Overview
The Associate Certificate in Technical Writing provides you with writing and visual communication skills needed for manuals, proposals and grant applications. Anywhere people depend on substantial amounts of information (print or electronically), tech writers ensure that the information is clear, coherent, complete, accurate, and unambiguous.
Delivery: online. See details.
Technical writers help contribute to the success of an organization by enhancing productivity, reducing errors, improving safety, and increasing customer satisfaction. It’s a value-adding process that carries much responsibility but also presents an exciting opportunity to keep learning, growing, and advancing.
About the program
- 3 intakes: January, April, and September
- Offered through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous online classes
- 11 courses of either 18-hour or 36-hour duration
- 1 project with a real client from industry to provide you with a portfolio piece, real-world experience, industry contacts and references
- Take a single course or work toward a credential
- You can declare this program immediately or enroll course-by-course and commit to the full program later
- Up to 7 years to complete the program, but generally done in 14 or 24 months
- All instructors are industry experts still active in the field
See the Program Details to learn more about what you can expect from Technical Writing and how you can prepare for a career as a tech writer.
Who should complete the Technical Writing Associate Certificate?
This program might be for you if:
- You enjoy writing
- You have a logical mind
- You like to tease order out of complex situations
- You possess a knack for problem-solving
- You can put yourself in the reader’s shoes
Interested? Register for a Technical Writing course today to get started!
What Technical Writing grads can do
By earning your BCIT Associate Certificate, you’ll be honing various skills such as technical writing, document management, graphics, illustrating and formatting.
As more and more business is conducted electronically, clear communication and effective editing are more crucial than ever. Technical writing is a field that will continue to grow in scope and demand in various sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, finance and government.
Technical Writing is an excellent launch pad into an exciting career or second career. It’s a rewarding, well-compensated profession .
Learn more about future opportunities on the Graduating and Jobs page.
Entrance Requirements
BCIT Flexible Learning
Flexible Learning programs are offered on a course-by-course basis, allowing you to work towards a credential at a pace that’s right for you. If there’s space available, you can register for a course immediately. Courses are offered in each of three terms: Winter (January), Spring/Summer (April), and Fall (September).
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year with intake options available during the following periods:
- Winter (January) intake: open February 1* and close January 2*
- Spring (April) intake: open May 1* and close April 1*
- Fall (September) intake: open October 1* and close September 1*
Intakes may fill before the deadline. If you are currently registered in a course or planning to start, submit your application early to secure your spot in the program.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first-qualified basis as long as space remains.
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants who will complete the program from outside Canada or who currently have a valid status in Canada other than study permit.
Study permit: International applicants accepted into this program are not eligible for a study permit.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: This program does not meet the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) and is therefore not eligible for students to apply for a PGWP.
(CIPC: 23.1303)
Program declaration
Declaring your Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) program ensures that BCIT is aware of your intent to complete a program as it is currently outlined and provides you the opportunity to apply for transfer credit.
To submit your declaration:
- Answer all questions completely.
- If required, convert transcripts and documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Declare Now
Upon approval, a program plan letter will be sent to you confirming your program of study. Please allow approximately eight weeks for processing.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
The cost of this program is the total of the separate course fees. Please see the Flexible Learning course fees page for more information.
Books & Supplies
$300 (estimated cost and subject to change)
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may not be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Learning Activities
Courses follow the BCIT model, which balances theory and practice. Class time is divided between mini lectures and student exercises. The mini lectures will provide you with the theoretical framework. The exercises that follow will provide you with the opportunity to apply the theory you have learned. The exercises emphasize writing and editing, but also cover a wide range of topics including profiling audiences, designing information schema, and using software applications.
As the courses are short and intensive, the reading assignments are often considerable. The assignments are designed to allow you to apply further the theory you have learned.
Industry Project
Once you have completed all required course work you will participate in an industry-sponsored project under faculty supervision. This will allow you to apply your skills in a real-world setting, and provide you with a portfolio piece and industry contacts and references.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| 1. Required Introductory Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 1009 |
Technical Writing: Definitions, Instructions and Process Descriptions
This course introduces students to three types of technical writing found singly or in combination in most, if not all, technical documentation: definitions, instructions and process descriptions. NOTE: Students do not need to submit transcripts for entrance to this course.
|
3.0 | |
| XCOM 1007 |
Technical Writing
This communication course familiarizes students with the principles of clear, concise writing in a technical environment for specific discourse communities. Students write and edit extensively in this course and are given extensive feedback on their style and tone.
