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Sometimes if you're being bid for Government jobs (as an example), the job requirement states that you need either a degree or certification in technical writing.
I agree that there is no substitute for writing. Although I have years of technical writing and editing under my belt, I have neither a degree nor a certification in it. In fact, most of the more seasoned tech writers I know do not have a technical writing, English, or journalism degree.
I thought about getting a certification simply to have the credentials on paper to be bid for certain work... but instead opted to get a more technical master's degree. Everything Peter says is true, but a certification could make a difference depending on the industry.
-----Original Message-----
From: neilson -at- windstream -dot- net
To: Khizran Kaleem <khizran -at- gmail -dot- com>; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Sent: Mon, 24 Sep 2007 4:33 am
Subject: Re: Technical Writing Certifications
Khizran Kaleem asks:
> I plan to get a technical writing certification. Can anybody suggest one?
No.
Don't waste your money and effort. Instead, write. Write, write some more, go
back and re-write, and just keep writing. Write technical instructions, write
fiction, write poetry, write C, C++, Java, Perl, or COBOL. Or some other
favorite
code. (Then document the program you wrote. Or better yet, document it first
and then code it.) Develop a good portfolio of material that shows you can
create worthwhile documentation.
People who write crap can get certifications. Being able to show that you can
write good stuff is better, in my eyes, than any silly certification. Some
university-level courses in technical writing might just possibly be worthwhile.
This whole discussion (from both points of view, or maybe several more) has
happened on TECHWR-L before. Look it up in the archives. Why do you think you
need certification?
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
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