Technical Writing

Associate Certificate Part-time School of Computing and Academic Studies

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Info sessions

Attend an upcoming information session for this program:

June 15th at 6:00pm

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Testimonial

“My education at BCIT was invaluable. I use much of what I learned in the Power and Process Engineering Diploma program to do my job well. But I started Technical Writing (TW) because, at the time, I was the point person for developing procedures, forms, and other written materials for Creative Energy, the largest steam plant in the Lower Mainland. TW has helped me immensely with communicating important information. And the program has given me a well-rounded understanding of the subject and helped me in almost every facet of every role I have taken on.”

Nicole Victor, Facility Manager at Covanta

Blogs

“I was exposed to computers at a young age (DOS, floppy disks, and the like) and was captivated by the Internet when it arrived (long story, but I was a definite pioneer of Internet dating in the 90s…). Largely what led me to where I am now has been the desire to do what I love, while simultaneously earning money for it.” Read the complete journey of Business Communication & Web Writing Instructor Geraldine Eliot

Technical communication talent is highly prized – and emphasized – at BCIT. But it’s especially gratifying to see students take these skills beyond campus, as was the case at the national Canadian Engineering Competition. Read the whole article

Overview

If you enjoy writing, have a logical mind, like to tease order out of complex situations, and have a knack for problem-solving and putting yourself in the readers’ shoes, tech writing may be for you. It’s a rewarding, well-compensated career, ideal for team-oriented people with linguistic dexterity, good communication skills, and a desire to contribute to the success of an organization.

BCIT’s Associate Certificate in Technical Writing is an excellent launch pad into an exciting career or second career. Clear writing, good structure and logical, audience-specific organization are critical in the industry. From instruction and procedure manuals to proposals and grant applications, technical writers are needed on engineering, research and production teams. Technical writers help enhance productivity, reduce errors, improve safety, and increase customer satisfaction.

As more and more business is conducted via cyberspace, clear communication and effective editing are more important than ever; technical writing is a field that will continue to grow in scope and demand.

The Program

BCIT’s Associate Certificate in Technical Writing is a part-time program offered by our Communication Department. It consists of 11 courses of either 18-hour or 36-hour duration. Those taking one course per term can finish in seven terms or just over two years. Those taking two courses per term can finish in four terms or just over one year. You have up to seven years to complete the program.

This program is delivered via a combination of asynchronous and synchronous online classes. You can declare this program immediately, or you can enrol course-by-course and commit to the full program later on.

All instructors are industry experts still active in the field and vetted for their teaching ability, not just the excellence and currency of their knowledge.

Entrance Requirements

Part-time Studies at BCIT

Take a single course, or work towards a credential — all 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).

Apply to program

Formal application to this program is not required. To apply to a Part-time Studies program and earn your credential, you simply need to complete a Part-time Program Declaration Request. Applications are processed throughout the year.

Recommended for Success

English Studies 12 completed with minimum 67% (C+) or equivalent English proficiency is recommended for success. NOTE: The elective course, COMM 1106, offers additional language support and is strongly recommended for any students scoring below C+ on English 12 to take before entering the program (does not count towards program credits).

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. International applicants accepted into this program are not eligible for a study permit.

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.

Learn more about program declaration

Costs & Supplies

Tuition fees

The cost of this part-time program is the total of the separate course fees. Please see the Part-time Studies Tuition & Fees page for information on part-time tuition fees.

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. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	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. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	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. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	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. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	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. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	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. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	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. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	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. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	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. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	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. Prerequisite(s): A minimum final grade of 70% in each of the following courses: XCOM 1007, XCOM 1008, COMM 1009, COMM 1013, XCOM 1110, COMM 1260, XCOM 2040, COMM 2206, COMM 2207, XCOM 1000 or XCOM 3840, and one eligible COMP or MDIA elective (may be taken concurrently). course outline	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. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	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. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	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.

2. Complete one of the following:			Credits
	COMP 1850	Introduction to Web Development This hands-on course provides an introduction to basic web technologies, including scripting with HTML5 and CSS3. COMP 1850 is the foundation for several advanced web courses in BCIT Computing. Students are shown how to hand code web pages according to W3C standards using HTML plus style text and content with CSS. In addition to learning the foundational web scripting languages, students receive an introduction to web interface design concepts. Information architecture, and basic interactivity using web forms will also be discussed. There is a brief introduction to JavaScript and the concept of the DOM (Document Object Model). Labs and exercises focus on how to build fluid layouts using CSS flexbox and grid. Students will also create mobile phone and tablet friendly websites using modern mobile-first responsive web development techniques. COMP 1850 is a required course for Web Development Fundamentals and several Associate Certificates including: Applied Web Development, AWD; Applied Computer Information Systems, ACIS; Applied Computer Applications, ACA; Technical Writing, some Business programs, as well as the Computer Systems Certificate, CSC. By the end of this course successful students will be able to design, develop, and deploy effective modern and responsive web sites. After completing COMP 1850 students are prepared to move on to the next level COMP 2132 -Web Development with JavaScript.. Prerequisite(s): COMP 1002 course outline	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 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 in October, and COMP 2362 MS Excel Advanced in June. 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 PTS Diploma from BCIT Computing. Upon successful completion, students will be able to create, edit and manage documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in the cloud. Prerequisite(s): COMP 1002 course outline	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. Prerequisite(s): COMP 1002 course outline	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 will only be offered in the September (fall) term. Prerequisite(s): 60% in COMP 1002 course outline	3.0
or
You can choose to take two of the 1.5-credit MDIA courses or one of the 3-credit MDIA or GDES.

Total Credits:			25.5

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, students 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 2020-2022 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2019-2021 graduates and for Degree 2017-2019 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.

Technical Writing

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

If you have any 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.

Questions or comments?

Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.