Certification in Editing

by Kathy Garnsworthy, EAC Certification Steering Committee Member (Edmonton, AB)

The Editors' Association of Canada (EAC) is planning to offer a program for professional certification, starting in the fall of 2006.

Primarily for editors with at least two years' experience, the certification tests will cover the four core editing areas outlined in EAC's Professional Editorial Standards:

1. Structural and stylistic editing
2. Copy editing
3. Proofreading
4. Elementary knowledge of the publishing process

Candidates can become certified in one or more of the four core editing areas. The candidates who write and pass all four tests will obtain the full credential of Certified Professional Editor. The tests will be open to EAC members and non-members (although non-members will pay a higher fee).

EAC will publish a certification study guide this year. This guide will include more details about the tests as well as sample tests and markers' comments. Order forms will soon be available on EAC's Web site.

Local EAC branches are already holding information sessions about certification. Some branches are also planning study groups to prepare editors for the certification tests. To find the branch nearest you, visit www.editors.ca/welcome.htm.

For more information, please see "Looking Ahead to Certification," which answers many Frequently Asked Questions about certification. You can also visit the Certification section of EAC's Web site. 

Editors' Association of Canada Certification Steering Committee (Editors' Association of Canada Web site: www.editors.ca)