Part-Time Continuing Education Program for Technical Writers (tekom Certification)

Technical writers ensure a cost-effective documentation process, coordinate translation projects, and make information products understandable to different target audiences. Well-trained technical writers are therefore the foundation of successful technical communication for companies. However, the vast majority of people working in technical writing departments have not received formal training as technical writers; rather, they have typically been recruited into technical writing through technical vocational training or a college degree.

Are you doing a great job in technical writing but would like to optimize your daily work through targeted continuing education? And would you like to take this opportunity to earn tekom certification to improve your prospects in the job market?

Depending on your educational background and professional experience, we’ll develop a comprehensive training plan for you during a detailed consultation to help you achieve your goal of tekom certification quickly and efficiently. The training is delivered through location-independent in-person seminars (online) as well as e-learning courses and self-study modules. You choose where you learn: at work, at home, or wherever you like.
Optionally, you can book a two-day in-person seminar (Schema ST4) with us in Dortmund.

Benefits of Continuing Education While Working

  • You will receive comprehensive and thorough training from a professional partner specializing in the education and continuing education of technical writers.
  • You put your practical work to the test and make targeted improvements.
  • You can fit the continuing education into your daily work schedule in a way that works best for you.
  • Our tutors and instructors all have many years of experience in the field of technical documentation.
  • You can start the training program at any time (with about 14 days' notice), since it is not tied to fixed start dates.
  • You can also complete the program on a part-time basis.

Dirk Schmitz

Your contact person

Dirk Schmitz

Phone: +49 231 557142-33

E-mail: d.schmitz@tecteam.de

Frequently asked questions

What are the entry requirements?

  • Academics or
  • Study dropout or
  • completed training or
  • Many years of professional experience

in one of the areas of language/translation or communication or technology or IT.

Further personal requirements:

  • Good English skills, if applicable (depending on the company)
  • Confident written expression
  • IT skills (MS Office, Internet, PDF)

Can the duration of the training vary?

Depending on your qualifications and educational background, we can determine a customized training duration. In doing so, we also take your scheduling preferences into account, such as the time you have available for training or your vacation plans.

As a rule, a part-time continuing education program with 12 hours of study per week takes approximately 14 months to reach the Professional level, and approximately 20 months to reach the Expert level, assuming the same study load.

How do the two degree levels differ?

Professional Level: Provides the basic knowledge needed to work as a technical writer in the field of technical documentation under supervision—for example, from an expert—and to perform standard tasks.

  • Basic knowledge and skills of the core competencies (e.g. law and standards, professional writing)
  • Knows the steps of the information creation process and can implement individual steps

Expert level: Provides comprehensive specialist knowledge and conceptual know-how to work independently and solve complex problems.

  • In-depth and detailed knowledge and skills of the core competencies
  • Additional knowledge and skills in specialized areas (e.g. project management, terminology, content management)
  • Understands the interrelationships of the information creation process and can implement the essential steps
  • Conceptual skills and reflection on the work

How many face-to-face (online) seminars are there?

If you are aiming for Professional level, you will usually take part in online seminars for 13 days; if you are aiming for Expert level , this will take around 15 - 18 days. Optionally, you can also book a 2-day seminar on the Schema ST4 editing system. This seminar takes place at our premises in Dortmund.

How does the certification examination by tekom e. V. work?

During the training program, you will independently register for the exam with tekom e. V. and receive an exam date. The tecteam Educational Institute ensures that the exam takes place no later than three months after the completion of the training program. Upon passing the exam, you will receive a detailed certificate and will be authorized to use the professional title “Technical Writer (tekom).”

How much does the continuing education program cost?

You can find the prices for the respective e-learning courses or seminars on the detail pages or in the overview.
Important: If you order multiple educational modules from us, you will receive a discount depending on how many and which items you order.

What are the career prospects for technical writers?

The opportunities and career prospects on the job market for trained, qualified technical writers remain strong. We actively assist our graduates—both before and after they earn their tekom Expert certification—in their job search or in finding an internship.

Technical writers trained by tecteam earn an average annual salary of about 40,000 euros in smaller companies. Employees at larger companies earn an annual salary ranging from 40,000 to 70,000 euros. The average gross annual salary for technical writers is 52,000 euros.

Would you like to try out an e-learning course?

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Training Programs - tecteam - Professional - Expert Level