Just under a year ago, STC re-launched its Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) certification program. This three-tiered program begins with the currently-offered CPTC Foundation certification. CPTC Practitioner and CPTC Expert certifications are planned for launch in 2017 and 2018.
These certifications are cumulative; each is a prerequisite for the next.
Why Certification?
Many different fields have a path to certification, either optional or required, and many professionals have benefited from certification. Certification benefits individuals, employers, and the profession at large. Certification can help you to validate your skills and distinguish yourself from other job applicants who are not certified. Employers can use certification as one way to identify qualified applicants. In fact, a recent US Federal Government for-bid contract required a CPTC-certified technical communicator.
How Can I Earn the CPTC Certification?
The CPTC Foundation certification is exam-based. The exam is 50 questions over 40 minutes, and an 85% score is required to pass. The exam tests knowledge and understanding of technical communication concepts in eight core skill areas:
Project Planning
Project Analysis
Content Development
Organizational Design
Written Communication
Review and Editing
Visual Communication
Content Management
Production and Delivery
How Do I Prepare for the Exam?
You may study for the exam yourself, using the STC Certification Study Guide and a copy of the Certification textbook, Technical Communication Today, 5th Edition, by Richard Johnson-Sheehan.
Alternatively, you can take a class from a CPTC authorized trainer. The CPTC preparation course is held over two days, and covers the eight skill areas and all knowledge necessary to successfully take the exam.
How Do I Take the Exam?
You can register to take the exam online, at the Certification hosting company, APMG. APMG has helped organizations around the world develop and administer professional certification programs.
How Much Does It Cost?
The exam fee is $250 USD, payable to APMG when you register for the exam. If you take a CPTC preparation class, the exam fee is included in the cost of the course.
Where Can I take a CPTC Preparation Course?
Front Runner is pleased to be hosting a CPTC Preparation Course on November 13-14, taking place, at 366 Adelaide St E #433. The instructor, Alan Houser, is an STC Fellow, STC Past President, and a CPTC authorized trainer. Students will have the opportunity to take the exam the second day of the training.
See the Front Runner CPTC course for details and to register.
You can also learn more at the STC CPTC certification information area.