8 Leading Technical Writing Certifications (With Benefits)

Technical writing is a specific type of communication that simplifies specialized information to help make it more accessible to a wider audience. To excel in this field, technical writers often earn certifications to show they’ve mastered specific techniques and strategies for various fields. Learning about the different types of technical writing programs can help you decide which skills may be necessary to develop to succeed as a technical writer.

In this article, we define technical writing certifications, describe why you might want to pursue one, and discuss eight top certifications that can help you advance your career.

What are technical writing certifications?

A technical writing certification shows your ability to write complex information. Technical writers often detail complicated subjects like software development, engineering, and health care. Their goal can be to explain these difficult subjects so that other people, like customers and other business stakeholders, can understand them. Technical writing certifications can teach you how to structure complex written materials like process documentation or user manuals, so making them easier to read. These certification programs can also teach you the specific formatting and content requirements for various technical documents.

Why get a technical writing certification?

There are several reasons you might get a technical writing certification, including:

• Developing skills: Earning a technical certification can help you improve skills, like communication, research, and editing. You can also add new skills and career knowledge, such as the most important requirements to include when writing documentation, manuals, or reports.

• Improving credentials: Certification through an accredited school or organization can provide you with formal credentials you can use when applying to other roles. Adding a certification to your resume can demonstrate your skills and dedication to your field.

• Specialization: If you have a degree in communication or English, a specialized technical writing certification in areas like medical writing or software development can highlight your specific knowledge. This can help if you’re freelancing, as you can highlight your abilities on your profile.

• Saving time and money: Though most technical writing certifications can cost money, these are often more inexpensive than full college degrees. You might consider a certification program if you hope to earn new credentials in a shorter time for less money.

8 technical writing certifications

Here is a list of some technical writing certifications you might consider:

1. Professional technical writing certification

Many organizations or schools offer a basic, professional technical writing certification. Programs to earn these certificates can run for one week or a few months, depending on the organization. With this certificate, you learn how to analyze the audience and purpose of your technical writing assignments and write with clarity and concision. You can also learn basic formatting and production principles. Some companies offer basic technical writing certifications in specific areas like software development, where you might learn techniques like writing white papers or case studies.

2. Advanced technical writing certification

You might consider an advanced technical writing certification if you hope to increase your knowledge and credibility in the field. Available at many schools and programs, these certifications could help you learn everything you would in a basic course while also applying styles and design to your writing, writing proposals, interpreting data, and discovering editing techniques for technical writing. You might gain a basic technical writing or communication certification before qualifying for an advanced program.

3. Certified professional technical communicator

Organizations like the Society for Technical Communication (STC) offer certifications to become a Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC). Offering more than just technical writing, you can also learn about being a technical editor or a technical writing manager. There are three primary levels for this certification:

• Foundation: A foundation certificate validates that you have basic knowledge of technical communication and writing. Requirements include basic coursework and an examination.

• Practitioner: A practitioner applies the knowledge they learned in the foundation program and shows mastery in technical communication. To earn this designation, you may pass an examination.

• Expert: An expert shows mastery through real-life application of technical writing. You can earn this designation by sharing a portfolio of your work and undergoing interviews with other experts.

4. Business writing certification

Many organizations and schools offer business writing certifications for people who want to specialize in business and finance writing. You might learn to evaluate your writing audience, how to perform research, and how to edit for clarity. Documents you might learn how to write include process documentation, financial reports, or economic publications. These programs often require a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field so that you have a basic knowledge of business language.

5. Certifications showing advanced skills in technical writing

Some programs may offer technical writing certifications to advance skills you already have. For example, if you work in business or finance, you might complete this process to refine your report or proposal writing skills. This can also help writers in other fields learn how to apply their knowledge to technical writing. You might learn basic topics like how to organize documents for readability, create a project plan, and write effective headings and subheadings.

6. Software technical writing certifications

Technical writers for software companies or products focus on explaining the complex parts of products to nonexpert customers. During this certification process, you might learn technical skills like understanding APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), interpreting code, and reviewing UI (user interface) and UX (user experience). This can help you as you learn to write how-to manuals, program documentation, journal articles or diagrams for users. These programs may require a technical degree as a prerequisite.

7. Engineering technical writing certifications

Similar to software technical writing, writing in the engineering field can require extensive knowledge of complex processes and formatting requirements. Though you may learn basic techniques like structuring documents and editing, you often learn about industry standards while creating documents about machinery operations, manufacturing, and engineering. You might also learn how to create diagrams and tables that can help simplify complex information. These programs often require background knowledge or education in engineering.

8. Medical technical writing

One common medical writing certification is the Medical Writer Certified (MWC) credential that the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) offers. Those who pursue this designation often hope to specialize in medical science writing. You can expect to learn topics like medical ethics, healthcare knowledge, and communication. You might write educational medical materials, research documents, journals, or abstracts. To earn this certification, you may first earn a bachelor’s degree and basic experience in medical communication.

I hope you find this article helpful.