Certification for Technical Communicators

[Richard Sobocinski <"Richard_G_Sobocinski%~WHC207"@CCMAIL.PNL.GOV>]

         Mike Uhl

1. Yes, STC should implement a certification
   program. Like PRSA, it should not be mandatory. However,
   members should be encouraged to achieve certification after
   ten years of membership                               ^^^^^
   ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
         What does
         membership in STC have to do with technical writing ability?


   Also like PRSA, STC should restrict admission to the Society by
   requiring a sponsor and a one year probationary period.
               ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
         This sounds like a control mechanism similar to closed union
         shops -- gotta' know someone to get in.

         Only those
   who professionally practice technical communication should be
   admitted. (Teachers of technical communication would also be admitted.)

         Not a bad idea but how is it enforced?

2. Technical Communication is, indeed, a profession. Of this, I am quite
   confident. STC leaders, and others, have generally defined a profession
   as an area of work requiring a four year degree or extensive experience
   providing skills and knowledge comparable to that achieved through a
   four year degree.

         We had a very explosive thread related to this not long ago.
         Tech writers seem to arrive at this occupation from a myriad
         of backgrounds.  How and who will determine what "extensive
         experience" or "comparable knowledge" is equivalent to a 4 yr
         degree (and which degrees are eligible)?

3. Certification should work in a manner similar to the way AMWA implements
   theirs. STC should offer classes at the national conference and at the
   region level whereby members achieve various certifications in specialty
   areas and can earn a general certification.

         Continuing education is always a good idea.

   STC members have argued that our work is too general to define any kind
   of encompassing qualifications. I disagree. An ability to draw basic
   illustrations, write a grammatically correct sentence, recognize common
   proofreader's marks, operate a personal computer, and so forth, are
   skills that all technical communicators ought to have.

         I consider those things to be very rudimentary.  I bring a
         LOT more than that to the projects I work on.  If I
         trumpeted those qualifications to my clients, I'm sure I'd be
         next in line when a secretary temp is needed.

4. Too many titles are handed out to technical communicators. The STC
   leadership should work harder to create professional standards,
   including job titles and achievement criteria.

         Most professions have too many ambiguous titles.  I've never
         been hired for a job based on Title; it's always based on
         what I'm experienced at doing.

In general, STC doesn't do enough for its membership. I am working on
changing this. The Carolina Chapter, of which I am active member, could
much more to serve its members. And the organization as a whole is not
nearly aggressive enough in promoting control of the profession.
                                      ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
         There you go with that control thing again.  I have been a
         professional tech writer for a number of years and am happy
         to say I've made a good living doing so.  I have only
         recently heard of the STC through participation in this list.
         It sounds like a very worthwhile organization and one that I
         am considering to join, but I don't think the STC has any
         right to "control the profession."

In the coming years, I and some of my imaginative and bold colleagues
hope to bring a renaissance to technical communication in the Research
Triangle Park area. This is bold, and perhaps even arrogant talk,
                                                   ^^^^^^^^
                              You got THAT right!

but the time for apathy and modesty are over. We have been
trampled on long enough.  We want professional respect and we
are going to get it.

         I have earned my own professional respect, thank you very
         much.  I don't need the STC to go out and get it for me.


         Just my thoughts on the subject.  'Scuse me while I climb
         into my asbestos reading suit.  :)

         Rich