Top 10 Associate Editor Certifications

Certifications are important for an associate editor in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of skill and knowledge to potential employers. Having certifications can help an associate editor stand out from other applicants and show that they have the necessary qualifications to perform the required tasks in their role. Additionally, certifications can help an associate editor enter specialized markets and gain access to more lucrative positions. Certifications also provide a way for an employer to quickly assess the credentials of potential hires, making it easier to find and hire qualified candidates.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Associate Editors and explains how they can help further an associate editor's career.

What are Associate Editor Certifications?

Associate editor certification is a professional accreditation that recognizes an individual’s expertise in editing, writing, and publishing. This certification demonstrates to employers, clients, and peers that the associate editor has achieved a high level of proficiency in the editorial field. This certification can help by providing a tangible measure of the associate editor's skills and knowledge. It also allows employers to easily identify qualified candidates for open positions. Having this credential can provide greater job security, as well as more opportunities for advancement. Additionally, it serves as proof of the individual's commitment to their profession and dedication to excellence in their work. Lastly, having this certification may lead to increased rates for freelance work or higher salaries from employers.

Pro Tip: Consider pursuing associate editor certification to demonstrate your commitment to professional standards and gain recognition for your editorial skills. Certification can give you an edge in the job market and provide opportunities to network with other editors. Additionally, it can help you stay up-to-date on industry developments and best practices.

Related: What does an Associate Editor do?

Top 10 Associate Editor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Associate Editors today.

1. Certified Professional Editor (CPE)

Certified Professional Editor (CPE) is a professional certification program offered by the Editors' Association of Canada (EAC). The CPE credential is designed to recognize editors who have achieved a high level of professionalism and mastery of editing skills.

The CPE program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, experience, and skill in editing through a rigorous assessment process. This includes an online written exam, two editing tests (one copyediting test and one substantive editing test), and an interview with an EAC-appointed assessor.

It typically takes 6-18 months to complete the CPE program. Applicants are encouraged to take their time when preparing for the exams and assessments, as this will help ensure they are fully prepared for the process.

To get started on the CPE program, applicants must first register with EAC and pay a non-refundable registration fee of $150 CAD plus applicable taxes. Once registered, applicants will be given access to study materials and resources that will help them prepare for the exams and assessments.

The total cost of obtaining the CPE credential varies depending on whether or not you choose to take advantage of EAC's mentorship program or other optional services such as webinars or workshops. However, in general, it usually costs between $1,000-$2,000 CAD plus applicable taxes to complete the CPE program.

2. Certified Copy Editor (CCE)

Certified Copy Editor (CCE) is a certification offered by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS). It is designed to recognize professional copy editors who demonstrate expertise in editing scientific, technical and medical documents. The CCE credential is intended to provide assurance that copy editors have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to produce high-quality copyedited manuscripts.

The CCE exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as grammar, punctuation, usage, style and editing principles. The practical exam requires candidates to edit sample manuscripts with an emphasis on accuracy and consistency.

To become certified as a CCE, applicants must meet certain qualifications such as having at least three years of full-time professional copyediting experience or equivalent part-time experience. They must also pass both the written and practical exams with a score of at least 80%.

The entire process can take up to six months depending on when you apply for the certification. The cost of the certification varies depending on your location; however, it typically ranges from $250-$400 USD.

3. Certified Editorial Manager (CEM)

Certified Editorial Manager (CEM) is an online system designed to help publishers streamline the editorial process. It provides a comprehensive set of tools to manage manuscripts, authors, reviewers and editors. CEM helps publishers keep track of the entire editorial workflow from submission to publication.

The certification process takes approximately two weeks and requires completion of a series of training modules. The cost for certification is $500 USD per user. To get certified, you must first register an account with CEM and then complete the training modules which cover topics such as manuscript management, peer review management, author management, and more. Once you have completed the training modules, you will be able to take the certification exam which tests your knowledge on all aspects of CEM.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will become a Certified Editorial Manager (CEM). This certification allows publishers to recognize that their staff are knowledgeable about CEM and can use it effectively for managing their publishing processes.

4. Certified Technical Editor (CTE)

A Certified Technical Editor (CTE) is a professional who has been certified by the Society for Technical Communication (STC) to demonstrate their expertise in the field of technical editing. The certification process requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as grammar, usage, style, document structure and formatting, and other related topics.

The STC offers two levels of CTE certification: Associate and Professional. To become a Certified Associate Technical Editor (CATE), applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of technical editing and pass the CATE exam. To become a Certified Professional Technical Editor (CPTE), applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of technical editing and pass both the CATE and CPTE exams.

The cost for taking either exam is $195 USD for STC members or $295 USD for non-members. It typically takes about four weeks to receive your results after submitting your application. Once you have passed the exam(s), you will receive your certificate within four weeks.

In addition to passing the exams, applicants must also agree to abide by the STC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct before they can be certified as a CTE. This code outlines principles such as accuracy, objectivity, fairness, respectfulness, honesty, integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism when performing technical editing tasks.

5. Certified Developmental Editor (CDE)

A Certified Developmental Editor (CDE) is a professional editor who has been certified by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS). The certification process is designed to ensure that a CDE has the necessary skills and experience to provide high-quality editing services.

The certification process includes an online application, a written exam, and an oral interview. The written exam covers topics such as grammar, punctuation, usage, style, and formatting. The oral interview tests the applicant's knowledge of editing techniques and their ability to work with authors.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete. Applicants must submit their applications at least three months before the scheduled date of their exams. Once they have passed both the written and oral exams, they will receive their certificate from BELS.

