What Is a Technical Writing Certification?

A technical writing certification is a formal recognition awarded to individuals who complete an accredited training program or course in technical documentation, covering materials such as user manuals, API documentation, SOPs, or product guides.

Examples include programs from Technical Writer HQ and professional certifications like the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) from the Society for Technical Communication (STC).

Why Is This Certification Important?

• Boosts Credibility: Demonstrates proven competence and mastery of professional technical writing practices
• Career Advantage: Can give you an edge in hiring and promotions
• Industry Recognition: Certifications like STC’s CPTC are widely acknowledged, though some employers may prefer domain-specific technical certifications
• Practical Learning: Many programs teach hands-on skills such as creating API documentation, designing diagrams, or preparing regulatory documentation

Types of Available Certifications

• Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) — Offered by STC, with three levels: Foundation (Level I), Practitioner (Level II), and Expert (Level III), with continuing education requirements
• Technical Writer HQ Programs — Suitable for beginners to experienced writers who want stronger practical skills
• University Certificate Programs — For example, the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire offers a “Certified Technical Writer” program
• Specialized Industry Certifications — Such as those from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) for medical and scientific writing

Impact on Salary and Career Prospects

Salary Data

Source	Median / Average Salary (US)
BLS (2024)	$91,670/year (bls.gov)
U.S. News (2023)	Median $80,050; 75th percentile $102,260 (money.usnews.com)
ClickHelp (2023)	Avg. $77,157 (range: $69,458–$86,315) (clickhelp.com)
High-paying areas (San Francisco)	~$105,000 (clickhelp.com)

Job Growth

• BLS Projection: ~4% growth from 2023–2033 (about average across all professions)
• Earlier optimistic: projections: Up to 11–12% growth from 2016–2026
• Growth driven by demand for science, tech, and web-based product documentation

Insights from the Field

"The cert from the Society for Technical Communicators is probably the most widely recognized, but in my experience employers are more impressed with technological certs than those for writing itself."

This shows that while writing certifications are valuable, combining them with technical or industry-specific certifications can make you even more competitive.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Getting Certified?

Yes — for most aspiring or current technical writers, certification is a strong career move.

Key takeaways:

• Strengthens your portfolio and credibility.

• Opens more job opportunities and aids career advancement.

• Can lead to higher salary potential.

• Highly effective when paired with other technical or domain-specific qualifications.