[TCP] certification (was: ranting STC)

[Ned Bedinger]

Donald H. White wrote:
> I still have no idea why the concept of a professionalization program causes
> so much ire. 
 
I don't know about ire, but it does raise the issue of trust.  Who would 
you trust to codify what it takes to be a certified tech writer? And who 
would you trust to understand what being certified means?  To me it 
seems that interest in a general tech writing cert is trying to treat 
tech writing as if it were tech support, but it isn't so easy to say 
what competences are necessary for tech writing.  For some jobs, we'd be 
qualified if we can write.  In others, we'd be lost if we can't create 
C++ sample code.  Who understands these things and thinks that any sort 
of general tech writing certicate makes sense? I'll answer the 
question:  people who need only one type of tech writer and aren't aware 
of the enormous variety that exists in our field.
 
 
> You go into an interview armed with your very good,
> well-written and targeted resume as well as an outstanding portfolio and use
> your winning personality to...not get the job. Why? Millions of reasons.
>   
 
Are you saying that certification would change this?  If so, how?
 
 
> Can professionalization hurt those who might undertake it? No. 
 
 
I don't know.  But can "professionalization" replace the need of 
companies to understand their own documentation and training 
requirements?  Certainly not, and that is what I think certification 
promises to do, however unlikely it is to be able to do that.
 
 
> Can it hurt
> those who don't undertake it? Maybe; depends upon how employers perceive and
> receive the program. 
  
 
Employers often perceive a degree in  CSci or TechComm as a minimum 
requirement.  They're just trying to demonstrate some awareness that 
professional tech writers are different from the teeming masses of 
people who can write.  No doubt some would subscribe to a certification 
scheme too.
 

> If having a certification helped me obtain work from
> employers who specifically advertise for those holding professionalization,
> then I'd go for it.
 
 
Are you going to hold your breath waiting for it?  :-)


 
 
Ned Bedinger
doc at edwordsmith.com