Top 11 Freelance Editor Certifications

Certifications are important for freelance editors in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and an understanding of industry standards. Having a certification also shows potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform editing tasks accurately and efficiently. A certification can also increase your credibility and help you stand out from other candidates. In some cases, certifications may even be required for certain positions or contracts. Ultimately, having a certification can help make you more attractive to potential employers and give you an edge in the job market.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Freelance Editors and explain how they can help boost a freelance editor's career.

What are Freelance Editor Certifications?

Freelance editor certification is a credential that demonstrates a professional editor's commitment to excellence in the editing field. It is awarded by professional organizations and indicates that the editor has met certain standards of proficiency, such as completing coursework, passing exams, or meeting experience requirements. This certification can help freelance editors by increasing their credibility and marketability with potential employers or clients. Having a freelance editor certification shows that an editor is knowledgeable in the technical aspects of editing, which can make them more competitive when applying for jobs or contracts. It also indicates to potential employers or clients that the freelancer is committed to maintaining industry standards and staying up-to-date on changes in the field. Additionally, having a freelance editor certification can help editors stay organized and efficient when working with clients since they will have access to resources related to their specific field of expertise.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing freelance editor certification, research the requirements and make sure you meet them. Most certifications require a certain number of years of experience or a certain level of education, so be sure to check the qualifications before investing in the certification process.

Related: What does a Freelance Editor do?

Top 11 Freelance Editor Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Editor (CPE)

Certified Professional Editor (CPE) is a professional certification program for editors. It is offered by the Editors’ Association of Canada (EAC) and recognizes editors who demonstrate a high level of skill in editing. The CPE designation is an internationally recognized mark of excellence that sets editors apart from their peers and helps them to stand out in the competitive editing field.

The CPE program involves a two-stage process: an application review and an examination. To apply, you must have at least three years of professional experience as an editor, or two years if you have completed post-secondary education in editing or publishing. You must also submit a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your skills and knowledge in editing.

Once your application has been approved, you can then register for the CPE exam. The exam covers topics such as grammar, punctuation, usage, style guides, copyediting techniques, proofreading strategies, document design principles, and more. It consists of multiple-choice questions as well as short answer questions that require written responses. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and is offered twice a year at designated locations across Canada.

The cost to apply for the CPE program is $125 CAD plus applicable taxes; the cost to write the exam is $350 CAD plus applicable taxes. If you are successful on both stages of the process, you will be awarded the Certified Professional Editor designation and will receive a certificate and lapel pin from EAC recognizing your achievement.

2. Certified Copy Editor (CCE)

Certified Copy Editor (CCE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of copy editing. The CCE program is administered by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in copy editing.

The CCE program consists of two parts: an online exam and a portfolio review. The online exam tests knowledge of English grammar, usage, and style; familiarity with common reference works; and basic copy editing skills. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

To get certified, applicants must submit a portfolio of edited work for review by BELS editors. This portfolio should demonstrate that the applicant has a thorough understanding of English grammar, usage, and style as well as proficiency in copyediting techniques. The portfolio review process typically takes four weeks or more to complete.

The cost of the CCE program varies depending on where you live and whether you are applying as an individual or through an employer/organization. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD for individuals to take the exam and have their portfolios reviewed.

3. Certified Editing Professional (CEP)

Certified Editing Professional (CEP) is a professional certification program offered by the Editors’ Association of Canada (EAC). It is designed to recognize editors who have demonstrated a high level of skill and knowledge in the editing profession. The CEP requires applicants to pass an examination that tests their knowledge and skills in areas such as grammar, syntax, punctuation, style, usage, readability, and other aspects of editing.

It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete the process of becoming a Certified Editing Professional. To become certified, you must first meet certain criteria including having at least two years of full-time editing experience or equivalent part-time/freelance experience. You must also be an active member of EAC and have completed at least one course in copyediting or proofreading from an accredited institution.

Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for the CEP exam online. After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CEP designation from EAC.

The cost for taking the CEP exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of EAC. For members, the fee is $150 CAD plus applicable taxes; for non-members it is $250 CAD plus applicable taxes.

4. American Copy Editors Society (ACES) Certification

The American Copy Editors Society (ACES) Certification is a professional credential designed to recognize the highest level of editorial excellence. It is an endorsement of an individual’s knowledge and skills in copy editing, proofreading, and related areas.

