Our Position on Education
Technical writing is a recognized specialty comprised of numerous technical disciplines, encompassing a broad and unique body of knowledge and skills.
Technical writers communicate technical information in easily understandable language. They prepare operating and maintenance manuals, catalogs, parts lists, assembly instructions, sales promotion materials, and project proposals. Many technical writers work with engineers on technical subject matters to prepare written interpretations of engineering and design specifications and other information for a general readership. Technical writers may also serve as part of a team conducting usability studies to help improve the design of a product that is still in the prototype stage of design. They plan and edit technical materials and oversee the preparation of illustrations, photographs, diagrams, and charts.
We share several common goals with other organizations:
- Promoting technical writing as a recognized standardized profession.
- Establishing high standards of education and professionalism through certification.
- Ensuring an adequate supply of technical writers to meet current and expected needs of the technical writing field.
We recognize those who have received training in technical writing, either through formal training programs, programs that provide education in comprehensive technical writing as a part of another established program, or practical work experience under the direction of a qualified technical writer, and who have subsequently passed the Certified Technical Writing Specialist (CTWS) examination. Technical writers who have entered the field through any of these avenues should strive to earn appropriate credentials.
Our priorities in the administration and management of the CTWS certification program are to ensure the long-term viability of CTWS certification through a current, fairly-administered exam, recognized credibility among stakeholders and rigorous and inclusive eligibility requirements. These priorities for the CTWS credential have been integrated into our strategic goals and efforts to fulfill them are ongoing.