NOC 21220Cybersecurity specialists

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

NOC 21220 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Cybersecurity specialists. It is classified TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

2 › 21 › 212 › 2122

Definition

Cybersecurity specialists develop, plan, recommend, implement, improve and monitor security measures to protect an organization's computer networks, connected devices and information to prevent unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of the information or of the systems on which the information resides. They are employed in information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the public and private sectors.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Confer with clients to identify and document requirements, assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware
Apply encryption protocols, and manage keys to ensure security of data is maintained while at rest and in transit
Monitor access and credentials for information and systems
Install, test and operate security software and tools such as anti-virus and automated threat detection/prevent systems to ensure security measures are in place and working as intended
Monitor for cyber attacks, intrusions and unusual, unauthorised or illegal activity
Plan and carry out security measures in response to cybersecurity events and incidents in accordance with an organization's incident response plan to protect information, data and systems
Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.

Example job titles

•cybersecurity analyst
•informatics security analyst
•informatics security consultant
•information technology (IT) security specialist
•systems security analyst

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Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Cybersecurity specialists are categorized under NOC code 21220. This occupation falls under TEER 1, representing professional roles that typically require a university degree. Professionals in this group play a vital role in planning, implementing, upgrading, and monitoring security measures to protect computer networks and information. They work across various sectors to mitigate security risks, assess system vulnerabilities, and respond to computer security breaches or system compromised events.

To immigrate to Canada under NOC 21220, candidates may be eligible for economic immigration pathways managed through the Express Entry system, such as the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as targeted Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Typical employment requirements for cybersecurity specialists in Canada include a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, or a related discipline, alongside relevant professional experience. Some employers or provincial streams may also prioritize candidates holding industry-recognized IT security certifications.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 21220 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Cybersecurity specialists is TEER 1, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 21220 usually require?

Cybersecurity specialists is classified as TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.