Top 10 Web Content Writer Certifications

Certifications for web content writers demonstrate to potential employers that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge needed to do the job. A certification can provide employers with assurance that the writer is well-versed in the latest trends and best practices in web content writing, as well as being able to create compelling, accurate, and engaging copy. Certifications also show that the writer has taken initiative by taking the time to learn about their craft. As such, having certifications can give candidates a competitive edge when applying for jobs in this field.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for web content writers and explain how they can help writers advance their careers.

What are Web Content Writer Certifications?

Web content writer certification is a type of professional certification that provides potential employers with tangible evidence of an individual’s knowledge and skill set in the field of web content writing. The certification is generally offered by universities, colleges, and professional organizations that specialize in teaching and certifying web content writers.

By obtaining a web content writer certification, individuals can demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in the craft of web writing. This can help them stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions related to writing for the web. Additionally, having this certification can give potential employers confidence that a candidate has the necessary skills to produce quality work on their website or blog.

The certification process typically involves taking courses in various aspects of web writing such as SEO techniques, keyword research, grammar rules, formatting styles, and more. Upon successful completion of these courses, candidates must pass an exam in order to earn their official certification. This allows employers to know that they are hiring someone who has taken the time to learn the craft of web writing and is knowledgeable enough to produce high-quality work for their website or blog.

Overall, obtaining a web content writer certification can be beneficial for anyone looking to pursue a career in this field as it provides them with an advantage over other applicants by proving their knowledge and expertise in the area of web writing.

Pro Tip: When considering a web content writer certification, make sure to research the organization providing the certification and look for reviews from past participants. This can help you determine if the certification is reputable and whether it will provide value in terms of improving your skills as a web content writer.

Related: What does a Web Content Writer do?

Top 10 Web Content Writer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Web Content Writers today.

1. Certified Professional Content Writer (CPCW)

Certified Professional Content Writer (CPCW) is a certification program designed to help content writers gain the skills and knowledge necessary to create effective, high-quality content. The program focuses on the fundamentals of writing for the web, including SEO, keyword research, content strategy, and analytics. It also covers topics such as copywriting, editing, and proofreading.

The CPCW certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course requires approximately 40 hours of study time and includes video lectures, quizzes, and assignments. The final exam is taken online and consists of multiple-choice questions covering the material learned in the course.

To get certified as a CPCW you must first complete the online course and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once you have completed both parts successfully you will receive your official certificate from the International Association of Professional Writers & Editors (IAPWE).

The cost for the CPCW certification program varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

2. Certified Digital Copywriter (CDC)

Certified Digital Copywriter (CDC) is a certification program designed to help copywriters and content creators build their skills, gain recognition for their work, and stand out from the competition. It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of digital copywriting including SEO, content strategy, UX/UI copywriting, and more.

The CDC program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an online examination. The self-study course provides learners with the necessary knowledge to pass the exam and become certified. This course takes approximately 20 hours to complete. Once the course is completed, learners can take the online examination which tests their understanding of digital copywriting principles and practices. The exam takes approximately one hour to complete and costs $99 USD.

Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, you will receive your certification as a Certified Digital Copywriter (CDC). This certification will be valid for two years after which you will need to renew it by taking the exam again or by completing additional training courses.

3. Certified SEO Content Writer (CSCW)

Certified SEO Content Writer (CSCW) is a certification program for content writers who specialize in writing content for websites that are optimized for search engine rankings. The program is designed to help content writers learn the skills and techniques needed to create effective SEO-friendly content.

The program takes approximately 8 weeks to complete and consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on project. During the online course, students will learn the fundamentals of SEO copywriting, such as keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and more. They will also be taught how to write persuasive copy that engages readers while still providing search engine value. The hands-on project requires students to apply their knowledge by creating an SEO-friendly website from scratch.

The cost of the CSCW certification program varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. It is important to note that some providers may offer discounts or scholarships for those who qualify.

In order to get certified as an SEO Content Writer, applicants must pass an exam administered by the provider they choose. This exam covers topics such as writing style, keyword optimization, link building strategies, and more. Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their CSCW certification certificate which can be used to demonstrate their expertise in SEO copywriting.

4. Certified Social Media Content Writer (CSMCW)

A Certified Social Media Content Writer (CSMCW) is a professional who has been certified by the Social Media Marketing Institute (SMMi). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of social media content writing and its associated best practices. The CSMCW certification validates an individual’s ability to write compelling, engaging, and effective content for social media platforms.

The CSMCW certification process involves completing a five-level program that covers topics such as content creation, optimization, engagement, analytics, and more. The program consists of online courses, quizzes, and exams that must be completed in order to earn the certification. It typically takes about three months to complete the entire program.

In order to get certified as a CSMCW, you must first register with SMMi and purchase the course materials. The cost of the program varies depending on which level you choose to pursue; however, it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. Once you have purchased the course materials and completed all requirements of the program, you will receive your certificate of completion from SMMi.

5. Certified Technical Writing Professional (CTWP)

Certified Technical Writing Professional (CTWP) is a certification program that recognizes the professional skills and knowledge of experienced technical writers. It is designed to help employers identify qualified technical writing professionals who possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively create and manage technical documentation.

The CTWP certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam tests your knowledge of the fundamentals of technical writing, including topics such as document structure, grammar, style, and formatting. The oral exam requires you to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in a technical setting.

To get certified as a CTWP, you must first pass both the written and oral exams. The written exam can be taken online or at any approved testing center. The cost for taking the written exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD. The oral exam is conducted by an approved proctor at an approved testing center and costs around $300 USD.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official CTWP certificate from the American Society for Technical Communication (ASTC). This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking an additional examination every three years or by completing continuing education credits within that time period.

