This document provides information about STC's new Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) certification program. It discusses the three tiers of certification - Foundation, Competency, and Expert. The Foundation tier involves passing a knowledge-based exam and is intended for entry-level technical communicators. STC has partnered with APMG International to develop and administer the new certification program, which will focus initially on knowledge-based assessments and be globally accessible. The document outlines the roles and benefits APMG will provide to the program. It also provides details on requirements, assessments, and qualifications for each certification tier.

1. Professional Certification Info
Session for Aspiring CPTCs
Chris Lyons Liz Pohland
Craig Baehr Ronn Faigen
June 23, 2015

2. If you are expecting to hear the answer to this
question, you are in the wrong session:
STC Summit - June 23, 2015
“What is professional
certification and what
good is it?”
http://www.stc.org/education/certification/why

3. What happened with the old CPTC program?
STC Summit - June 23, 2015
• Defined core skills
• Developed and branded product
• Focused initially on competency demonstration
• Was an expensive and complicated process
• Required more resources than STCCC had available
• Decided to re-engineer the program in 2014
• Processed final applicants in April 2014
30 people received the CPTC designation under the
old program—their certifications are still in force.

4. The new STC Certified Professional Technical
Communicator (CPTC) program
STC Summit - June 23, 2015
• Same core skills
• Updated logo
• 3 tiers of certification—focusing initially on knowledge
• Accessible first tier—Foundation: easy process, one
payment, one exam
• Partnered with APMG International to develop
and administer the program
• Anticipate opening the program later this year

5. Who is this mysterious APMG International and why
should STC work with them?
STC Summit - June 23, 2015
• APMG-International is an award-winning examination
institute, based in the UK.
• They accredit professional training and consulting
organizations.
• They manage certification schemes for knowledge-based
workers—45 at last count.
• They have a global reach, with regional offices located
around the world.

6. APMG International brings best practices to assist STC
with:
STC Summit - June 23, 2015
• Syllabus and exam creation
• Program qualifications for each tier
• Rigorous standards
• Training organization accreditation
• Exam registration and administration
• Marketing

7. Three tiers of certification.
STC Summit - June 23, 2015
Knowledge
Competency
Expert is analogous to the old CPTC designation.
CPTC’s will be re-designated “CPTC-E”

8. Purpose: Measures knowledge Confirms application of
knowledge
Confirms expertise in
tech comm
Audience: Entry-level Mid-level Senior-level
Source: Primary textbook 1-5 years’ experience 5+ years’ experience
Evaluation: Exam Written work products
and artifacts
SME panel interview
Pathway prerequisite: Candidates must successfully complete the proceeding
certification tier to qualify for the succeeding certification tier.

9. The Foundation Certification is a test of knowledge
based on a body of knowledge.
STC Summit - June 23, 2015
Body of Knowledge:
 Technical Communication Today by Richard
Johnson-Sheehan, primary source
 TC BOK, secondary source
Core Skill Areas: • Project Planning
• Project Analysis
• Content Development
• Organizational Design
• Written Communication
• Reviewing and Editing
• Visual Communication
• Content Management
• Production and Delivery

10. STC Summit - June 23, 2015
QUESTIONS?
Visit Pearson Booth 111 to find answers to sample
questions for the Foundation exam.

11. Become an Accredited Trainer
Attend Ronn’s session later today
in the Summit+ Theater
in the Expo Hall:
“Become an Accredited Certification Trainer”
3:45-4:30PM