Do you want to develop a career as a technical writer? Getting the right skills as a technical writer and choosing the industry you want to specialize in is a challenge.Luckily, there are several fantastic technical writing courses that can help you advance your career.
But how do you choose a technical writing course that's perfect for you without wasting valuable time and money?In this article, we take a look at what technical writing is and the best technical courses you can take in 2023.
Let's dive right in.
The best technical writing courses for today's technical writers
While mastering technical writing can take years to master, you can improve your technical writing skills by taking online courses. Technical courses teach you how to write, format, and develop better documentation.
In order to quickly gain popularity in your industry, it is always better to get some certified courses. While a degree in business communications can be helpful, earning some industry-specific technical certifications will boost your professional development.The more technical courses you take, the better for your career.
Consider taking the following technical courses to develop a stronger portfolio.
1. Technical Writer Comic
Technical Writer HQ offers the technical writing course suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It's a complete program, which makes it our favorite.
The program not only teaches you the basics, but also puts them to the test in practical exams so that you don't just learn theory.
Some aspects covered by the program are:
- document formatting
- document the project
- API writing
- Write FAQs and release notes
- Write white paper
- Audience Analysis
You can progress at your own pace and upon completion of the course you will receive your certificate.
The resume is from Josh Fechter, the founder of Squibler, a writing and publishing software. With over ten years of experience as a Technical Writer, the program offers everything Fechter has learned throughout his career in a comprehensive educational package.
To learn more, visitHQ Technical Writer.
How much does the HQ Technical Writer course cost?
You can purchase the one-week technical writing course for $299.
Who is the technical editor comic course suitable for?
The program is comprehensive, making it suitable for writers of all levels of experience. And because the program manages to cram everything you need into a single week, it doesn't require expert time management on your part. You can take the course if you are short on time but want to improve your knowledge and if you have extra free time.
2. Certificate course on writing UX
Technical Writer HQ's UX Writer course allows you to develop and advance your technical writing and content design skills. With this UX writer course, you can improve your technical writing skills required for the UX writer role and learn the basics of technical writing so you can call yourself a seasoned technical writer.
This specialist course is not just a video course. It also includes steps to prepare your portfolio through your 10+ major projects, which you can later use to showcase your technical UX writing talent and skills to potential recruiters and clients.
How much does the UX writing course cost?
A one-time payment of $499 gives you lifetime access to the course.
Who Should Take the UX Writing Course?
This course is a perfect choice for anyone who not only wants to master technical writing skills but also wants to become an expert UX writer. This course is a complete course that teaches you the basics of UX writing and also gives you basic homework projects to work with to build your portfolio. Anyone who wants to immerse themselves in UX writing, expand their skills, and get even better at them should take this UX writing certification course.
To learn more about the course, exploreUX Writing Certification Courseat the Technical Writer's Headquarters.
3. Society for Technical Communication (STC)
The Society for Technical Communications is a membership-based group of Technical Writers and Technical Writers. It is one of the oldest and largest associations of its kind and has set itself the task of advancing the field of technical communication.
As a technical association, the STC offers a variety of online courses and certifications. If you have experience, you can choose to take the STC's three-level professional certification, including a Foundation, Practitioner, and Expert certification.
If you are interested in learning, you can check out the various online courses on the STC website. STC members can view live online classes taking place on specific dates. They typically cover topics related to technical writing, technical communication, and even things like public speaking, leadership, and more.
The STC offers six CEUs to help meet continuing education requirements for CPTC. However, there are some strict requirements that you must meet.
For more information on technical writing courses, visit Society for Technical Communication.
How much does the Society for Communication Skills course cost?
Prices vary by membership level. A single course is $375 for STC members, $300 for STC Gold members, $295 for STC students, and $595 for non-members.
Who should take the Society for Technical Communication course?
SOC has many courses for both beginner and experienced technical writers who want to improve their writing and communication skills, but they are more expensive than other online courses. Because of the quality of the course (and pricing), SOC courses are designed for people who are serious about their writing career and want to perfect different types of technical writing.
Keep in mind that participants must always register for live sessions and complete approximately 3 hours of homework per week. If you are not currently residing in the United States, all courses are held in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
4. Udemy Technical Writing Courses
Udemy is a popular course library where you can find online technical writing resources for just about any industry.
