The ISTC does not offer its own courses in technical communication. Instead, it accredits courses run by others, keeps in contact with courses run by public higher education institutions and publicises other courses where relevant.
This page describes two types of course:
- Training courses in technical communication (including ISTC accredited courses)
- Courses offered by Higher Education institutions, including those in related fields
If you are thinking of studying a technical communication course, You may also be interested in some information for potential students.
Training courses in technical communication
Courses we have reviewed and accredited are publicised on this page, along with links to further relevant training providers.
ISTC Accredited courses
What is an ISTC accredited course?
A course is designated as ‘ISTC Accredited’ when it has been reviewed by a professional panel of experienced ISTC members, and the panel has decided that the course meets its stated objectives and is suitable for its intended audience.
Accredited courses are provided by independent specialist training companies and organisations, many of which are well-known in our industry. Some of the providers are ISTC Business Affiliates.
The below list of accredited courses is updated as new courses are added. All accredited courses are reviewed every two years to ensure they remain current.
Please note: ISTC Accreditation refers to the standard of the course, and not to any certificate or other qualification offered by the course providers. Students who complete an ISTC Accredited course must still apply for membership of the ISTC in the usual way.
Get your course accredited
Contact the ISTC office to get started or read our Information for Course Providers.
Current ISTC Accredited courses
Click on each course title for a description and link to their site. Descriptions of each course were given by the training providers or taken from their website at time of publication.
Armada – Technical Author Training Programme
A week-long (5-day) programme teaching core technical authoring skills.
This programme is ideal for both those embarking on a career in technical authoring and existing technical authors who want to improve their skillset. It is arranged on a modular basis (introductory, intermediate, advanced) so delegates can begin at the level appropriate to them. For further details, see www.armada.co.uk/course/tatp.
Our instructors have 30+ years’ experience in technical authoring and have held senior positions. To read more, see www.armada.co.uk/trainers/ta.
You can attend in-person at our Bristol and Reading centres, or in our popular live online format. For forthcoming dates or to book, see www.armada.co.uk/book/ta.
Pay by card or bank transfer. We accept purchase orders from UK-registered companies and public sector organisations.
10% discount available to ISTC members. Use coupon code ISTC10 when booking.
Cherryleaf – Technical Author / Technical Writer / technical writing training course
This online Technical Author / Technical Writer / technical writing training course covers the technical documentation process and describes the skills you need in order to be a successful Technical Writer or Technical Author.
Created by the authors of the popular “How to Write Instructions” book, and developed in conjunction with some of the leading technology companies in the UK, this 14 module course explains the technical communicator’s role in today’s environment.
Cherryleaf – Using Generative AI in Technical Writing
This online course teaches technical communicators how to integrate generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to enhance efficiency and deliver better technical documentation. The curriculum covers AI basics, prompt engineering, content development, publishing with AI, and advanced techniques.
Participants will learn practical applications, including project management, authoring tools, and AI-enabled chatbots.
Ideal for technical writers involved in creating user guides, help files, and knowledge bases with some prior experience in technical writing.
Course Format: Self-paced online modules with videos, practical examples, exercises, and demonstrations.
ESTON – Technical / Commercial Authorship
The ESTON Technical/Commercial Authorship (Premier) course prepares students for working effectively as technical or commercial authors. The course covers more than a hundred different subjects, including: information gathering, writing descriptions, summarising, editing, proof-reading, preparing synopses, project management, etc. Comprehensive tutorial support is provided.
The course fully covers the former ISTC syllabus for Technical Writing & Communicating and Technical Authorship and so has been designated as a ‘follow-on’ course for those who have already passed Part 1 of the ISTC qualification.
A discount is offered to ISTC members.
ESTON – Simplified English – Part 3
Simplified English Course – Estontrg.com
The Simplified English (SE) course comprises 13 Training Packs that together form the most comprehensive and easy-to-follow study programme of its type available. This distance learning course includes a detailed explanation of the rules and principles of Simplified English, as they should be interpreted and applied during and after this course.
