TWIN members will receive a 25% discount on the non-member rates for the application and assessment fees. 

FAIRFAX, VA (October 15, 2012)-The STC Certification Commission (STCCC) and the Technical Writers of India (TWIN) announced today that they have entered into an agreement to promote the Certified Professional Technical Communicator^TM (CPTC^TM) certification to technical communicators residing and working primarily in India. 

Eligible applicants who apply for CPTC certification through the new TWIN certification Web site and successfully submit the assessment packet will receive a 25 percent discount on the non-member rates for the application and assessment fees.

   "We are excited to partner with TWIN to expand the CPTC program into India and give technical communicators the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and skills needed to succeed," Steven Jong, STCCC Chairman, and a key leader in launching the CPTC program, said. "The goal of the CPTC credential is to elevate the profession around the world by establishing global performance standards, increasing respect, enhancing employability for certified practitioners and reducing hiring risk for employers."

TWIN is an interactive organization of technical writers and communicators based in India that is focused on providing an online portal for the exchange of valuable resources and information on professional development opportunities.  TWIN is the organizational partner of STC global certification in India.

We want you to earn the CPTC credential this year so we’re offering a $50 discount on the assessment fee if you submit your packet by noon on December 28, 2012. 

The first question you might have is, “why should I get certified?” The answer is simple—the CPTC credential gives you the edge you need to stand out to an employer who is skimming dozens of résumés. It distinguishes you from your peers and shows current and prospective employers that you have the most up-to-date skills and knowledge in the technical communications field today.

The second question you might have is, “how do I take advantage of this offer?” Again, the answer is simple.  Follow these steps.   

1. Complete the online application and pay application fee ($99 for STC members)
2. Once application is approved, pay the assessment fee ($595 for STC members OR $545 with $50 discount if you submit by noon on December 28).
3. Submit your packet for evaluation. 

Once your packet is approved, you can start publicizing that you are a Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC™). 

We understand that your time is valuable and you have many other responsibilities. The CPTC™ credential is not only valuable for you as an individual but also for our industry. Certification elevates the profession by establishing global performance standards, increasing respect, enhancing employability for certified practitioners, and reducing hiring risk for employers. 

We are available to answer your questions about this important step in your career.  Don’t miss your chance to save $50 on your career development. 

The STCCC Web site has all the information you need.  We look forward to seeing your name on the roster of Certified Professional Technical Communicators.

We want to see you earn your Certified Professional Technical Communicator™ credential! We've seen enough submissions now to make some general comments on what makes for a successful submission—and, conversely, on common errors. Here are seven tips for success.

1. Respond to all parts of a question. A great feature of the certification process is that you can become certified not just on the basis of what you have done, but what you can do. If you study the candidate instructions (which is the first thing you should do!), you will see a number of requirements for detailed, multipart commentaries. You can respond either with what you've done, what you would do, or what you understand about the subject. Whatever approach you take, though, be sure to respond to each element of the requirement. It's not enough to answer three parts of a four-part question. If you have samples of your work, show them; if you've never been asked to do it but you know how to do it, describe what you would do; but even if you've never done it and don't know how to do it, you can still take a seminar or a class to learn how to do it and then describe how it's done.