|
1.5 | |
| XCOM 1008 |
Technical Editing
This communication course familiarizes students with the role of professional editors in the contemporary workplace and introduces the principles, symbols and methods of copyediting and substantive editing. Students will spend a significant percentage of class time practicing their editing skills and fine tuning their understanding of grammar and mechanics. The course will help to prepare students for a typical competency test required by many employers for professional writing positions.
|
1.5 | |
| XCOM 1110 |
Writing for the Web
Information is not read the same way online as in print. This course teaches students how to express ideas on the Web, how to anticipate the needs of the reader and how to organize and structure information so that it is quickly grasped and navigable, achieving the purpose for which it was developed.
|
1.5 | |
| XCOM 2040 |
Visual Communication and Data Representation
The purpose of this course is to analyze and deploy visual communication techniques to solve communication problems. Parallels are drawn between verbal and visual rhetoric and tone, and students are taught the basics of visual brainstorming, developing and refining visual ideas. Course material includes effectively selecting and implementing colour, typefaces, images, and layout techniques in order to effectively convey complex messages using visual media.
|
1.5 | |
| 2. Required Intermediate Courses*: | Credits | ||
| COMM 1013 |
Documentation Project Management
This course introduces students to the diverse aspects of managing documentation projects. It teaches the planning skills necessary to develop document outlines, budgets, and schedules, and how to combine this information into document plans, proposals, and contracts. It introduces the project execution skills needed at each stage of the documentation process, and teaches how to track and report project progress. It addresses issues surrounding multi-person documentation teams, such as managing personnel, dividing and delegating work, and establishing effective writing and editing processes. This course also teaches global management skills, including document control, copyright, meetings and presentations. NOTE: This is not a writing course.
|
3.0 | |
| COMM 1260 |
Designing and Writing Online Help
This hands-on course combines concepts and practice as students work through all stages of designing and writing a quality Help system, including analyzing user needs, designing information and visual schemas, writing, indexing, and testing. Students will have the opportunity to learn about industry-standard authoring tools and publishing formats, and discuss the future trend of online Help.
|
3.0 | |
| COMM 2206 |
Writing for the Computer Industry
Clear, well-structured, reader-focused documentation makes software, or any other product, comprehensible and usable. Effective documentation enhances productivity and increases user satisfaction. This course introduces students to information typing and other modular documentation techniques.
|
3.0 | |
| COMM 2207 |
Single-Sourcing for Technical Writers
Single-sourcing and content management are key concepts in technical writing, concepts which need to be understood and then explained to other stakeholders. This course reviews the principles of content management, information modeling and single-sourcing also introduced in courses like COMM 1260 and COMM 2206, and discusses the advantages and demands of single-sourcing within the context of the wider organization or client base.
|
1.5 | |
| COMM 2210 |
Industry Project for Technical Writers
This course partners students with industry sponsored projects, under teacher supervision, to provide students with a portfolio piece, real-world experience, and with industry contacts and references.
|
1.5 | |
| and | |||
| XCOM 1000 |
Communication for Team-based Collaboration
This course provides students with experience working and communicating in a team-based collaborative project. Students will apply theoretical concepts of interprofessional collaboration, professional empathy, conflict resolution, intercultural, and interpersonal communication in a team-based project. By collaborating in diverse teams, students will apply theories and communication practices to create a team charter, team progress report, and final report. Finally, students will practice reflexivity by analyzing their individual performance and contributions to the team through self-reflection activities.
|
1.5 | |
| or | |||
| XCOM 1005 |
Technical Writing for Service & Repair Professionals
Learn technical writing targeted for professionals working in service and repair industries in roles such as repair technicians, service advisors, and warranty administrators. Skills taught are relevant to many sectors: warranty and insurance, motor vehicle repair, commercial transport, heavy equipment, collision repair, and other service and repair industries. The ability to create accurate and concise documents including technical reports, repair orders, and service explanations is beneficial for communicating with customers, administrators, adjusters, and other target audiences. Students will learn core technical writing skills including recognizing the importance of writing clearly and ethically; performing audience analysis for various levels of technicality; writing and editing sample technical statements and reports.
|
1.0 | |
| or | |||
| XCOM 3110 |
Using AI for Technical Writing
The landscape of technical communication is rapidly evolving with the advent of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. These technologies are not only changing the way we interact with data and systems but are also reshaping the expectations on technical writers. Students will learn and apply the foundations of AI Prompt Engineering for technical writing largely through hands-on practice using a Large Language Model such as ChatGPT. There is a growing need for writers who not only understand the art of communication but also have a foundational understanding of how to employ AI tools, particularly as this can help automate certain aspects of technical writing such as data collection, basic analysis, and even some aspects of content generation. This frees up time for the writer to focus on more complex tasks. The course focuses on teaching technical writers about the nuances of prompt engineering in Large Language Models in response to a growing industry need for technical writers who can accurately and effectively craft AI-driven prompts and who can work alongside AI teams to optimize the user experience.
