CPTC validates the skills, knowledge and competence of technical communicators as they advance in their professional careers.
Society for Technical Communication (STC)
CPTC is a certification scheme developed by APMG on behalf of the Society for Technical Communication (STC).
The Society for Technical Communication is the world's largest and oldest professional association dedicated to the advancement of the field of technical communication. The Society, with headquarters in the United States, has members in over 40 countries and across all continents.
Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC)
Technical communicators are present in a wide range of organizations but their roles are often not identifiiable as an expertise. The Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) scheme addresses this as part of a recognized profession with its own distinct skillset and is designed to validate the skills, knowledge and competences of technical communicators as they advance in their professional careers.
Technical communication includes one or more of the following
Technical communication is a broad field and includes any form of communication that exhibits one or more of the following characteristics:
- Communicating about technical or specialized topics, such as computer applications, medical procedures, or environmental regulations.
- Communicating by using technology, such as web pages, help files, or social media sites.
- Providing instructions about how to do something, regardless of how technical the task is or even if technology is used to create or distribute that communication.
For more information, please read our 'What is Technical Communication?' blog.
The scheme covers nine core areas of technical communication:-
- Project Planning
- Project Analysis
- Content Development
- Organizational Design
- Written Communication
- Visual Communication
- Reviewing and Editing
- Content Management
- Production and Delivery
Benefit from:
- Objective validation of technical communication competency.
- Enhanced employment opportunities as you can differentiate yourself from others.
- Indicates to your existing or potential employer that you are committed to the field of technical communication.
WATCH NOW : Liz Pohland, former CEO of Society for Technical Communication, and Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, discuss the role of Technical Communicators in the future of work.
Who is CPTC for?
Technical communicators work in every industry and CPTC certification is designed for those who require a working knowledge of the key principles, theory and terminology of effective technical communication.
A huge number of people in the following groups have already benefitted from membership and certification;
- Media and Communication
- Information Technology
- Education
- Administrative
- Business Development
Updates in 2024
The CPTC Foundation and Practitioner certifications are based on content within the book Technical Communication Today by Richard Johnson-Sheehan. A 7th edition of this book was published in 2023, which has removed a small section of content that was previously tested. As a result, the course and examinations have been updated to remove the topics no longer included in the book. For candidates studying from the 5th edition, or an earlier version, of Technical Communication Today, a version 1 exam should be booked. This version will be available until 31 December 2024. After this time, exams will only be based on content in the 7th edition. Candidates should ensure they are familiar with terminology changes introduced in the 6th edition when taking a version 2 exam.
Upcoming courses
CPTC Foundation and Practitioner exam preparation courses can be booked directly via the Society for Technical Communication website. For information about upcoming courses, please visit the STC website.
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CPTC Foundation
Act as an informed member of a technical writing or communication team.
Entry-level individuals who are involved in technical communication and informational projects or products, who require a working knowledge of the key principles of technical communication, and who need to know the terminology used and some of the theory behind the practice.
- Project planning.
- Project analysis.
- Content development.
- Organizational design.
- Written communication.
- Visual communication.
- Reviewing and editing.
- Content management.
- Production delivery.
- 40 minutes
- 50 multiple choice questions
- 70% pass mark
- Closed book
CPTC Practitioner
Demonstrate your understanding of how to apply and analyze technical communication guidance.
Technical communicators and aspiring communications managers. Also, other staff involved in the design, development, and delivery of technical communication products and services.
Please note that you must have already passed the CPTC Foundation exam before you can sit the CPTC Practitioner exam.
Technical communication concepts, guidelines and processes, enabling you to offer relevant insights and ideas that can aid decision taking.
- 1 hour and 40 minutes
- 4 complex multiple choice questions
- 70% pass mark (56 marks out of 80)
- Closed book
