Is becoming a 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:
Still unsure if becoming a technical writer is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a technical writer or another similar career!
Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.
How to become a Technical Writer
Becoming a technical writer involves developing strong writing skills, gaining knowledge of technical subjects, and building experience in creating clear and accurate documentation. Here are the general steps to pursue a career as a technical writer:
- Obtain a Relevant Education: While a formal degree is not always required, earning a Bachelor's Degree in English, Communications, Technical Writing, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field can provide a strong foundation. Courses in writing, editing, and technology can be especially helpful.
- Develop Writing and Technical Skills: Practice writing clearly and concisely, focusing on making complex information easy to understand. Learn to use documentation tools, such as Microsoft Word, Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, or other content management software. Familiarity with visuals, diagrams, and basic design can also be valuable.
- Gain Practical Experience: Start with internships, freelance projects, or entry-level writing positions. Contributing to manuals, help guides, or online documentation can help build a portfolio that showcases your ability to explain technical topics clearly.
- Learn About the Industry: Understanding the field you want to write for—such as software, engineering, healthcare, or manufacturing—will make your documentation more accurate and relevant. Attend workshops, webinars, or professional groups to stay updated on industry trends.
- Build a Portfolio: Collect samples of your work that demonstrate clarity, accuracy, and the ability to handle technical topics. A strong portfolio is often more important than formal credentials when applying for technical writing roles.
- Apply for Jobs and Continue Learning: Look for technical writing positions, starting with junior roles if needed. Continue improving your skills by learning new tools, technologies, and writing techniques to advance your career.
Certifications
Earning certifications can help validate your skills as a technical writer and make your resume stand out to employers. Here are some verifiable certifications that are recognized in the field:
- Certified Technical Writer (CTW): Offered by the Technical Writer Certification organization, this certification demonstrates proficiency in writing clear and effective technical documentation.
- Society for Technical Communication (STC) Certificates: STC offers various courses and certificates in technical communication, usability, and content strategy that are widely respected in the industry.
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification: While not exclusively for technical writing, this certification shows proficiency in creating clear, structured, and engaging content, which can be useful for technical communication roles.
- MadCap Flare Certification: This certification proves expertise in using MadCap Flare, a popular documentation and help authoring tool.
- Adobe Technical Communication Suite Certification: Validates skills in tools like RoboHelp and FrameMaker, which are commonly used for creating technical manuals and guides.