|
1.5 | |
| or | |||
| XCOM 3840 |
Technical Presentations
Acquiring effective communication and presentation skills will help advance your career and bring positive attention to your projects and ideas. In this course, you will review sample speeches, perform audience and purpose analysis for your own project, rehearse effective public speaking techniques, and deliver your final presentation to a wider audience. Students can present on a school project from one of their technical courses, an entrepreneurial idea, or a current work project.
|
1.5 | |
*Although most courses can be taken in any order, students should take introductory courses first. Courses above the introductory level (COMM 1013, COMM 1260, COMM 2206, and COMM 2207) are generally more intensive and may introduce highly technical concepts and software. **Before taking COMM 1013, COMM 1260, COMM 2206, and COMM 2207, students are strongly advised to complete their technical (COMP or MDIA) elective. |
|||
| 3. Complete one of the following: | Credits | ||
| COMP 1850 |
Web Design and Development with HTML
This hands-on course introduces web design and development technologies, including web scripting with HTML5 and CSS3. COMP 1850 starts with hand coding web pages to W3C standards using scripting tools to style text and design web content. Students receive an introduction to web interface design concepts. Information architecture, and basic interactivity using web forms and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will also be discussed. There is a brief introduction to JavaScript and the concept of the Document Object Model (DOM). Labs and exercises focus on how to build fluid layouts using CSS flexbox and grid, as well as how to create and optimize graphics and images for the web. Participants will design mobile phone and tablet friendly websites using modern mobile-first responsive web development techniques. COMP 1850 is a required course for Web Development Fundamentals (WDF), and three Associate Certificates; Applied Web Development (AWD), Applied Computer Information Systems (ACIS), Technical Writing, and the Computer Systems Certificate (CSC). By the end of this course successful students will be able to design, develop, and deploy commercial quality responsive web sites. Successful students are prepared to move on to the next level COMP 2132 -Web Development with JavaScript.
|
3.0 | |
| COMP 2010 |
MS Office Applications
This hands-on course follows on from COMP 1002 - Applied Computer Concepts and is aimed at students who are already able to use a Windows 11 PC and able to manage files on a network, in the cloud. Topics include essential skills for proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint using a student version of MS Office 365, hosted by BCIT. COMP 2010 includes lectures, lab exercises and assignments outside of class in MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint. Students will also receive an introduction to simple databases with MS Access and be prepared to move on to the follow-on 6-week courses offered once per year: COMP 2361 MS Word Advanced, and COMP 2362 MS Excel Advanced in the April (spring) term. COMP 2010 is required in the Applied Computer Information Systems (ACIS) Associate Certificate. It is an elective in the Technical Writing Associate Certificate and the Computer Systems FLEX Diploma from BCIT Computing. Upon successful completion, students will be able to create, edit and manage documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in the cloud.
|
3.0 | |
| COMP 2256 |
Introduction to Visual Analytics with Tableau
This hands-on course is designed for database professionals, data analysts, business analysts and managers, who want to analyze and visualize data from a variety of sources. Students begin with a foundation in data visualization techniques and principles. Effective data analysis techniques, and industry standard best practices are discussed. Through hands-on labs, assignments, projects and group work, participants learn how to build insightful and interactive dashboards. Participants learn to present compelling visuals via lab exercises and assignments. Tableau dashboard performance considerations are discussed. Students registered in COMP 2256 will receive a student license for Tableau software for their home machines for the duration of the course and have access to a Tableau subject matter expert with industry experience. This course is an elective in five School of Computing and Academic Studies credential programs; Computer Systems Technology Diploma (CST/PTS), Applied Computer Information Systems (ACIS), Applied Computer Applications (ACA), Applied Database Administration and Design (ADAD) and Technical Writing. COMP 2256 is a requirement for the Applied Data Analytics Certificate (ADAC). A project presentation is required and designed to help the students become better communicators. By the end of this course successful participants will be able to produce highly interactive graphs, reports and dashboards that access and visualize data from a multiple sources. We recommend that students working toward a Computing credential complete COMP 1630 first.
