In this case (STC Conference) it's not a professional certification like an MCSE. This is a certificate of participation that says you attended and participated in a 2-day seminar as well as four conference sessions in the same content area. It means you were exposed to the information, but there was no test to ensure that you absorbed any of it or would know what to do with it if you did.
I have mixed feelings myself for the whole certification area. I can see that there could be some benefits to it, but I am also well aware of the veritable minefield of issues that surround it. While it might be a good thing to have, I have no idea at all of how to measure and certify anyone's ability to practice technical communication. I've been a TC for 35 years, and a darned good one at that. But there are some things I know I would suck at if I tried, and some things that I just don't have any interest or experience in doing. Yet, there are a lot of things that really get my juices flowing, too. I am not trolling and didn't want to start a firestorm. But remember, minds are like umbrellas: they only work when they're open. My 2ยข, John G John Posada wrote: > You joke. However, and this is going to upset a number of pople on > this list...for the first time since I've been in this field, this > certification-concept is starting to get legs. I was recently > speaking with someone running for Director and was told s/he was for > the idea because s/he was certified in another field and was > receiving calls because of this certification. > > We have John G's comment to which you replied > > Then there's the British technical writing asociation that has rolled > out a certification program. > > I see it being taken a little more seriously than I've seen in the > past, so I'm gonna see where it goes and make myself available if > anyone needs any grunt work done on this. > > > ______________________________________________ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION & TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