To obtain the ACES Certification, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge and skills in copy editing, proofreading, grammar, usage, punctuation, style guides, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions as well as essay questions. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam.

In order to be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in copy editing or proofreading. They must also have completed a course in copyediting or proofreading from an accredited institution within the past five years.

The cost for taking the ACES Certification Exam is $150 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certification from ACES and will be listed on its website as certified professionals.

5. Council of Science Editors Certification

The Council of Science Editors (CSE) Certification is an internationally recognized certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of scientific editing. The CSE Certification Program provides a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s skills, knowledge, and abilities in the areas of grammar, usage, punctuation, style, and content.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CSE Certification program. The program consists of three components: an online self-assessment exam; two written exams; and a practical editing exercise. All components must be completed within 12 months from the date of registration for the program.

To get started on your CSE Certification journey, you must first register for the program by submitting an application form and paying a fee. Once registered, you will receive access to the online self-assessment exam as well as instructions on how to prepare for and take both written exams. After successfully completing all three components of the program, you will receive your CSE Certification certificate.

The cost of obtaining CSE Certification varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of CSE. In general, it costs between $400-$600 USD to become certified through the CSE Certification Program.

6. National Association of Science Writers Certification

The National Association of Science Writers (NASW) Certification is a program designed to recognize professional science writers who have demonstrated excellence in their craft. The certification is open to any freelance or staff writer, editor, producer, public information officer, or other professional working in the field of science communication.

To become certified, applicants must demonstrate a minimum of five years’ experience in the field and submit three writing samples that showcase their skills. The application also includes a questionnaire about the applicant’s experience and background. Once approved, applicants will receive an official NASW Certificate of Recognition.

It typically takes two to three months for an application to be processed and approved. Applicants should allow additional time for the review process if they are submitting multiple writing samples or if they need to provide additional documentation.

The cost for certification is $100 for NASW members and $150 for non-members. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing applications and issuing certificates.

Once certified, writers can use the NASW Certified logo on their website and other materials to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in science writing.

7. National Association of Independent Editors and Writers Certification

The National Association of Independent Editors and Writers (NAIEW) is a professional organization for freelance editors and writers. NAIEW Certification is a voluntary program that provides recognition to editors and writers who demonstrate a high level of professionalism, knowledge, and skill in the editing and writing field.

To obtain NAIEW Certification, applicants must pass an online exam that tests their knowledge in areas such as grammar, punctuation, style, usage, copyediting, proofreading, and editorial project management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that are based on the standards set by the NAIEW. It typically takes between two to four hours to complete the exam.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also submit a portfolio of work samples demonstrating their editing or writing skills. The portfolio should include at least three pieces of work from different genres or topics that have been edited or written within the past two years.

Applicants must also provide evidence of at least one year of professional experience in editing or writing (or both). This can be demonstrated through paid employment or freelance contracts.

The cost for NAIEW Certification is $250 USD for members or $350 USD for non-members. Applicants who successfully pass the exam will receive a certificate from NAIEW recognizing their achievement as well as access to exclusive resources such as job postings and discounts on products and services related to editing and writing.

8. Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches Certification

The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC) is a professional organization that provides certifications for resume writers and career coaches. This certification is designed to help ensure that the resume writer or career coach has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide quality services.

The PARW/CC certification process consists of three parts: an online application, a written exam, and an oral interview. The online application includes basic information about the applicant’s experience and qualifications. After submitting the application, applicants must take a two-hour written exam in order to demonstrate their knowledge of resume writing techniques and strategies as well as their understanding of career coaching principles. Finally, applicants must pass an oral interview with a panel of PARW/CC certified professionals in order to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in practice.

In order to obtain the PARW/CC certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in either resume writing or career coaching. Additionally, applicants must submit letters of recommendation from at least two current or former clients who can attest to the applicant’s expertise in these fields.

The cost for obtaining the PARW/CC certification varies depending on the applicant’s level of experience and whether they are applying as an individual or through an organization. For individuals, the cost ranges from $195-$595 USD; for organizations, it ranges from $295-$795 USD. The fee covers all aspects of the certification process including application fees, examination fees, and any additional costs associated with attending an oral interview.

Overall, obtaining the PARW/CC certification is a lengthy process that requires dedication and commitment from those seeking it. However, once obtained it can be used as evidence of expertise within both resume writing and career coaching fields which can help further one's professional development goals.

