Prospects will be best for college graduates who are familiar with a variety of programming languages, particularly newer ones that apply to computer networking, database management, and artificial intelligence. They test the operation of programs to be sure instructions are correct and will produce the desired information. If errors occur, programs must be changed and rechecked until they produce the correct results. They prepare instruction sheets for computer operators who will run the programs. Applications programmers write software to handle specific jobs.
Systems programmers maintain the software that controls the operation of the entire computer system.
Employers using computers for scientific or engineering applications prefer college graduates with degrees in computer or information science, mathematics, engineering, or the physical sciences. Graduate degrees are required for some jobs. No special licensing or certification is required for computer programmers. Candidates must pass a basic five-part examination. Computer programmers in large organizations may be promoted to lead programmers with supervisory responsibilities.