STEM list (checked 2026-10-16) the IT-related code is 21220 cybersecurity specialists, plus architecture and science managers (20011). See all category-based codes.
Common questions
What is the NOC code for a software developer?
NOC 21232, Software developers and programmers (TEER 1).
What is the NOC code for a business analyst?
IT business analysts and business systems analysts use NOC 21221, Business systems specialists (TEER 1). Business analysts outside IT may fit other codes, so check your duties.
Are IT jobs in the STEM Express Entry category?
As of IRCC's list dated 2026-10-16, cybersecurity specialists (21220) are on the STEM list, along with several engineering codes. Most software and data codes are not, but they still qualify for Express Entry as TEER 1.