Top 11 Managing Editor Certifications

Certifications for a managing editor are important in the job market because they demonstrate an individual's commitment to professional development and mastery of key skills related to their field. They also provide proof of competency and help employers identify qualified candidates for positions. Certifications can also give individuals an edge over other applicants as employers tend to favor those who have taken the time to specialize in a certain area or prove expertise in a specific skill set. Certifications can also open up opportunities for career advancement, as many organizations prefer to hire those with specialized knowledge and experience.

This article reviews the top certifications for Managing Editors and explains how they can help to advance a managing editor's career.

What are Managing Editor Certifications?

Managing editor certification is a professional credential that demonstrates the knowledge and skills required to be a successful managing editor. With this certification, an individual can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in editing and provide a competitive edge to employers. It is designed for experienced editors who want to take their career to the next level by demonstrating their expertise in the field.

The certification covers topics such as developing editorial strategy, managing workflow, working with contributors, understanding copyright law, budgeting and more. By earning this certification, editors can demonstrate that they have the skills necessary to manage an editorial team efficiently and effectively. This can help them land higher-paying jobs or promotions within their current organization. Additionally, it may also help them earn respect from peers and colleagues who recognize its value as a professional credential.

Pro Tip: When managing editor certification, make sure to clearly define the criteria and expectations for successful completion. This should include a timeline for completing the certification, as well as any additional requirements or prerequisites that must be met. Additionally, make sure to provide ample support and resources to help editors succeed in their certification process.

Related: What does a Managing Editor do?

Top 11 Managing Editor Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Editor (CPE)

Certified Professional Editor (CPE) is a professional designation that recognizes editors who have demonstrated the highest level of expertise in their field. The CPE designation is awarded through the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in editing.

To become a Certified Professional Editor, applicants must pass a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge and skills in areas such as grammar, punctuation, usage, style, and editing techniques. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate at least two years of professional editing experience.

The exam can be taken either online or in-person at designated testing centers. It typically takes around four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions and an essay section. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you take it online or in-person; the cost for online exams is $275 USD while the cost for in-person exams is $375 USD.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your CPE certification from BELS. This certification will be valid for three years from the date it was awarded and can be renewed by completing additional training courses or taking refresher exams.

2. Certified Copy Editor (CCE)

Certified Copy Editor (CCE) is a professional certification program offered by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS). It is designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of editors who work in fields related to life sciences, such as medicine, health care, nutrition, and biotechnology. The CCE program focuses on editing for accuracy and clarity, as well as style and grammar.

The CCE program consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical assessment. The online exam tests applicants’ knowledge of language conventions, editing techniques, and scientific terminology. The practical assessment requires applicants to edit a sample document or manuscript under timed conditions. Both components must be completed successfully before certification can be granted.

The CCE program takes approximately six months to complete from start to finish. Applicants must first register with BELS and pay the registration fee ($150 USD). They then have six weeks to complete the online exam before taking the practical assessment. Once both components are completed successfully, applicants will receive their CCE certificate within four weeks.

The cost of the CCE program is $250 USD for BELS members ($300 USD for non-members). This fee covers both the online exam and practical assessment components of the certification process.

3. Certified Editorial Manager (CEM)

Certified Editorial Manager (CEM) is an online editorial workflow application developed by Aries Systems Corporation. It is designed to streamline the process of peer review, manuscript and grant submission, and publication. CEM provides a secure platform for authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers to collaborate on the publication process.

It typically takes about two weeks to get Certified Editorial Manager (CEM) up and running. To get started with CEM, you will need to purchase a subscription from Aries Systems Corporation. Pricing varies depending on your needs but can range from $1,000-$2,500 per year.

Once you have purchased a subscription, you will need to create an account with Aries Systems Corporation in order to access the CEM software. You will then be able to configure your journal's workflow settings and add users such as authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers. Finally, you will be able to customize the look and feel of your journal's website using CEM's built-in themes or creating your own custom theme.

4. Certified Content Strategist (CCS)

Certified Content Strategist (CCS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the skills and knowledge needed to develop, manage, and optimize content for digital experiences. The CCS program is offered by the Content Strategy Alliance (CSA), an international organization dedicated to advancing the practice of content strategy.

