5 Free Courses to Master Technical Writing - 2024

When we started the Hackmamba technical writing community, we aimed to provide technical writers with a platform to participate in real-world projects through competitions and challenges. However, as we grew, we noticed a significant skill gap among our members. Many newcomers struggled to understand the essential elements required to excel in technical writing.

In our experience, mastering technical writing involves more than just knowing the basics of grammar and syntax. It requires familiarity with formats, style guides, and industry specifications that govern the final product. Furthermore, a successful technical writer must have the ability to understand and interpret source material and a mechanical inclination to engage with tangible products and systems.

Although many technical writing courses are available, the best ones are systematic, detailed, and packed with actionable information. They may not be the most exciting reads, but they cover the fundamental aspects of technical writing necessary to create technical documents that users will appreciate.

In this article, I will share five fantastic free technical writing courses to help you as a technical writer. I will highlight the course length, the purposes they are best suited for, and the valuable skills you'll gain.

Why is technical writing important?

Software technical writers play a vital role in the release of new software products or versions by creating and maintaining documentation that is essential for users and developers.

Technical writers ensure users can access practical instructions tailored to their needs by analyzing the intended audience and structuring cohesive documents, guides, and videos. They update technical documents to reflect changes in software features.

Furthermore, technical writers collaborate with various teams, including subject matter experts, project managers, developers, customer service representatives, and quality assurance personnel, to produce clear and helpful documentation. This collaboration ensures that technical documents cater to a broad audience with varying technical expertise.

The versatility of software technical writers is reflected in the diverse mediums through which their documentation is distributed, including online help, printed manuals, blog posts, white papers, and web pages. Therefore, software technical writers must possess communication agility, thrive in fast-paced environments, and effortlessly navigate across different backgrounds to effectively fulfill their roles.

These resources will enhance your skills as a technical writer and empower you to contribute meaningfully to the software engineering ecosystem.

1. Google Technical Writing Courses

Google developed its technical writing course for developers who must create concise technical documentation. These courses aim to equip technical professionals with the skills to produce effective user guides, API references, and other technical documents.

The course covers foundational grammar, clarity, document organization, technical illustrations, and crafting informative error messages. The course spans 5-6 hours and is designed for aspiring and seasoned technical writers.

Google's emphasis on simplicity and usability sets it apart from other courses. The course teaches that technical documentation should prioritize factual information over decorative language. Google believes that users seeking technical documentation require straightforward, actionable information presented in a manner that is easy to comprehend.

Technical writers who adhere to this principle can effectively serve their audience, ensuring users can quickly find the information they need without unnecessary complexity.

While Google's technical writing course does not offer a certificate upon completion, it provides practical skills and knowledge that are valuable for anyone looking to improve their technical writing skills and contribute effectively to the software engineering ecosystem.

2. Ugur Akinci's Technical & Business Writing

Ugur Akinci's technical writing course is an exceptional resource in technical writing. It leverages his extensive 20-year experience in technical writing at Fortune 100 companies. Recognizing the need for accessible, high-quality technical writing resources, Akinci shares his expertise through his YouTube channel. He provides clear and engaging lessons on essential topics such as audience analysis, research methods, document design, and style guides.

The course offers a wealth of material, including approximately four hours of video presentations with audio narration and supplementary PDFs. A standout feature is the practical assignment. Students are tasked with writing a technical document on a topic of their choice, with the assurance of personalized feedback from Dr. Akinci himself.

The course covers various topics, from fundamental writing and editing techniques to practical tips on setting up templates, creating tables, and working with graphics. While the content may be considered basic, it is presented with clarity and enriched with numerous examples to aid comprehension.

One particularly noteworthy lesson focuses on writing and following a document plan, a crucial aspect of technical writing often overlooked but emphasized in this course.

3. Introduction to Technical Writing by Board Infinity

Board Infinity offers a technical writing course tailored to meet the increasing demand for skilled technical writers. The course spans 15 hours and covers various aspects, such as foundational elements, historical context, and core principles of technical writing. It is designed to equip participants with a robust understanding of creating effective documents for diverse audiences.

The course begins by exploring the basics of technical writing, tracing its evolution through history, and highlighting essential elements. It emphasizes audience-centric content creation and the importance of continuous feedback, guiding participants through the entire process from the initial planning phase to the final publishing stage.

It concludes with topics and strategies for career advancement, enabling participants to tackle complex documentation challenges, incorporate multimedia elements, and explore emerging platforms like VR and AR. Additionally, participants receive guidance on building a strong technical writing portfolio and establishing professional networks, preparing them for a fulfilling career journey in technical writing.

4. Technical Writing By Saylor Academy

Saylor Academy is a nonprofit organization committed to providing free educational resources. They offer a technical writing course that caters to a diverse audience. This course goes beyond the basics and explores various scenarios encountered in professional settings. These scenarios include internal communication, external business writing, presentation techniques, crafting clear instructions and process documents, and leveraging social media effectively.

What makes this course unique is its emphasis on practical application. Each section includes writing activities designed to reinforce understanding of different writing tasks. This ensures hands-on experience and skill development. Regular self-assessments and expert feedback guide learners' progress, culminating in mastery of essential writing skills necessary for success in any professional environment.

The course lasts 86 hours and employs a diverse teaching methodology, including lectures, practical exercises, and a final exam. It is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their technical writing proficiency in professional settings. By the end of the course, participants gain a solid foundation in practical technical writing skills essential for navigating today's workplace demands.

5. A2 English for Developers by FreecodeCamp

This is not a technical writing course but an English course designed to improve language proficiency for non-native speakers in the tech industry. It is a part of their English for Developers program, which offers a tailored curriculum focusing on practicality and relevance. This A2-level curriculum aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), ensuring learners acquire language skills essential for daily interactions in a technical environment.

The course is divided into two parts. The first half begins with essential grammar and usage, providing interactive exercises for hands-on practice. Learners will gain the confidence to introduce themselves, engage in small talk, and effectively communicate with colleagues. These skills are vital for integration into tech teams.

The second half of the course examines developer-specific vocabulary, equipping learners with the necessary terminology to describe code, discuss tech trends, and actively participate in stand-up meetings. Through 105 interactive dialogues, participants can expand their vocabulary and cultivate the confidence to communicate clearly and professionally within tech environments.

Although this certification is in beta, its comprehensive approach to English language proficiency for developers positions it as a valuable resource within the freeCodeCamp community. Aspiring and experienced developers can benefit from this course, gaining the linguistic tools necessary to thrive in an increasingly globalized and interconnected tech landscape.

Stay tuned for a detailed review of this course by following hackmamba on Twitter (X).

Wrapping up

Plenty of free courses are available that cater to different levels of expertise. Therefore, there's no excuse to hold off on improving your technical writing skills. However, simply enrolling in these courses isn't enough. Your commitment and active engagement with the material, asking questions, and practicing your newfound skills are key to success. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your technical writing voice.

I recommend you join the Hackmamba technical writing community to build your writing portfolio. You can participate in our technical writing challenges, most of which are sponsored by software companies. This way, you belong to a community of writers who share their knowledge and experience to help you grow.