The cost of becoming a Certified Developmental Editor varies depending on where you take the exam and how much preparation you do beforehand. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2000 USD for all associated fees.

6. Certified Digital Content Strategist (CDCS)

A Certified Digital Content Strategist (CDCS) is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in digital content strategy. It is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, manage, and optimize digital content for maximum impact.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete, depending on the individual’s level of experience. The program includes an online course, which covers topics such as SEO, analytics, user experience design, content marketing, and more. After completing the coursework, applicants must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a CDCS, applicants must first register with the Digital Content Strategy Association (DCSA). This registration fee costs $50 USD. Once registered, applicants can then purchase the online course for $299 USD. Upon completion of the course and passing of the final exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will be awarded their CDCS certification.

In addition to these costs associated with getting certified as a CDCS, individuals may also need to invest in additional training or resources in order to stay up-to-date on best practices and industry trends related to digital content strategy.

7. Certified Editing Professional (CEP)

Certified Editing Professional (CEP) is a certification program offered by the Editors' Association of Canada. It is designed to recognize professional editors who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their work. The CEP certification is awarded to editors who demonstrate mastery of editing skills and knowledge, as well as a commitment to upholding ethical standards in their profession.

To become certified, an editor must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as grammar and usage, editorial style, manuscript preparation, copyediting, proofreading, and project management. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken online or at one of the association's regional offices.

The cost of the CEP certification varies depending on the type of membership held with the Editors' Association of Canada. For non-members, the fee is $400 CAD; for members, it is $200 CAD. Additionally, there are fees for re-taking the exam if necessary ($100 CAD for members; $200 CAD for non-members).

8. Certified Indexer (CI)

Certified Indexer (CI) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Indexing (ASI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in indexing, including knowledge of indexing principles and techniques, and the ability to apply them.

The CI program consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as indexing theory and practice, index design, document analysis, and electronic media. The oral exam focuses on the candidate's ability to create indexes that meet industry standards.

The written exam takes approximately four hours to complete, while the oral exam typically lasts about two hours. Candidates must pass both exams in order to receive their certification.

In order to be eligible for the CI program, applicants must have at least three years of professional indexing experience or equivalent training. They must also submit a portfolio of their work for review by ASI prior to taking the exams.

The cost of the CI program varies depending on whether you are an ASI member or non-member. For members, it costs $400; for non-members, it costs $500.

9. Certified Publishing Professional (CPP)

Certified Publishing Professional (CPP) is a certification program offered by the Association of American Publishers (AAP). It is designed to recognize and reward publishing professionals who demonstrate expertise in the field. The CPP credential is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies required for success in the publishing industry.

To become a CPP, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as editorial, production, marketing, and sales. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must also have at least three years of professional experience in the publishing industry.

The cost of taking the CPP exam is $350 USD for AAP members and $450 USD for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials and practice exams. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CPP certificate within four weeks.

The CPP credential is valid for five years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking an updated version of the exam or completing continuing education courses related to publishing.

10. Certified Media Editor (CME).

Certified Media Editor (CME) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Media Editors (NAME). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in editing audio, video, and multimedia content.

The CME exam consists of two parts: a written exam and an editing skills test. The written exam covers topics such as media production techniques, technical terminology, copyright law, and more. The editing skills test requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to edit audio and video content using industry-standard software.

To get the CME certification, applicants must pass both parts of the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The entire process typically takes about 4-6 weeks from start to finish.

The cost for the CME certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. In the United States, it costs $295 USD for NAME members and $395 USD for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Associate Editor Certificate?

No, you do not need an Associate Editor Certificate to become a successful editor. While having a certificate may be helpful in some cases, it is not essential. The most important thing for an editor is to have the right skills and experience to properly edit any kind of material. Editors should be able to recognize errors and understand how to fix them, as well as understand the basics of grammar, punctuation and sentence structure.

Having a certificate may give you an edge when applying for jobs or pitching yourself for freelance work. It can also demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge and experience to perform the job effectively. However, many editors have been successful without holding any kind of certification or degree.

The best way to become a successful editor is by gaining practical experience through internships, freelance projects or entry-level positions at publishing companies. You can also hone your skills by reading books on editing and taking courses in writing and editing if available. With enough practice and dedication, anyone can become a great editor regardless of their educational background.

Related: Associate Editor Resume Examples

FAQs About Associate Editor Certifications

Q1. What is an Associate Editor Certification?

A1. An Associate Editor Certification is a certification program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, skills and expertise necessary to become an effective associate editor. It typically involves training in editing techniques, writing styles, grammar and syntax, as well as copyright and publication laws.

Q2. How do I become certified as an Associate Editor?

A2. Typically, you must complete a recognized program or course of study in editing and publishing to become certified as an Associate Editor. You may also need to pass a series of exams to demonstrate your proficiency in the subject matter.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as an Associate Editor?

A3. Becoming certified as an Associate Editor can provide you with access to higher-level positions within the publishing industry, including editorial management roles such as managing editor or executive editor. Additionally, certification can help you stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions in the field.

Q4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

A4. Yes, many certifying organizations require that you participate in continuing education activities on a regular basis in order to maintain your certification status. This could include attending conferences or seminars related to editing and publishing topics or taking courses online or through educational institutions offering specialized programs related to editing and publishing topics.

Q5. How long does it take to get certified as an Associate Editor?

A5. The amount of time it takes to get certified will depend on various factors such as the type of program you choose, how much time you are able to dedicate each week towards studying, and how quickly you can complete any required exams or assessments associated with the program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs take between 6-12 months to complete if taken on a full-time basis