Here you will find countless courses on the right writing process and on topics such as technical document design, proofreading and other writing-related content. It is important to highlight the courses for good technical writing.
For example, this courseis for new technical writers. It focuses on the basics of technical editing and editing. It's a complete beginner's course that also covers how to properly develop a technical document template and how to write your first user manual.
Additionally, the program focuses on teaching correct titles, revisions, and formatting.
Registration for the course is straightforward as it is a self-paced program; However, you will need a Windows PC and Microsoft Word and Excel (2007 or 2010). The award-winning course costs $199.99, but you may qualify for a discount.
You get access to 107 lectures, 22 worksheets, 22 solution sheets and 36 quizzes. You will also receive six PDF e-books, 40 supplemental PDF documents, and a final assignment that the instructor will personally review.
You can find more writing courses at Udemy.
How much does the Udemy course cost?
Courses range from $11.99 to $199.99 on Udemy. Also, Udemy often offers discounts, so it's a good idea to find the courses you want to take and keep an eye on them if the current price isn't right for you.
Who should take the Udemy course?
With plenty of courses and affordable prices, Udemy's technical writing courses are perfect for those who are on a budget but still want a quality technical writing education. Although there is a schedule, you can be more flexible in terms of time than other platforms.
Most Udemy courses cover foundational knowledge, making them great for writers who want to scratch the surface of technical writing.
5. Coursera
Coursera is another huge platform with many courses on different topics. On the site it is possible to find several courses developed by individuals, organizations and even universities.
Although you can find many technical writing courses on Coursera, it's best to just start.
For example, this courseThe course offered by the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology is an excellent course for people who want to specialize in writing for STEM subjects. Registration for the course is free and you will receive a shareable certificate upon completion.
Course dates are flexible and take approximately 19 hours to complete. The program lasts five weeks with 33 videos, numerous reading materials, quizzes and much more.
You can check out other courses by visiting Coursera.
How much does the Coursera course cost?
General courses on Coursera are free. However, remember that behind a monthly paywall are additional features such as specializations, certificates or mentoring. Depending on the course, specializations can cost anywhere from $39 to $79 per month.
Who should take the Coursera course?
Coursera is a great testing ground for writers who aren't 100% sure how to devote their time to technical writing. You can take courses for free, see if you like what you learn, and then invest more based on your experience.
The risk is minimal if you don't have a lot of money to spare but still want to check if you have what it takes to be a technical writer.
6. Technical course with emphasis
Emphasis is a learning company dedicated to providing business writing consultants and writing tutors. The site offers a range of resources, courses, and services to help writers and businesses develop better writing portfolios.
The Emphasis Technical Writing course is taught by a team of professional technical writers dedicated to helping convey technical information. The program is not aimed at freelancers, but at internal technical writing teams. Technical writers work in groups, so this can be a great program if you're part of a group.
The company also offers in-house training at your company or remotely. On average, the course lasts one day in total. The price depends on the organization and the number of people who need help.
You can find out more by visiting Emphasis on Technical Writing course.
How much does the deepening technique course cost?
The prices depend on whether you take the course individually or in a team. For individuals, the price is $681 plus tax. The platform accounts for team size, requirements, and other elements for teams, but the average price is $327-$412 plus taxes per participant.
Who should take the advanced technology course?
The focus courses are suitable for both beginners and experienced technical editors. Additionally, its personalized approach makes Emphasis a great fit for companies looking to build a team.
Rather than having team members complete the test individually, they can grow as a team and apply knowledge to the benefit of their business.
7. Fundamentals of Technical Writing from the University of Waterloo
Like most universities, the University of Waterloo offers individual courses that do not require entrance exams or prerequisites. You can opt for these courses at any time.
The Fundamentals of Technical Writing at the University of Waterloo is a six week course covering all the fundamentals of technical writing and proofreading. After the six weeks, participants have two weeks to complete the final open-book online exam. After successfully completing the exam, participants receive a certificate of completion.
Depending on your level of familiarity with technical writing, you can complete the course at your own pace. This means that you can complete the course much faster if you already have some technical writing experience. It is best to take your time and learn as much as possible as this is a paid course.
