Plain Language Certificate

Do you need to communicate complex information? From government to health care to law, demand is growing for plain language specialists in a variety of work settings. In our online certificate program, you’ll learn practical techniques to strip away jargon and bureaucratese and produce clear, accessible writing that speaks directly to your intended audience.

Overview

Courses: 6 + electives
Format: Part-time
Location: Online
Next info session: Tue, 05 Sep 2023 12:00 PM PDT
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Program eligible for StrongerBC future skills grant

Why this program?

  • Gain the knowledge to work as a plain language specialist
  • Build specialized writing skills in your choice of areas, such as health or law
  • Learn from experienced plain language practitioners
  • Take fully online courses on a flexible schedule
  • Start with individual courses and apply to the program at any time
  • Graduate with a certificate that confers SFU alumni status along with its benefits

Format

Part-time

Location

Online

Program completion

1–5 years (from start date of first course)
To graduate, complete all courses with a minimum average grade of B- (70%).

Course duration

3–10 weeks (9–30 instructional hours)

Course work

6–10 hours/week

Schedule

Self-paced within set deadlines

Courses

Required courses (take in any order, except PLNL410, which should be completed last):

Elective courses (minimum 20 hours; choose from list):

Learning materials

See individual courses for textbook details

Cost

$350–$930/course, not including textbooks
$75 program application fee

Application info

No application deadline. Take individual courses and apply to the program at any time.

Application requirements

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
  • Mature students who do not meet this requirement may qualify with at least 5 years of appropriate experience
  • Advanced English Language Requirements

See Application details for more info.

Register for individual courses at any time, with the option to apply to the program later.

Course Name
Start Date
Location
Instructor
Cost
Seats Available
Action
Start DateWed, Jun 14, 2023
LocationOnline
InstructorNick Rockel
Cost$555.00
Seats Available10
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Jun 20, 2023
LocationOnline
InstructorJulie Clement
Cost$350.00
Seats Available8
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Sep 12, 2023
LocationOnline
InstructorWendy Barron
Cost$350.00
Seats Available24
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Sep 12, 2023
LocationOnline
InstructorKari Hasselriis
Cost$630.00
Seats Available23
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Sep 12, 2023
LocationOnline
InstructorFlora Gordon
Cost$555.00
Seats Available23
ActionRegister
Start DateWed, Sep 13, 2023
LocationOnline
InstructorJudy Phillips
Cost$555.00
Seats Available23
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Sep 19, 2023
LocationOnline
InstructorJulie Clement
Cost$370.00
Seats Available13
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Sep 26, 2023
LocationOnline
InstructorIva Cheung
Cost$370.00
Seats Available20
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Oct 17, 2023
LocationOnline
InstructorKari Hasselriis
Cost$350.00
Seats Available24
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Oct 24, 2023
LocationOnline
InstructorJulie Clement
Cost$630.00
Seats Available21
ActionRegister
Start DateWed, Oct 25, 2023
LocationOnline
InstructorRowena Rae
Cost$555.00
Seats Available24
ActionRegister

Enroll in the certificate program to:

  • Track your progress in your student account
  • Access potential tax credits
  • Be eligible to graduate when you finish

Sign up for email updates

To stay informed about this program, please fill out the form below.

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Attend an online info session

Reserve your spot to explore the program and chat live with program staff.

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