About this Program
Technical communication now covers far more than traditional software documentation. Professionals produce web content, white papers, and scientific publications, and handle design and production elements. Employers seek highly skilled professionals who use new technologies such as AI, manage sophisticated publishing workflows and demonstrate broad, deep knowledge.
In this three-course certificate program, you’ll learn the fundamental concepts and practical applications of technical writing. Explore the styles, formats and requirements used across different types of technical communication while developing hands-on experience with industry tools, including applied AI tools and workflows for technical communication. Build the skills and confidence to produce effective documentation and step into a variety of technical communication roles.
▸ Related Article: How to Become a Technical Writer
DESIGNED FOR
Professionals with some writing background who want to develop their technical writing abilities.
See Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply, you must:
Have one of the following:
Four years of college, plus two years of work experience in any field
Two years of college, plus four years of work experience in any field
Be familiar with authoring tools such as Microsoft Word, including the ability to create a document, add comments, track changes, and format styles and templates
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about seven to nine hours each week on coursework.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the B2 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid . To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs .
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students .
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
Microsoft Office 365 (available to students free of charge though the UW Microsoft Student Advantage program)
High-speed internet connection
Headset and webcam (recommended)
Earning the Certificate
You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate .
▸ Explore More: Check out the new specializations in Regulatory Medical Writing and API Documentation or see all our programs for writers and editors .
Video Overview
Hear from Carl Chatfield, instructor in the Professional Technical Writing certificate program. Find out how the program helps to set up graduates for a career in the field.
Duration: 02:35
Play
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
The principles of user-centered content design, software user assistance, editing workflows and conventions, usability testing, layout concepts and publication formats
The role of style, voice and tone, and structure in technical communication
Information design techniques and industry standards
Applied AI tools and workflows for technical communication
How to use industry-standard software tools and systems
GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Produce a document development plan and a variety of work samples for your portfolio.
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For more information, see the Scholarships page.
Career Stats
8.9%
Projected job growth for technical writers in Washington state (2025–2035)
$93,226
Median salary for technical writers in Washington state (2024)
EARN DIGITAL BADGES
You can earn a digital achievement badge for successfully completing this certificate program, as well as a separate badge for each course. These badges can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges .
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options .
This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.