Training

Where can you get a qualification or certification in plain language?

Below are plain language training and certification programs that reputable organizations provide.  Completing a training program can give you tools to address a wide variety of plain language issues.  Please note:

  • We do not endorse any of these programs; we list them for informational purposes only
  • We currently do not offer our own plain language training or certification
  • Plain language practitioners do not need to be certified

Please contact us if we have missed any programs you think we should include here.

Simon Fraser University

Plain Language Certificate at SFU

The need for plain language expertise is growing, as governments and organizations around the world recognize the importance of precise, clear communication with the public. Plain language skills are now in demand in an increasing number of fields—including publishing, law, education, government, health services, immigrant services, marketing, PR, technical communications and graphic design.

SFU’s part-time, online Plain Language Certificate program is designed for communication professionals ready to expand their skills. Our comprehensive training will allow you to convey any message so that the broadest possible audience can understand it.

You’ll learn from established industry experts who bring real-world knowledge and experience in plain language communication. Our flexible, online program is ideal for working professionals, and you can complete your certificate in as little as one year.

University of Houston Downtown

Institute for Plain English Research and Study

Founded in 2013, the Institute for Plain English Research and Study (IPERS) serves as a virtual and physical space for interested people to meet and discuss plain language guidelines, new regulations and laws, and their effects on workplace communication. The institute also offers resources, engages in research on the topic, and provides training sessions for UHD students, faculty, staff, and local professionals.

IPERS has organized several Forums on Plain English at UHD. The forum is a biannual event that aims to bring together practitioners and educators for meaningful discussions of writing issues and training sessions to share new information about the plain language movement and government initiatives. In the past, the event was sponsored by Humanities Texas and the Faculty Development grants at UHD.

Kotimaisten kielten keskus (Kotus)

Hyvä virkakieli Online Courses

KOTUS offers a series of free, open-access online courses under the “Hyvä virkakieli” (Good Official Language) program, see https://kotus.fi/kotus/koulutus-ja-konsultointi/hyvan-virkakielen-verkkokurssipaketti/. These courses are designed to enhance clarity and effectiveness in official texts for public administration professionals, educators, students, and anyone interested in improving their official writing skills.​ One notable course is “Hyvä virkakieli – Selkeytä lauseita ja virkkeitä,” which focuses on simplifying sentence structures and improving clarity. The course includes videos, examples, exercises, and a final test. Upon completion, participants can receive a certificate. The course is self-paced and takes approximately one hour to complete.​

For more information and to access the courses, please visit the KOTUS website https://kotus.fi/, English language website under construction: https://en.kotus.fi/.

CAL Correctologia Asesoramiento Lingüístico

Diploma in Plain Language

The Diploma in Plain Language is an 8-month program designed to train professionals in the implementation of inclusive, accessible, and efficient communication strategies. Synchronous classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (GMT-3), with a theoretical-practical approach that allows students to apply the concepts learned to specific cases. In parallel with the synchronous classes, an 8-module program on Regulations is taught, which provides an understanding of where the biggest problems arise in textual clarity.

The curriculum includes courses related to the foundations of law to understand how it is communicated in government agencies, and courses related to the configuration of language and texts. These courses are taught by a teaching team of specialists in various areas of language, grammar, and institutional communication.

Upon completion of the diploma, participants must take a comprehensive exam that will assess both theoretical knowledge and practical application in text clarification. This final exam consolidates the learning process and ensures that graduates have the necessary tools to perform professionally in the field of clarification and strategic communication.

Contact info@cal.com.ar