Technical Writing Certificate
Gain your Technical Writing Certificate in 15 weeks studying topics such as principles of technical writing, editing and intro to HTML.
CEUs 
Location Technical Writing Certificate
Gain your Technical Writing Certificate in 15 weeks studying topics such as principles of technical writing, editing and intro to HTML.
What you’ll be able to do — competencies
- Distinguish technical communication from other forms of writing
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of a technical writer
- Plan technical communication deliverables that explain how to complete the procedures within a process
- Compose draft technical communication deliverables based upon planning phase pre-work
- Analyze draft technical communication deliverables and revise their contents in preparation for final publication and distribution
- Apply, test, and measure the principles of usability
- Produce a Capstone project consisting of a technical communication deliverable that enables the reader to use a new product, understand a business process or proposal, or take action based on learning about something new
What previous students are saying about this program
Time is hard to come by. So, the flexibility at Tombolo Institute made it instrumental in allowing me to pursue my technical writing certificate and transition my career. It’s one of those things where now that I’m here, it feels like I was always meant to be here. I anticipate staying in this discipline through the rest of my career. 
Tod Hilton
Course description
Salary scales for Technical Writers range from $79,000-$106,000 in the greater Seattle area (Glassdoor). Employment trends for Technical Writers are expected to grow by 10% over the next 8 years. –US Dept. of Labor
This online Technical Writing Certificate course culminates in the Tombolo Institute at Bellevue College Technical Writing Certificate. The entire certificate course takes 15 weeks to complete at a cost that is substantially less than taking the courses individually. This competency-based program employs a course instructor and is targeted to working professionals with a strong knowledge of written English, who are looking to speed up the certificate process. Topics covered include:
- Principles of Technical Writing
- The role of the technical writer
- The writing process
- Usability
- Writing strategies
- Editing
- Document design
- Intro to HTML
- XML and CSS
- Job readiness strategies
Prerequisites
- A strong command of English grammar and spelling
- A basic-to-intermediate knowledge of Microsoft® Word
Syllabus
The course lasts 15–weeks. Table 1, below, outlines the topics covered, the approximate week during the course when that topic should occur, and the approximate number of study hours required for each week.
The number of hours for each weekly module is an estimate. The number of hours you spend will vary depending on your knowledge of the topic, how you study, and the actual time you need to complete activities, quizzes, peer reviews, and discussions.
The assignment schedule is provided at the bottom of this syllabus and can also be found in the course calendar. The schedule and time commitment requirements will be updated as course modules are published for student access.
| Course Topics | Approximate Week # | Approximate Hours per Week |
| Getting started | 1 | 1.5 |
| 1. Introduction to Technical Writing | 1 | 5 |
| 2.The writing process | 2 | 7 |
| 3. Usability and readability | 3 | 7 |
| 4. Planning | 4 | 6 |
| 5. Structure and organization | 5 | 6 |
| 6. Writing and drafting – Parts I-III | 6-8 | 7.5, 6, 6 |
| 7. Revising and editing Parts I-II | 9-10 | 7, 6 |
| 8. Document eesign and layout | 11 | 7.5 |
| 9. Publishing | 12 | 7 |
| 10. Introduction to HTML and XML | 13 | 6.5 |
| 11. Managing | 14 | varies |
| 12. Job readiness | 15 | 6 |
Next available start dates
Online — Independent
Technical Writing Certificate
Total classroom hours
110 hours
Schedule
Online
Independent, 4/4/2022 - 7/15/2022
Quarter: Spring
Total cost
$1,649
Instructor: Maria Blyther
Notes
This online, instructor-moderated certificate course begins 4/4 and ends 7/15/2022. (Equivalent to 110 classroom hours.) Students must create their NetID to access this course in Canvas, the online learning management system.
Online — Independent
Technical Writing Certificate
Total classroom hours
110 hours
Schedule
Online
Independent, 9/19/2022 - 1/7/2023
Quarter: Fall
Total cost
$1,649
Instructor: Maria Blyther
Notes
This online, instructor-moderated certificate course begins Sept. 19, 2022 and ends Jan. 7, 2023. (Equivalent to 110 classroom hours.) Students must create their NetID to access this course in Canvas, the online learning management system
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