Top 10 Editorial Assistant Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for editorial assistants, as they provide employers with tangible proof of their skills and abilities. They demonstrate that a person has taken the time to learn the tools and techniques necessary to be successful in the role. Certifications also provide employers with peace of mind knowing that potential employees have the experience and knowledge needed to do the job right. Additionally, certifications can help editorial assistants stand out among other applicants, giving them an edge in the competitive job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Editorial Assistants and explains how they can help to advance an editorial assistant's career.

What are Editorial Assistant Certifications?

Editorial assistant certification is a professional credential that provides evidence of knowledge and experience in the field of publishing. It is designed to demonstrate expertise in all aspects of the editorial process, from manuscript editing to book production. The certification process includes an examination and requires applicants to have a certain amount of experience working as an editorial assistant.

Having editorial assistant certification can help individuals stand out among other job candidates and increase their credibility when applying for positions in the publishing industry. It can also provide opportunities for advancement within a company or organization as well as help individuals secure higher pay rates for their work. Additionally, having this certification can open doors to new career paths and give professionals access to specialized training and resources that may not be available otherwise. In addition, it can be beneficial for those who want to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices by providing access to continuing education courses.

Pro Tip: Consider completing an editorial assistant certification course to gain a better understanding of the skills and knowledge required for this position. Certification courses can help you stand out from other job applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

Related: What does an Editorial Assistant do?

Top 10 Editorial Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Editorial Assistants today.

1. Certified Editorial Assistant (CEA)

Certified Editorial Assistant (CEA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Copy Editors Society (ACES). It is designed to help copy editors, writers, and other content professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s digital media environment. The CEA program consists of four courses: Editing Fundamentals, Digital Media & Content Strategy, Writing & Editing for the Web, and Social Media & Content Marketing. Each course is self-paced and can be completed within three months.

To become certified as a CEA, you must complete all four courses and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. The cost of the CEA program is $495 USD. This fee covers access to all four courses and the final exam. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive an official certificate from ACES that can be used to demonstrate your professional credentials.

2. Certified Professional Editorial Assistant (CPEA)

Certified Professional Editorial Assistant (CPEA) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of American Publishers (AAP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of editorial assistance. The CPEA certification is awarded to those who have successfully completed an AAP-approved course in editorial assistance and passed a comprehensive exam.

The CPEA certification process typically takes three to six months, depending on the individual's availability for study and testing. To become certified, applicants must complete an approved course in editorial assistance, pass the written exam with a score of 80 percent or higher, and submit three letters of recommendation from current or former employers or colleagues.

The cost for the CPEA certification program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $1,000 for the entire program. This fee includes tuition for the course as well as fees for taking the exam and submitting letters of recommendation.

Once certified, individuals will be able to demonstrate their expertise in editorial assistance through their CPEA credential. They will also be eligible for job opportunities that require this type of specialized knowledge and experience.

3. Certified Digital Publishing Specialist (CDPS)

Certified Digital Publishing Specialist (CDPS) is a certification program offered by the Digital Publishing Alliance (DPA). It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively create, manage, and distribute digital content.

The CDPS program consists of four courses which cover topics such as digital publishing fundamentals, workflow processes, content management systems, and digital asset management. The courses are available online or in-person and take approximately 8-10 hours each to complete. After completing all four courses, participants must pass an exam in order to become certified.

To get the CDPS certification, you must first register for the program on the DPA website. The cost of registration is $395 USD and includes access to all four courses as well as a one-time exam fee of $195 USD. Upon successful completion of the program and passing of the exam, participants will receive their official CDPS certificate from the DPA.

4. Certified Copy Editor (CCE)

Certified Copy Editor (CCE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of copy editors. It is administered by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS), an independent, non-profit organization that promotes excellence in editing in the life sciences. The CCE program was created to promote professionalism among copy editors and to provide employers with a way to identify qualified candidates for positions involving editing of scientific manuscripts.

The CCE program consists of two parts: a written exam and an editing test. The written exam covers topics such as grammar, punctuation, usage, style, and ethics. The editing test requires applicants to edit a manuscript according to BELS guidelines. Both tests must be passed before an individual can become certified as a copy editor.

It typically takes between three months and one year from the time an applicant applies for certification until they receive their CCE certificate. This time frame can vary depending on how quickly the applicant completes their application materials and passes both tests.

To become certified as a copy editor, individuals must submit an application form along with payment of the applicable fees. Fees are based on whether or not you are already a member of BELS; members pay $200 while non-members pay $250 for the application fee plus additional fees for each test taken ($100 per test).

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their official CCE certificate from BELS which is valid for five years unless renewed prior to expiration.

5. Certified Proofreader (CP)

Certified Proofreader (CP) is an online certification program for proofreading professionals. It is designed to give proofreaders the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful professional in the field. The program covers topics such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, editing, writing style, and more.

The Certified Proofreader program consists of four modules that can be completed in as little as 4-6 weeks. Each module includes an online course with video lectures, quizzes, and assignments. After completing the coursework, students must pass a final exam to become certified.

To get Certified Proofreader (CP) certification you must first complete the four modules of the course. You can enroll in the course through their website or through one of their partner schools. Once you have completed all four modules you will need to take and pass the final exam to become certified.

The cost of Certified Proofreader (CP) certification varies depending on which school you choose to enroll in but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

6. Certified Technical Writer (CTW)

Certified Technical Writer (CTW) is a professional certification program offered by the Society for Technical Communication (STC). The CTW program provides a way to demonstrate technical writing proficiency and expertise. It is designed for experienced technical writers who have at least three years of experience in the field.