Firehead – Content Strategy Overview
Content Strategy Overview – Firehead-training.net
This course is appropriate for business professionals who want an introduction to content strategy, new content strategists who want to increase their knowledge and proficiency, and experienced content strategists who want to delve more deeply into the organizational and people aspects of content strategy.
Firehead – DITA Concepts
DITA Concepts – Firehead-training.net
This is a self-paced workshop of ten lessons totalling around 10 hours of instruction that can be completed over a four week period. Each lesson builds on the previous to build a strong fundamental understanding of the principal concepts of DITA.
Firehead – Make Search Better: An Introduction to Keywording
Make Search Better: An Introduction to Keywording – Firehead-training.net
This course is aimed at anyone creating, managing or publishing digital media either internally or online. The material is not sector-specific and applies to commercial, academic, non-profit and specialists alike.
Firehead – Structuring Prompts for Technical Communicators and Content Developers
Structuring Prompts for Technical Communicators and Content Developers – Firehead-training.net
This course is an essential resource for content creators poised to integrate AI into their personal workflow and team processes. Designed to bridge the gap between individual creativity and organizational efficiency, it is ideal for those looking to harness the power of AI for enhanced communication strategies.
Firehead – Presenting in English with Equal Impact
Presenting in English with Equal Impact – Firehead-training.net
This course and exclusive materials provided were designed with digital communication professionals in mind. However, it will help any professional with an intermediate level of English (or higher) to present themselves and their work with greater language confidence.
TCTrainNet tekom – Certificate training in Technical Communication
TCTrainNet is an international training and certification program for technical communication. It is designed and managed by tekom, the German professional association for technical communication, and serves both technical communicators and employers. The curriculum and learning materials were developed by leading professionals and experts from both industry and academia.
Both the Professional Course and the Expert Course are ISTC accredited.
If you are a provider and want to have your course accredited, see Information for course providers.
Technical Communication Training Providers
This is a list of private training providers. They are provided in no particular order and inclusion in this list should not be taken as endorsement by the ISTC, though some individual providers may be Business Affiliates or have ISTC Accredited courses.
If you would like to be listed, please contact the ISTC Office.
Free self-lead technical writing courses
If you want to find out more about technical communication before investing in a training course, we have a list below of free introductory courses to help you learn more:
- Google’s ‘Technical Writing for Engineers’ courses
- Technical Writing Resources (Github project for contributions)
- Content Accessibility – free taster by Cake Consultancy
- A selection of free Technical Communication courses from Cherryleaf
You can also find links to lots more resources on our Publications and Resources page.
Higher Education courses
We have identified some formal academic courses related to technical or scientific communication, and are always looking for more. The courses listed below are for information only – prospective students must contact the institution itself for current information.
University of Limerick
The University of Limerick provides:
- A Graduate Certificate in Technical Communication (distance learning)
- An MA in Technical Communication and E-learning (full-time or part-time)
For more information, visit the University of Limerick website.
Polytechnic University of Porto
You can enrol in individual modules of the Postgraduate Diploma in Technical Communication from the Porto Executive Academy (PEA – ISCAP-P.PORTO).
Most classes take place on Friday evening (18h30 to 21h30) and Saturday morning (9h00 to 13h00).
For additional information and to enrol, contact the Programme Director at alexalb@iscap.ipp.pt.
Open University
The Open University provides a suite of courses, including ones that offer academic credit, under the heading of Professional Development. These may suit those who cannot commit to a full course of academic study.
Munster Technological University
The MSc in Technical Communication is a master’s degree programme which is taught online and consists of 60 credits worth of taught modules and a 30-credit project. The programme is delivered part-time by night over two years (four semesters) with a number of embedded awards or stages. On successful completion of the programme, the student will be awarded an MSc in Technical Communication.
The institutions are listed in no particular order, and inclusion here does not imply endorsement by the ISTC.