The CCS certification requires successful completion of a two-part exam. The first part consists of a multiple-choice test that covers topics such as content governance, user experience design, search engine optimization, analytics, and more. The second part is a practical assessment in which applicants must demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $395 USD. To be eligible for the CCS certification, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in content strategy or related fields. Additionally, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues or employers attesting to their qualifications.

Once certified, individuals can use the Certified Content Strategist designation on resumes and business cards and gain access to exclusive job opportunities through the CSA’s Career Center. They also receive discounts on CSA events and products, as well as access to special resources such as webinars and online courses.

5. Advanced Professional Editing Certification (APEC)

Advanced Professional Editing Certification (APEC) is a certification program offered by the American Copy Editors Society (ACES). It is designed to recognize professional editors who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in their field. The certification is available to any editor with a minimum of three years of professional experience.

The APEC program consists of two parts: an online exam and an oral examination. The online exam covers topics such as grammar, style, usage, editing strategies, and ethics. It takes approximately four hours to complete the online portion. After successfully completing the online portion, candidates must pass an oral examination that tests their knowledge and skills in editing. This oral examination lasts for up to two hours and can be taken either in person or via video conference.

In order to receive the APEC certification, applicants must pass both the online exam and the oral examination with a score of at least 80%. Once certified, editors are eligible for membership in ACES and can use the APEC designation on their resumes and business cards.

The cost of taking the APEC certification program varies depending on whether you take it through ACES or another organization that offers it. Through ACES, it costs $500 for members or $650 for non-members.

6. Digital Publishing Certification (DPC)

Digital Publishing Certification (DPC) is a certification program designed to help individuals and organizations develop the skills they need to create, manage, and distribute digital content. The program focuses on the fundamentals of digital publishing, including file formats, content management systems, digital rights management, analytics, and more.

The program consists of five courses that can be taken online or in-person. It takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete all five courses. Each course is self-paced and includes lectures, videos, quizzes, and other interactive activities. Upon completion of all five courses, participants receive a Digital Publishing Certification from the International Association for Digital Publications (IADP).

To get certified in Digital Publishing you must first register for the IADP's Digital Publishing Certification Program. Once registered you will have access to the course materials which include lectures, videos and interactive activities. After completing all five courses you will be required to take an exam which covers topics such as file formats, content management systems, digital rights management and analytics. Upon successful completion of the exam you will receive your Digital Publishing Certification from IADP.

The cost of the Digital Publishing Certification Program varies depending on whether you take it online or in person. Online courses typically cost around $500 while in-person classes range from $1,000-$2,000 depending on location.

7. Certified Editing Professional (CEP)

Certified Editing Professional (CEP) is a professional certification program that recognizes the skills and knowledge of experienced editors. This certification is offered by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS) and is designed to assess an editor's ability to edit scientific documents accurately, efficiently, and with attention to detail.

The CEP exam consists of three sections: editing principles, editing practice, and proofreading. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and covers topics such as grammar, punctuation, syntax, usage, style guides, formatting requirements for various types of documents, citation styles, and more.

To become a Certified Editing Professional (CEP), you must first submit an application to BELS along with a non-refundable fee of $250 USD. After your application is approved by BELS staff, you will be sent instructions on how to register for the exam online. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your CEP certificate in the mail.

The cost of becoming a Certified Editing Professional (CEP) includes the $250 USD non-refundable fee for submitting an application and registering for the exam as well as any additional fees associated with taking the exam (such as proctoring fees).

8. Certified Production Editor (CPE)

A Certified Production Editor (CPE) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful production editor. The CPE program is administered by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

The CPE exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics related to production editing, including grammar and usage, copyediting, proofreading, document design, and publishing. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and can be taken at any ACM-approved test center.

To become certified as a CPE, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of professional experience in production editing or a related field; passing the CPE exam; and completing an application form with supporting documentation.

The cost of the CPE program varies depending on the country in which you take the exam. In the United States, it costs $495 for members of ACM and $595 for non-members.

9. American Copy Editors Society Certification Program (ACES-CPP)

The American Copy Editors Society Certification Program (ACES-CPP) is a comprehensive program designed to recognize the professional achievements of copy editors. The program was created to promote excellence in the field of copy editing and to provide an objective measure of a copy editor’s skills.

The program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online portfolio review. The written exam covers topics such as grammar, punctuation, usage, style, and editing techniques. It is administered by ACES at designated testing centers around the United States. The online portfolio review requires applicants to submit samples of their work that demonstrate their ability to edit for accuracy, clarity, conciseness, consistency, and style.