|
3.0 | |
| COMP 2369 |
Microsoft Word
This instructor lead, hands-on course focuses on best practices to create professional looking documents and master time saving techniques for the daily use of MS Word. Students learn how to perform fundamental tasks, and create complex documents via lectures, lab exercises and assignments outside of class. Topics include: creating and managing documents; formatting text, paragraphs and document sections, applying styles for document consistency; inserting headers, footers and page numbering, creating and modifying tables and lists; inserting and formatting graphic elements; using object linking and embedding to create compound documents. Advanced topics include: automating a table of contents; building an index; tracking changes; mail merging; developing templates and forms; automating tasks with building blocks and macros. This course is an elective in Applied Computer Applications (ACA), and Technical Writing Associate Certificates. By the end of this course, successful participants will be expert end users of MS Word. COMP 2369 is under review and is not currently being offered.
|
3.0 | |
or |
|||
You can choose to take two of the 1.5-credit Media Communications MDIA courses or one of the 3-credit Media Communications MDIA or Graphic Design GDES courses. Courses must have the MDIA or GDES prefix to be eligible (e.g., MDIA 1205 or GDES 1270). |
|||
| Total Credits: | 25.0 | ||
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
You will learn the skills necessary to succeed as a technical writer. As the curriculum is designed by industry professionals, the skills you learn will be current with industry standards and trends.
Core Writing Skills
Technical writers need to have good language skills and a clear understanding of how to reach their audience. Building on your already firm grasp of English grammar and usage, you will learn how to:
- identify and target discourse communities
- analyze and profile audiences and their needs
- write clearly and concisely
- write with the appropriate style and tone
- edit for content, grammar and syntax
Writing for Technical Subjects
Writing technical documentation requires both discipline and creativity. Discipline means observing rules and conventions that act as guidelines. Creativity means choosing the best way to convey information while staying within the guidelines. You will learn how to:
- write definitions, instructions, and process descriptions
- design and create software manuals
- design information architecture for web sites
- create web content
- design and create online Help systems
- design and create single-sourced content
- recognize translation issues
Document Management Skills
Technical writers need to manage documents efficiently. You will learn how to:
- build document templates and apply formatting
- create and apply style guides
- develop document outlines, budgets, and schedules
- create document plans, proposals, and contracts
- apply document controls
Graphics, Illustrating and Formatting
Technical writers use more than words to communicate — there is also a strong visual component. In fact, some technical writers eventually specialize as technical illustrators. You will learn how to:
- analyze and deploy visual communication techniques to solve communication problems
- learn the basics of visual brainstorming and how to develop and refine visual ideas
- format documents to enhance communication
- select and implement colour, typefaces, images, and layout techniques to effectively convey complex messages using visual media.
Software Applications
Technical writers are application software experts. Before entering the program you should have at least a basic level of competency using MSWord. Applications that you will learn include:
- MSWord
- Intro to Web Development (optional)
- Help authoring tools
Industry-Sponsored Projects
In our Technical Writing Certificate Program, students work on industry-sponsored projects, under faculty supervision. These projects provide students with a portfolio piece, real-world experience, and industry contacts and references, while also providing industry with a valuable service. If you think you may have a suitable project, please contact us.
Program Completion
You can complete the entire program and use it as a platform from which to launch a new career. To obtain the certificate, you must complete the required courses and electives.
Program Length
The maximum time to complete the program is 7 years.
Grading
The passing grade is 50%; however, to receive the Certificate, you must achieve a minimum grade of 70% for each course.
Program delivery
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Program location
Courses are offered through online learning.Graduating & Jobs
Job Opportunities
With Vancouver being a hi-tech hub, British Columbia continues to be one of the best places in Canada to work as a technical writer. This is especially true because technical writers are also in increasing demand in:
- health care
- electronics
- engineering
- software
- heavy industry and utilities
- education
- resource extraction
- government
- non-profit organizations
- business administration & operations
- entrepreneurial work & consultation
- green economy & sustainability
- marketing/public relations
- technology/high-tech sector
- finance, and other employment sectors.
Anywhere people depend on substantial amounts of information, whether conveyed in print or electronically, technical writers are busy making sure that that information is clear, coherent, complete, accurate, and unambiguous. It’s a value-adding process that carries a lot of responsibility, but also presents an exciting opportunity to keep learning, growing, and advancing.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2022-2024 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2021-2023 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Our instructors are industry experts, all of whom are active in various fields of technical writing. They are selected for their professional excellence, for being up-to-date on industry standards and trends, and for having strong teaching ability.
Contact Us
Information Sessions are a simple way to learn more about a program, related careers, and to get your questions answered by faculty and staff. Please attend an upcoming information session to learn more about this program, as well as the Technical Communication Essentials microcredential.
If you have further questions about this program, please send us an email. You can also use the form below to make contact with our department, or other applicable departments at BCIT.
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