TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I think it might be useful for a new TW just starting out.
As for the rest of us: Please let me know the first time you hear of an
experienced TW losing the competition for a new job to an equally
qualified TW with an STC certification. I don't think this scenario is
impossible, but I sure wouldn't toss money in the trash like that till
it's happened a few times.
-----Original Message-----
From: Porrello, Leonard
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2011 12:24 PM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: STC certification program
Has anyone noticed that STC's apparently has a new certification program
(www.stc.org/education/certification/cptc-application)? For info about
certification requirements, see the "candidate instructions."
I know that there have been several discussion on techwr-l, over the
years, about certification, but now that the STC is actually offering
it, I'd like to know what people think about this specific scheme. I
have several questions and reservations. Among other things, it seems
pricy to me. The prices below are for charter applicants, STC members,
and non-members (in that order):
Application: $99, $99, $125
Assessment: $495, $595, $695
Maintenance (yearly fee): $49, $49, $69
Recertification (after 3 years): No charge, No charge, No charge
The thing that seems most odd to me is the yearly maintenance fee. Is
this normal? What value do I get from it? Is it just a way to defer the
cost of recertification? If so, why is recertification needed after
three years? Why not two years or five years?
On one hand, I hear "certification" and I think, "excellent, something
that I can use to set myself apart from unqualified and under-qualified
hacks." On the other hand, being skeptical, I suspect that certification
is just a way for the STC to make money and will in actuality add
nothing to the profession or my employability. What does certification
give me that my work history and writing samples do not already provide?
I would be interested in hearing other opinions.
This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.
Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days. http://www.doctohelp.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