9. Society for Technical Communication Certificate in Editing

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) Certificate in Editing is an online program that provides professionals with the necessary skills to become a successful technical editor. The program is designed to help editors understand the principles and practices of editing, as well as develop their writing and communication skills.

The STC Certificate in Editing consists of four courses: Introduction to Editing, Copyediting, Structural Editing, and Advanced Editing. Each course takes approximately two weeks to complete, depending on how quickly you work through the material. The total time commitment for completing all four courses is approximately eight weeks.

To get the STC Certificate in Editing, you must successfully complete all four courses and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. You can take each course individually or purchase a package that includes all four courses at a discounted rate.

The cost of the STC Certificate in Editing varies depending on which option you choose. If you purchase each course individually, it will cost $299 per course ($1197 total). If you purchase the package that includes all four courses, it will cost $999 ($200 savings).

10. Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certification is a certification program designed to validate and recognize individuals who demonstrate advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. The program consists of three levels: Expert, Advanced, and Master. To obtain the Master certification, an individual must pass two exams: one for Word and one for Excel.

The exams are designed to test an individual’s knowledge of the features, functions, and capabilities of the Microsoft Office suite. The tests are administered by Certiport, a third-party testing provider that specializes in certifying IT professionals.

The Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certification typically takes several months to complete. It is recommended that individuals prepare for the exam by taking practice tests or attending training courses offered by Certiport or other authorized training providers.

To get certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist Master, individuals must register with Certiport and pay the associated fees (currently $150 USD per exam). After registering, they can schedule their exams at any authorized testing center around the world. Once they have passed both exams, they will receive their certificate from Certiport indicating that they have achieved Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certification status.

11. Adobe Certified Expert in InDesign

Adobe Certified Expert in InDesign is a certification that demonstrates your expertise in Adobe InDesign. It is an industry-recognized credential that validates your knowledge of the software and its features.

In order to become an Adobe Certified Expert in InDesign, you must complete the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) exam for InDesign. This exam tests your knowledge of basic InDesign concepts and tasks, such as creating documents, working with text and objects, using color, and preparing documents for print or digital output. Once you have successfully completed the ACA exam for InDesign, you can then take the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) exam for InDesign. This exam tests your advanced skills in using the software’s features to create professional-level designs and layouts.

The ACE exam for InDesign usually takes around two hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. You will need to score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass it and become certified as an Adobe Certified Expert in InDesign.

The cost of taking the ACA and ACE exams for InDesign varies depending on where you take them. The cost may also vary depending on whether or not you are eligible for any discounts or special offers from Adobe or other organizations. Generally speaking, however, it should cost around $150-$200 USD to take both exams combined.

Do You Really Need a Freelance Editor Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a freelance editor certificate to become a successful freelance editor. However, it can be beneficial in some circumstances.

A freelance editor certificate may provide you with the necessary credentials to increase your marketability and credibility as an editor. It can also provide evidence of your expertise in editing, which could make potential clients more likely to hire you. Additionally, if you are looking for work with a particular company or organization that requires its editors to have a certain level of certification, then having a certificate could be necessary in order to qualify for the job.

Furthermore, having a freelance editor certificate may help build your confidence as an editor by providing you with tangible proof of your skills and knowledge base. This confidence can be invaluable when approaching prospective clients or taking on new projects.

Overall, while obtaining a freelance editor certificate is not essential for becoming a successful freelance editor, it may offer some advantages depending on your specific situation and career goals.

Related: Freelance Editor Resume Examples

FAQs About Freelance Editor Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a freelance editor?

Answer: Freelance editors typically need a degree in English, journalism or communications and experience in writing, editing or publishing. Depending on the type of work you are seeking, additional certifications may be helpful.

2. How do I get certified as a freelance editor?

Answer: You can become certified as a freelance editor by taking an online course or attending an accredited training program. Additionally, there are some organizations that offer certification programs specifically for freelance editors.

3. Are there any benefits to becoming a certified freelance editor?

Answer: Yes, becoming certified can help demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the profession, making you more attractive to potential employers. It also gives you access to resources that can help you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

4. What is the cost of certification for freelance editors?

Answer: The cost of certification can vary depending on the specific program and organization providing it. Generally speaking, most certifications range from $200 - $500 USD or more.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a freelance editor?

Answer: The length of time required for certification will depend on the program you choose and how quickly you complete it. Generally speaking, most programs take between three months and one year to complete.