Program Overview

Technical Communication Certificate

The Technical Communication Certificate is a fully online program designed to equip students with the tools, strategies, and industry best practices to transform complex ideas into clear, engaging, and accessible content. This program is ideal for individuals looking to advance in their current role or pivot to a new career in technical communication.

Overview

• Courses: 11
• Format: Part-time
• Location: Online
• Program completion: 1–5 years (from start date of first course)
• To graduate, complete all courses with a minimum average grade of B- (70%).

Program Details

• Format: Part-time
• Location: Online
• Course duration: 4–12 weeks
• Course work: 6–10 hours/week
• Schedule: Self-paced within set deadlines

Courses

The following are the required courses in the recommended order (but can be taken in any order, except TCOM410, which should be completed last):

• Introduction to Technical Communication (TCOM110)
• Technical Writing and Editing (TCOM120)
• Research, Analysis and Information Design (TCOM210)
• Design and Production of Technical Publications (TCOM220)
• Indexing: An Essential Art and Science (TCOM230)
• Microsoft Word for Technical Writers: Advanced (TCOM240)
• Fundamentals of Creating Online Documents (TCOM260)
• Tools for Technical Communicators (TCOM270)
• Technical Writing: Advanced Workshop (TCOM310)
• Documentation Project Management (TCOM320)
• Final Project: Technical Communication Guided Practicum (TCOM410)

Learning Materials

See individual courses for textbook details.

Cost

• $495–$695/course, not including textbooks
• $99 program application fee

Application Info

• No application deadline. Take individual courses and apply to the program at any time.
• Application requirements:
  • Grade 12 or equivalent
  • Mature students who do not meet this requirement may qualify with at least 5 years of appropriate experience
  • Advanced English Language Requirements

Why this Program?

• Gain the knowledge to work as a technical communication professional
• Build specialized communication skills in your choice of areas, such as indexing, design, or project management
• Learn from established technical communicators working in the field
• Take fully online courses on a flexible schedule
• Start with individual courses and apply to the program at any time
• Graduate with a certificate that confers SFU alumni status along with its benefits

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Technical Communication Certificate program can pursue a variety of career paths, including technical writing, editing, and project management. The program's focus on industry best practices and flexible online format make it an ideal choice for individuals looking to advance in their current role or transition to a new career in technical communication.