6. Certified Web Writing Professional (CWWP)

Certified Web Writing Professional (CWWP) is a professional certification program offered by the Content Marketing Institute. It is designed to help content writers and digital marketers create effective, engaging web content that drives business results.

The CWWP certification program consists of four courses: Introduction to Web Writing, Advanced Web Writing, SEO for Writers, and Social Media for Writers. Each course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and can be taken at your own pace.

The cost of the CWWP certification program varies depending on whether you choose to take all four courses or just one or two. The full program costs $399 USD while individual courses range from $99-$199 USD each.

To get certified as a Certified Web Writing Professional, you must successfully complete all four courses and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once you have completed the program, you will receive an official CWWP certificate from the Content Marketing Institute which can be used to demonstrate your expertise in writing for the web.

7. Certified Web Content Strategist (CWCS)

Certified Web Content Strategist (CWCS) is a professional certification program offered by the Content Strategy Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field of content strategy. The CWCS program is designed to equip web professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to create effective web content strategies.

The CWCS program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as content strategy fundamentals, user experience design, SEO, analytics, and more. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online course.

The in-person exam is administered by a certified proctor at one of several designated testing centers around the world. It consists of multiple choice and essay questions that assess your understanding of content strategy principles and best practices. The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

The cost for the CWCS program is $499 USD, which includes both the online course and in-person exam fees.

8. Advanced Web Content Writing Certificate (AWCC)

The Advanced Web Content Writing Certificate (AWCC) is a certification program designed to help web content writers develop their skills and knowledge in the field. The program focuses on topics such as SEO, keyword research, content strategy, copywriting, and more. It is offered by the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC).

The AWCC takes approximately 12 weeks to complete. During this time, students are required to complete a series of online courses and assessments. Each course covers a different topic and must be completed before the next one can be started. Upon completion of all courses and assessments, students receive their certificate.

To get the AWCC, you must first register with PWAC and pay the registration fee. You will then need to complete all of the required courses and assessments within 12 weeks. After successful completion of all courses and assessments, you will receive your certificate from PWAC.

The cost for the AWCC varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $400-$600 CAD.

9. Advanced Digital Copywriting Certificate (ADCC)

The Advanced Digital Copywriting Certificate (ADCC) is a professional certification program that provides comprehensive training in the field of digital copywriting. It is designed to give professionals the skills and knowledge they need to create compelling and effective content for digital platforms. The program consists of five courses, each focusing on a different aspect of digital copywriting, including SEO, social media, email marketing, web design, and analytics. The program takes approximately three months to complete and requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in the field of digital copywriting.

To get the ADCC certification, applicants must successfully complete all five courses within the three-month period. Upon completion of the program, applicants will receive an official certificate from Copyblogger Media. The cost of the ADCC program varies depending on which payment plan you choose; however, it generally costs between $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

10. Advanced SEO Copywriting Certificate (ASCC)

The Advanced SEO Copywriting Certificate (ASCC) is a professional certification program designed to help copywriters and content marketers learn the fundamentals of SEO copywriting. The ASCC program is offered by the Content Marketing Institute, an industry-leading organization dedicated to helping content marketers succeed.

The ASCC program consists of five online courses that cover topics such as keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, content strategy and more. Each course takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete and can be completed at your own pace. Upon completion of all five courses, you will receive a certificate from the Content Marketing Institute verifying your mastery of advanced SEO copywriting techniques.

To get the ASCC certificate, you must first register for the program on the Content Marketing Institute website. Registration costs $299 USD and includes access to all five courses plus additional resources such as webinars and ebooks. Once you have completed all five courses, you will be eligible to take the final exam which is administered online. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your official certificate in digital format via email.

Do You Really Need a Web Content Writer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. For some people, a web content writer certificate may be beneficial in helping them achieve their career goals. For others, it may not be necessary.

For those who are just starting out as web content writers and want to gain more knowledge and experience, a web content writer certificate can be useful. A certificate program can help you learn the basics of writing for the web, such as SEO principles, keyword research, and formatting for different platforms. It can also give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or freelance gigs.

On the other hand, if you already have experience with writing for the web and are confident in your abilities, then a certificate might not be necessary. Employers and clients typically value experience more than educational credentials when it comes to hiring web content writers. Your portfolio of work should speak louder than any piece of paper that certifies your skills.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a web content writer certificate depends on your individual situation and goals. If you feel like it would benefit your career or help you stand out from other applicants, then it might be worth considering investing in one. Otherwise, focus on honing your skills through practice and building up an impressive portfolio of work that showcases what you’re capable of.

Related: Web Content Writer Resume Examples

FAQs About Web Content Writer Certifications

1. What is a Web Content Writer Certification?

Answer: A web content writer certification is a qualification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in writing for the web. It typically involves taking courses and passing tests to demonstrate one's proficiency in web content writing.

2. How do I get certified as a Web Content Writer?

Answer: There are several ways to become certified as a web content writer, including taking online courses, attending workshops, or completing self-paced studies and assessments. Additionally, some organizations offer certifications specifically for web content writers.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Web Content Writer?

Answer: Becoming a certified web content writer can help you stand out from other writers in the field and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers or clients. It can also help you stay up-to-date on best practices for effective web writing and hone your skills with practice assessments and feedback from experts.

4. What topics will be covered in Web Content Writing Certification courses?

Answer: Course topics may vary depending on the provider, but typically include topics such as SEO fundamentals, keyword research, copywriting principles, audience analysis, creating compelling headlines, structuring content for maximum impact, formatting for readability, editing techniques and more.

5. Is there any cost associated with getting a Web Content Writing Certification?

Answer: Generally speaking, there will be some cost associated with obtaining a certification in web content writing, whether it’s tuition fees for an online course or workshop registration fees. However, many providers offer discounts for enrolling multiple people or special deals when registering early for their programs.