Professional Writing Certification: What Looks Best on Your Resume

When you see a polished article or a compelling piece of content, it might seem like the writer effortlessly poured their thoughts onto the page. But behind every well-crafted sentence lies a foundation of skill, practice, and often, formal training. Certifications can play a pivotal role in this journey, signaling to employers and clients alike that you’re committed to excellence.

So, if you’re considering a professional writing certification, which online platform should you choose? Let’s delve into the options.

Why Pursue a Professional Writing Certification?

Before we compare platforms, it’s essential to understand the value a certification brings:

• Skill Enhancement: Structured courses can introduce you to new writing techniques, styles, and tools.
  
• Credibility: Certifications can bolster your resume, showcasing your dedication to the craft.
  
• Networking Opportunities: Many programs offer forums or communities to connect with fellow writers.
  
• Portfolio Development: Assignments and projects can serve as samples for potential employers or clients.

Let’s dig deeper into each of these: 

1. Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization (Coursera, University of Michigan)

Duration: Approximately 2 months (10 hours/week)
Certification: University of Michigan
Resume Impact: High

Pros:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: This four-course series covers writing, editing, and persuasive communication, providing a well-rounded skill set.
  
• Expert Instruction: Taught by Patrick Barry, a legal writing professor, ensuring high-quality content.
  
• Practical Applications: Emphasizes real-world writing scenarios, enhancing applicability in various professional contexts.
  
• Positive Reviews: Learners praise its engaging content and practical exercises.
  

Cons:

• Time Commitment: Requires a consistent weekly time investment, which may be challenging for working professionals.
  
• Limited Peer Interaction: Some users note a lack of interactive elements compared to other courses.
  

Use Case: Ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their writing and editing skills across diverse industries.

Ready to elevate your content? Compare Coursera vs. Udemy writing courses and enroll in the one that fits your style!

2. Professional Communication: Business Writing and Storytelling (edX, The Economist)

Duration: 6 weeks (6-8 hours/week)
Certification: The Economist
Resume Impact: High

Pros:

• Prestigious Branding: Association with The Economist adds significant credibility.
  
• Focus on Storytelling: Emphasizes crafting compelling narratives, a valuable skill in business communications.
  
• Practical Exercises: Includes real-world writing tasks to reinforce learning.
  

Cons:

• Cost: Higher price point compared to other courses.
  
• Limited Feedback: Some learners desire more personalized feedback on assignments.
  

Use Case: Suited for professionals aiming to improve their business writing and storytelling abilities, particularly in corporate settings.

3. Academic English: Writing Specialization (Coursera, University of California, Irvine)

Duration: Approximately 2 months (10 hours/week)
Certification: University of California, Irvine
Resume Impact: Moderate

Pros:

• Structured Learning: Offers a clear progression from basic grammar to advanced essay writing.
  
• Academic Focus: Prepares learners for academic writing tasks, including research papers and essays.
  
• Accessible for Non-Native Speakers: Designed to assist ESL learners in mastering academic English.
  

Cons:

• Narrow Scope: Primarily focuses on academic writing, which may not translate directly to business contexts.
  
• Less Engaging Content: Some users find the material less interactive compared to other courses.
  

Use Case: Best for students or professionals aiming to improve their academic writing, particularly in research or higher education.

4. Business Writing Principles (LinkedIn Learning)

Duration: 1-2 hours
Certification: LinkedIn Learning Certificate
Resume Impact: Moderate

Pros:

• Concise Format: Short duration makes it accessible for busy professionals.
  
• Practical Tips: Provides actionable advice for improving business writing skills.
  
• Integration with LinkedIn: Easy to showcase certification on your LinkedIn profile.
  

Cons:

• Limited Depth: Brief course may not cover topics in extensive detail.
  
• Perceived Value: Some employers may not view LinkedIn Learning certificates as highly as university-backed ones.
  

Use Case: Suitable for professionals seeking a quick refresher on business writing fundamentals.

Maximizing the Value of Your Certification

To ensure your certification enhances your professional profile:

• Align with Career Goals: Choose a certification that complements your desired career path.
  
• Apply Skills Practically: Implement learned techniques in your current role or through freelance projects.
  
• Showcase Achievements: Highlight certifications on your resume and LinkedIn, emphasizing acquired skills and outcomes.
  
• Seek Feedback: Use new writing skills to solicit constructive feedback, fostering continuous improvement.
  

Final Thoughts: 

Let’s be honest — no one’s ever landed their dream job because they watched a YouTube video on “how to sound professional in emails.”

Writing well is a skill. Writing professionally? That’s a superpower.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a journalism degree or MFA to get there. A sharp, resume-friendly certification can absolutely get your foot in the door — if it’s the right one.

So whether you’re looking to:

• Tell better stories in a business setting
  
• Clean up clunky emails and reports
  
• Or finally write that thing that’s been sitting in your Google Docs for months
  

…there’s a course on this list that’ll get you one big step closer.

And if the options still feel overwhelming?
That’s exactly why we built CourseCorrect — to help you cut through the noise, skip the fluff, and find learning that actually moves your career forward.

No sponsored rankings. No endless scrolling. Just honest recs, smart filters, and bite-sized insights so you can stop doom-browsing and start growing.

So go ahead — pick a course, start writing better, and get the kind of resume that speaks for itself.