# Introduction
By Kelly D. O'Hara
This documentation is a resource to help writers improve their technical writing skills. Content includes all the topics in the [Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) Foundation](https://www.stc.org/certification/foundation-certification/) exam from the [Society for Technical Communication](https://www.stc.org/).
## Learning Resources
*Technical Communication Today (5th or 6th Edition)* is the only book listed to study for the exam. Reviewers on Amazon criticize the book as terrible and "a complete waste of time with no redeeming value."
* Johnson-Sheehan, R. (2014). *Technical Communication Today* (5th ed.). Pearson.
* Johnson-Sheehan, R. (2017). *Technical Communication Today.* (6th ed.). Pearson.
I recommend studying with a better book that readers enjoy. The following books are more up-to-date.
* Markel, M., & Selber, S. A. (2017). *Technical Communication* (Twelfth ed.). Bedford/St. Martin’s.
* Markel, M., & Selber, S. A. (2020). *Technical Communication* (Thirteenth ed.). Bedford/St. Martin’s.
This Study Guide shows reading assignments from the books that I use:
* Johnson-Sheehan, R. (2014). *Technical Communication Today* (5th ed.). Pearson.
* Markel, M., & Selber, S. A. (2017). *Technical Communication* (Twelfth ed.). Bedford/St. Martin’s.
### Information Resources
* Pohland, L. (2016). Certification and STC’s Certified Professional Technical Communicator: What You Need to Know. *Intercom*. Society for Technical Communication.
* Society for Technical Communication & APMG International. (2020, January). *Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) Study Guide.*
### Learning Objectives
The certification exam is based on the ability to recall, recognize, and demonstrate comprehension of the theories, concepts, models, genres, and approaches outlined in nine key areas.
This study guide focuses on the nine key knowledge areas for technical communication:
1. [Project Planning](/technical-communication-study-guide/project-planning.md)
2. [Project Analysis](/technical-communication-study-guide/project-analysis.md)
3. [Content Development](/technical-communication-study-guide/content-development.md)
4. [Organizational Design](/technical-communication-study-guide/organizational-design.md)
5. [Written Communication](/technical-communication-study-guide/written-communication.md)
6. [Visual Communication](/technical-communication-study-guide/visual-communication.md)
7. [Reviewing and Editing](/technical-communication-study-guide/reviewing-and-editing.md)
8. [Content Management](/technical-communication-study-guide/content-management.md)
9. [Production Delivery](/technical-communication-study-guide/production-delivery.md)
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