Is becoming an AI technical writer right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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How to become an AI Technical Writer
Becoming an AI technical writer involves a combination of education, skill-building, and practical experience. Here's a general guide:
- Formal Education (Optional): A degree in English, communications, technical writing, computer science, or a related field can provide a strong foundation. Courses in writing or technology help, but real-world skills and a portfolio can sometimes outweigh formal education.
- Learn the Basics of AI and Technology: Understand core AI concepts, machine learning, and AI tools. Online courses, tutorials, or beginner-friendly books can build practical knowledge.
- Develop Writing Skills: Practice explaining technical topics clearly and simply. Focus on organizing information, creating step-by-step guides, and making complex ideas easy to understand.
- Gain Technical Experience: Work with software, AI tools, or coding projects to get hands-on knowledge. This helps create accurate and practical content for users.
- Build a Portfolio: Create sample guides, tutorials, or blog posts about AI topics. A portfolio shows both writing ability and technical understanding to potential employers.
- Work with AI Teams: Look for internships, freelance projects, or entry-level roles in tech companies. Collaborating with engineers, developers, or product teams builds real-world experience.
- Keep Learning and Updating Skills: AI technology changes quickly, so staying current with new tools, updates, and trends is essential. Continuous learning keeps content accurate and useful.
Certifications
Keep in mind that while obtaining certifications can enhance your skills, credentials, and marketability in the industry, many hiring managers place higher value on demonstrable skills, a portfolio, or formal degrees than on short online certificates. Certifications are most useful when they help you build real skills and show a commitment to learning.
Here are some certifications relevant to AI technical writers:
- Technical Communication and Artificial Intelligence Certificate: Offered by Coursera, this program teaches how to write clearly about AI technologies and tools. It provides a career-focused certificate that can be added to a resume or LinkedIn profile.
- AI+ Writer™ Certification: Provided by Phoenix Training Solutions, this program focuses on combining AI tools with professional writing. Completion results in an official credential demonstrating AI-focused writing skills.
- Complete Documentation and Technical Writing with AI (Udemy): A 2025-updated course that trains writers to create technical documentation while integrating AI tools. This is the most relevant Udemy course for aspiring AI technical writers.
- Certified Generative AI Expert (Global Tech Council): A 7-hour self-paced course covering neural networks, machine learning, and prompt engineering. Covers both technical and non-technical aspects of designing, developing, and implementing AI solutions.
- University Technical Writing Certificates (e.g., University of Washington): Offers formal training in technical writing fundamentals. Valuable for building strong documentation skills even without a formal degree.