The CTW program consists of two components: an online exam and a portfolio review. The online exam tests knowledge of technical writing principles, standards, and best practices. The portfolio review assesses the applicant’s ability to apply these principles to real-world projects.

It typically takes three months to complete the CTW program. During this time, applicants must prepare for the exam and compile their portfolios for submission. Applicants are also encouraged to participate in STC events and activities during this period, which can help them gain additional knowledge and practice their skills.

The cost of the CTW program varies depending on whether or not you are an STC member. For non-members, the cost is $450 USD; for members, it is $350 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the online exam or submitting your portfolio for review.

Overall, obtaining Certified Technical Writer status is an excellent way to demonstrate your proficiency in technical writing and set yourself apart from other professionals in the field.

7. Certified Content Strategist (CCS)

Certified Content Strategist (CCS) is a certification program offered by the Content Strategy Alliance, an international organization dedicated to advancing the field of content strategy. The CCS certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of content strategy principles and practices. It is the only professional-level certification available in the field of content strategy.

To become certified as a Certified Content Strategist, you must complete a comprehensive online course that covers all aspects of content strategy, from planning and research to implementation and measurement. The course includes interactive activities and quizzes that are designed to help you learn and apply the concepts covered in the course. Upon completion of the course, you will be eligible to take the CCS exam.

The CCS exam consists of multiple-choice questions based on topics covered in the online course. To pass the exam, you must demonstrate mastery of all topics covered in the course by answering at least 80% of the questions correctly. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken at any computer with an internet connection.

The cost for taking the CCS exam is $250 USD, which includes access to all materials required for taking and passing the test as well as one year’s membership in the Content Strategy Alliance.

8. Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS)

Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of social media strategy. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of social media marketing and its impact on business success. The certification is offered by the Social Media Institute, which is an accredited provider of social media certifications.

The CSMS certification requires a minimum of 30 hours of instruction, including both online and in-person classes. The course covers topics such as social media marketing strategies, content creation, analytics and measurement, customer service, crisis management, and more. The cost for the certification is $1,495 USD.

To earn the CSMS certification, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam covering all aspects of social media strategy. The exam includes multiple-choice questions and case studies based on real-world scenarios. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience with social media strategy. Once certified, individuals must recertify every two years to maintain their status as a Certified Social Media Strategist.

9. Certified Web Content Manager (CWCM)

Certified Web Content Manager (CWCM) is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s ability to manage web content. It is designed for those who are responsible for creating, managing, and optimizing content for websites. The certification covers topics such as website architecture, usability, search engine optimization (SEO), analytics, and more.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the CWCM certification program. The program consists of both online and in-person courses that cover topics such as website design, content management systems (CMS), search engine optimization (SEO), analytics and reporting, social media marketing, and more. After completing the coursework, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam to become certified.

The cost of the CWCM certification varies depending on the provider offering it. Most providers charge an initial fee plus additional fees for materials and exams. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $500-$2,000 USD depending on the provider and other factors.

In order to get certified as a CWCM, individuals must first complete all required coursework and pass the comprehensive exam with a score of at least 80%. Once this has been achieved, individuals will receive their official CWCM certificate from their chosen provider.

10. Certified Digital Marketer (CDM).

Certified Digital Marketer (CDM) is a professional certification program designed to help digital marketers develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s digital world. The program provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of digital marketing, including SEO, social media, content marketing, email marketing, analytics, and more. It also covers topics such as data-driven decision making and customer experience optimization.

The CDM certification is offered by DigitalMarketer.com and takes approximately 8 weeks to complete. The program consists of 8 modules that cover the core concepts of digital marketing. Each module includes video lessons, quizzes, and assignments that must be completed in order to receive certification.

In order to get certified as a CDM, you must first purchase the CDM training package from DigitalMarketer.com for $997 USD. This package includes access to all 8 modules as well as an exam voucher which you must use within 6 months of purchase in order to become certified. Once you have completed all 8 modules and passed the exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your official CDM certification from DigitalMarketer.com.

Do You Really Need a Editorial Assistant Certificate?

Whether or not you need an editorial assistant certificate depends on your individual situation. If you are interested in pursuing a career as an editorial assistant, then having a certificate can be beneficial. It may provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to do the job effectively and efficiently. It can also demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about the profession and have taken steps to become more qualified for it.

At the same time, there are other ways of becoming an editorial assistant without having a certificate. For example, some employers may be willing to hire someone who has relevant experience or has a degree in English or journalism. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have had some type of professional writing experience, such as working as a copywriter or freelance writer. Having this kind of experience can make you stand out from other applicants and give you an edge over those without the same qualifications.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an editorial assistant certificate is up to you and what your goals are for pursuing this career path. If you feel like having a certificate will be beneficial for your career prospects, then it may be worth investing in one. However, if you already have other qualifications that make you suitable for the role, then it might not be necessary.

Related: Editorial Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Editorial Assistant Certifications

1. What is an Editorial Assistant Certification?

An Editorial Assistant Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the field of editorial work. It is awarded by organizations such as the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) or the American Copy Editors Society (ACES).

2. What qualifications do I need to become certified?

In order to become certified, you must possess a degree in English, journalism, or communications, have at least two years of editorial experience, complete an approved training program, and pass a certification exam.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

The amount of time required to become certified depends on your current level of experience and education. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one year to several years depending on the type of certification you are pursuing.

4. How much does it cost to get certified?

The cost of certification varies depending on the organization offering the certification and the type of certification being pursued. Typically, fees range from $150-$300 for basic certifications and up to $1000 for more advanced ones.

5. What are some benefits of becoming certified?

Becoming certified offers many benefits including access to higher paying jobs, more job opportunities, increased credibility among employers and peers, potential career advancement opportunities, and more respect in the field of editorial work.