You can learn more by visiting the University of Waterloo Basics of Technical Writing course page..
How much does the Basics of Technical Writing course at the University of Waterloo cost?
You will need Microsoft Word to start the course. Including all features, the course costs $190 plus all applicable taxes.
Who should take the Fundamentals of Technical Writing course at the University of Waterloo?
The course is excellent for individuals who prefer a college-like approach to education. While not very expensive, the online technical writing course requires dedication, so it is best to take this course if you are serious about becoming a full-time technical writer.
The course covers many aspects of technical writing. So be prepared to get involved if you want to make the most of what the course has to offer.
8. Oregon State University Online Technical Course
Similar to the University of Waterloo Technical Writing course, Oregon State University also offers a full technical writing course. The online course covers, among other things, the basics of technical writing, types of technical documentation, writing styles and how to create technical publications.
You will receive personalized feedback on your chosen writing project from the lecturer. The course can last up to four weeks and starts on specific dates, so it is best to register before the start date.
You can find out more by visiting Page of Oregon State University's online technical writing course.
How Much Does Oregon State University Online Technical Course Cost?
Price is $425. It is best to devote at least three to eight hours each week to the course.
Who Should Take Oregon State University's Online Technical Course?
This is another excellent program for beginners. This one stands out because you learn how to write compelling technical copy and how to sync your writing to the UX. This can be valuable knowledge since as a copywriter you often work alongside product developers.
Choosing the right engineering degree for your career
Whether you are writing technical reports for an organization or product user manuals, technical writing requires specific skills and knowledge. The best way to acquire these skills is to take writing classes.
This is especially true as you begin your career as a technical writer. However, if you have already spent a few years in this field, you can still take the above courses to strengthen your portfolio. Still, you should also check out some industry-specific certifications and courses.
Choosing the right technical writing course is all about the industry you work in and your writing style.
frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most common questions about technical writing courses.
What is technical editing?
Technical writing is a way of creating content that is easy for the average user to understand, translating technical jargon and complex information into simpler, more readable content so users can better understand your products and services.
There are many different types of products and services; Therefore, there are several types of technical writing. Each type has a different format, model, procedure and structure. You could write FAQs for a technical website or get supporting technical documents for research journals.
Common types of technical writing include how-to guides, user guides, API documentation, financial documents, white papers, case studies, and more.
Most technical tasks often rely on formatting, which is why using templates for technical writing is essential. You can find many inspirational models online for different types of techniques. The best way to do this is to review some technical writing examples and templates, and then start working on your technical documents.
The field of technical writing is difficult as it requires the writers to know their subject and have appropriate technical writing skills. In some cases, people prefer technical writers to have direct or previous experience in the field in order to understand the complexity of the subject. The technical writer must have a strong understanding of the product or what it is about.
Therefore, if a technical writer lacks the required skills as a technical writer, he or she must work closely with industry experts. It is your job to maintain professional lines of communication between them and any experts they may need to consult.
Excellent writing isn't just about technical skills, it's also about communication skills, years of experience, and general knowledge of the subject.
Is technical writing a good job?
With many SaaS companies springing up every year, technical writing can be a very fruitful career. The hardest part is finding initial clients to help you create a quality resume. But since few writers (or SaaS companies in general) are skilled at the technical writing and professional communication required, it's relatively easy to stand out if you have the right knowledge and communication skills.
Are technical writing courses worth it?
Due to the general lack of familiarity with technical writing in many industries, a quality writing course can be your gateway to a rewarding career. While you should do some research before committing to a program, technical writing courses are well worth your time and money.
What are the requirements to become a technical writer?
Qualifications for technical writers include a bachelor's degree or certification in technical writing, communications, or a related field. You should also have experience as an intern in technical editing.
How do I learn technical editing?
You can improve your technical writing skills, and business writing in general, by taking a technical writing course online or at a university. If you want to learn technical writing, I recommend starting with the Technical Writer HQ certification to gain a better understanding of the overall technical writing and audience analysis process.
Josh Fechter
Josh Fechter is a corporate strategy consultant and founder. He has written several world-renowned books on software configuration, speaks Spanish, ballroom dancing, and owns The Product Company and Squibler.