It typically takes three months from the time an applicant registers for the exam until they receive their results. After passing both parts of the program, applicants become certified copy editors and receive a certificate from ACES.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on where you take the written exam and how much you need to prepare for it. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 for registration fees plus any additional materials needed to prepare for the exam.

10. International Association of Business Communicators Certification Program (IABC-CPP)

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Certification Program (IABC-CPP) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of professional communicators. The IABC-CPP certification is a mark of excellence that demonstrates your commitment to the profession and provides you with a competitive edge in the job market.

The IABC-CPP program consists of three components: a written exam, an oral exam, and a portfolio review. The written exam tests your understanding of communication theory, principles, and best practices. The oral exam assesses your ability to apply those theories in practice. Finally, the portfolio review evaluates how well you have applied these concepts in your own work.

It typically takes about two years to complete all three components of the IABC-CPP program. During this time, you will need to study for the written exam and prepare for the oral exam and portfolio review. You will also need to demonstrate mastery of communication principles by completing projects that showcase your skills in action.

To get started on the path to becoming an IABC-CPP certified professional, you must first become an IABC member. Membership fees vary depending on which membership level you choose but can range from $90-$599 USD per year. Once you are an IABC member, you can register for the certification program at a cost of $695 USD per component or $1,785 USD for all three components combined.

Once you have completed all three components successfully, you will be awarded your IABC-CPP certificate and recognized as a certified professional communicator!

11. Association of Writers & Writing Programs Professional Development Certificate in Editing and Publishing

The Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Professional Development Certificate in Editing and Publishing is a program designed to provide writers, editors, publishers, and other professionals in the writing industry with the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen field. The certificate program consists of four courses that cover topics such as copyediting and proofreading, book design and production, marketing and publicity for authors and publishers, and digital publishing. The courses are offered online or in person at AWP’s annual conference.

Completion of the certificate requires successful completion of all four courses within two years. Each course is approximately 8 weeks long, with assignments due every two weeks. The cost of the program is $750 per course. All materials are provided by AWP, including textbooks, handouts, videos, webinars, and access to an online discussion forum. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive a professional development certificate from AWP.

To enroll in the program, applicants must submit an application form along with a current resume or CV demonstrating experience in editing or publishing. Applicants should also include a statement of purpose outlining their goals for completing the program.

Do You Really Need a Managing Editor Certificate?

No, you do not need a managing editor certificate to work as a managing editor. The primary qualifications for this position are experience in editing and knowledge of the publishing industry. A certificate may be beneficial to demonstrate your commitment to professional development and increase your credibility, but it is not required.

In addition, employers often prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in English or journalism, which could be more valuable than a certificate. However, if you don't have either a degree or a certificate, you can still qualify for the job by having several years of experience in writing and editing. You should also make sure that you have strong research skills and an understanding of industry standards and guidelines.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a managing editor certificate depends on your specific situation and career goals. If you're looking to advance your career in the publishing industry, then earning one could be beneficial as it would show that you have invested time and effort into developing your skillset. On the other hand, if you already possess the necessary experience and qualifications for the job then it may not be necessary to pursue additional credentials.

Related: Managing Editor Resume Examples

FAQs About Managing Editor Certifications

Q1: What is a Managing Editor Certification?

A1: A Managing Editor Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in managing editorial processes, including content creation, editing, publishing, and distribution. It also includes topics such as working with authors and other stakeholders, developing editorial guidelines and style guides, creating content workflows, managing digital assets and platforms, and more.

Q2: Who can benefit from earning a Managing Editor Certification?

A2: Professionals in the media and publishing industries who need to demonstrate their mastery of editorial management skills can benefit from earning a Managing Editor Certification. This includes editors, writers, content creators, project managers, publishers, marketers, web developers/designers, publicists and more.

Q3: What are the requirements for getting certified?

A3: In order to become certified as a Managing Editor you must complete an approved course or training program. The specific requirements vary depending on the certifying body but generally include passing an assessment or exam.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified?

A4: The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on the certifying body you choose. Generally speaking though it should take anywhere from two weeks up to several months depending on the complexity of the certification program.

Q5: Are there any costs associated with getting certified?

A5: Yes – most certifying bodies charge fees for their certification programs which can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the level of certification being sought after.