Thank you for your interest in pursuing Professional Certification through the Society for Technical Communication. The STC Certification program is a three-tiered professional certification: Foundation, Practitioner, and Expert.
The Foundation Certification focuses on knowledge of the field. To achieve the Certified Professional Technical Communicator – Foundational designation, applicants demonstrate knowledge and understanding of best practices in technical communication by passing a test. This certification level is open. Register for your online course today!
The Practitioner Certification will demonstrate mastery of applying best practices and leading others in their use. The achievement of the Certified Professional Technical Communicator – Practitioner designation may consist of a written test and an evaluation of work product.
The Expert Certification requirements will require a set of work products and expert interviews. (Those who achieved the Certified Professional Technical Communicator designation in 2012-2014 have been awarded the Certified Professional Technical Communicator Expert certification.)
Foundational Certification is currently available, with the higher-level certifications opening in 2018 and 2019.
Foundation Certification
The Certified Professional Technical Communicator – Foundation is open. This certification will be a timed test covering nine core skill areas of technical communication. More information on the certification program and the nine areas can be found in the January 2016 and March 2017 issues of Intercom. Sample questions are available through STC's site.
Project Planning
Project Analysis
Content Development
Organizational Design
Written Communication
Visual Communication
Review and Editing
Content Management
Production and Delivery
The body of knowledge STC is using for the Foundation exam is Richard Johnson-Sheehan’s Technical Communication Today, Fifth Edition. The textbook is available in print from Pearson or from Amazon.com. The textbook is also available to rent or buy digitally from VitalSource.
The test is 50 questions, closed book. Test takers will have 40 minutes to complete the test under a proctor.
What is the difference between certification and a certificate?
