PACE NONCREDIT COURSE:
Certified Technical Writer
Areas of Study
Course Type
Overview
Hours: 125 | CEUs: 12.5 | Duration: 6 months
Effective communication is essential in today’s business world. Technical writers are professional communicators whose role varies across industries and contexts. They may create manuals and instruction documents, write grant proposals for nonprofit organizations, manage social media accounts, or create compliance documents for pharmaceutical companies. They may work in industries as different as aeronautical engineering and healthcare or be self-employed. With skills and experience, technical writers can find rewarding and engaging work in many different fields.
In the course, you will explore the framework in which technical writing exists, the conventions it follows, and the essential elements all technical writing must have. The course also includes a lesson on preparing for the (CPTC) Certified Professional Technical Communicator exam offered by the Society for Technical Communication (STC).
Key Concepts
What you will learn
- Writing to meet the needs of your audience, including writing with clarity and focus
- The differences between technical writing and other types of writing
- Ethical issues in technical writing
- Advanced grammar rules and effective research methods
- Writing effectively for websites and social media
- Developing strategies to prepare for the Certified Professional Technical Communicator exam
How you will benefit
- Obtain a professional writing portfolio to showcase your work to current and potential employers
- Be prepared for technical writing jobs in a variety of industries like software companies, nonprofit organizations, marketing agencies, and more
- Receive a certificate of completion and prepare to sit for the CPTC exam
Curriculum
- Introduction to Technical Communication
- Your Role as a Technical Writer
- Common Types of Technical Writing
- The Seven Principles of Good Writing
- Writing as a Process
- Research
- Organization
- Rough Draft
- Revising and Editing
- Writing for the Web and Social Media
- Certification
- How to Find a Job in Technical Writing (Optional Lesson)
- Final Exam
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a technical writer do?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, technical writers, also called technical communicators, prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily. Technical writers also develop, gather, and disseminate technical information through an organization’s communications channels. Indeed.com reports some notable examples of technical writing job duties, including:
- Instruction manuals
- E-learning content
- Product specifications
- Product descriptions
- Reports
- Press releases
- Business proposals
- Job descriptions
- Textbooks
What is technical writing?
Indeed.com states that technical writing is a form of communication professionals use to convey information about specialized topics. A technical writer might create content to provide instructions or explain technical concepts regarding environmental regulations, computer applications, or medical procedures. Some of the most common industries that rely on technical writing include:
- Engineering
- Computer software and hardware
- Robotics
- Chemistry
- Finance
- Consumer electronics
- Forestry
- Aeronautics
- Medical and healthcare
- Biotechnology
What is a technical writer’s salary?
According to Lightcast, the annual median salary for a technical writer has been $80,800 over the last 12 months.
Does this course prepare you for a certification?
Yes. You will prepare for the (CPTC) Certified Professional Technical Communicator exam offered by the Society for Technical Communication (STC).
Can I register for courses if I am an international student?
Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country’s regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
When can I start this course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
After you register, you will receive (6) months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
What if I don’t have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?
If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.
What kind of support will I receive?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.
Am I guaranteed a job?
ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.
Can I get financial assistance?
ed2go courses are noncredit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. To learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the “Contact Us.”
Moodle & Zoom
Before enrolling, please review the following links and ensure that your computer meets these requirements.
Course Requirements
Requirements: Hardware Requirements: Software Requirements: Other: Instructional Material Requirements: The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment: The following eBook will be provided to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment: Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder. Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites to complete this course. This course is designed to prepare you for a career as a technical writer. You do not need any prior experience or training in this field.
Course Prerequisites
Instructor(s):
Janet Underwood
Janet Underwood is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience as a senior technical writer. Janet started her career as an English teacher. She then went on to work as an editor and writer for several internationally known trade publications before marrying her love of technology with her passion for writing to become a technical writer. Janet has developed technical documentation for major corporations in the computer, information technology, telecommunications, financial, medical industries, U.S. government agencies, and public utilities organizations. She has also written several books used as textbooks for college technical writing courses and has been an adjunct professor.
Lynn Atkinson
Lynn Atkinson earned a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in 1993 and an M.A. in English with an emphasis in rhetoric in 1996. A published writer and editor, including contributions to college textbooks, she considers her greatest accomplishment educating thousands of students at UTA, DeVry, Tarrant County College, Southeast Career Institute, and Everest College. She has also been nominated for and awarded “Outstanding Teacher” at several of these institutions. Lynn has developed or co-developed several writing curriculums, won writing contests and conducted over 10,000 hours of tutoring.