The Society for Technical Communication offers several levels of professional certification for technical communicators, beginning with the Foundation level.
Are you thinking of writing the CPTC Foundation Level exam? You should! Does the thought of writing the exam make you nervous? Don’t be! Passing the exam at the first sitting is easy (if you put the work in). I hope sharing my success helps to ease any fears you may have regarding this exam. I am proud to have the new CPTC designation and CPTC Foundation Certification badge added to my email signature.
Previous certification exam experience
Earlier in my IT career, I certified as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Certified Novell Engineer (CNE), and Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA). After some career-related soul-searching, I decided I wanted other letters beside my name. Being no stranger to these kinds of exams helped my nerves. I found that I knew exactly what to expect.
Exam expectations
I began with the STC’s CPTC Foundation Level Certification page. It provides an accurate description of the exam, including an overview, format, cost, registration, study materials, and preparation advice. I found that the exam was as described on this site, with no surprises.
Focused studying
From the exam page, I chose one (well, actually two) of the accredited training providers who offer Certified Professional Technical Communicator classes. The classes allowed me to work through the nine core competencies on my own time. Information and learning modules, videos, quizzes, and exercises reinforced the material from the recommended textbook. If I had simply studied on my own, I think I would have been far less focused.
Note-taking
I knew that I had limited time with the course material, so I took my own notes using PowerPoint. To make sure I didn’t forget anything, I used different strategies. I opened each colour-coded section (competency) with what I needed to recall and understand. I added colour, flare, and any other enhancements I could think of that would help with my recall. This proved to be a useful tool leading up to the exam date.
Applied learning
I took to heart the advice on the course’s frequently asked questions page, by going above and beyond just reading the material and listening to the online lectures. The course used a scenario that referred to “your company.” I struggled to apply the reading and concepts to an unknown company, which I overcame by inventing one, complete with an organizational structure. My fictitious company was featured in a working document used to demonstrate my understanding of the competencies I learned. I submitted my assignments by sharing a link to this document, and it was well received by the instructors. Applying each competency’s concepts this way improved my understanding. For example, I used the organizational structure to help create writer-centred and context analysis charts for the Project Analysis competency.
All of the above contributed to my success with the CPTC Foundation Level certification exam. If you put the work in, you, too, have a good chance of passing the exam with ease and confidence.
Darlene Evanoff’s IT career began in the 1990s. She currently works with Alberta Health Services’ IT Project Management Office. Toastmasters inspired her to research technical writing, which led her to the STC and pursuit of certification which she attained in 2023 . In her off time she enjoys cycling, HIIT classes, and travelling.