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 online info session:
Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:00 PM PST
RSVP

Why this program?

  • Gain the knowledge to work as a plain language specialist 
  • Take hands-on courses aligned with the ISO plain language standards published by the International Plain Language Federation, Plain Language Association International, Clarity and the Center for Plain Language
  • Build specialized writing skills in your choice of areas, such as health or law
  • Learn from experienced plain language practitioners
  • Study fully online following 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 to 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

Course work

6–10 hours/week

Schedule

Self-paced within set deadlines

Courses

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

Elective courses (minimum 2; 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 DateTue, Jan 14, 2025
LocationOnline
Cost$350.00
Seats Available19
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Jan 14, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorEllen Ashdown
Cost$525.00
Seats Available14
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Jan 14, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorJulie Clement
Cost$630.00
Seats Available10
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Jan 21, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$525.00
Seats Available15
ActionRegister
Start DateWed, Jan 22, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorJudy Phillips
Cost$555.00
Seats Available3
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Feb 11, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorKari Hasselriis
Cost$630.00
Seats Available20
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Feb 18, 2025
LocationOnline
Cost$350.00
Seats Available25
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Feb 25, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorFlora Gordon
Cost$555.00
Seats Available9
ActionRegister
Start DateWed, Mar 12, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorJudy Phillips
Cost$555.00
Seats Available15
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Mar 18, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorMette Aube
Cost$525.00
Seats Available18
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Mar 25, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorKari Hasselriis
Cost$350.00
Seats Available25
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Mar 25, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorJulie Clement
Cost$370.00
Seats Available7
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, May 13, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$370.00
Seats Available14
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, May 13, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorEllen Ashdown
Cost$525.00
Seats Available24
ActionRegister
Start DateWed, May 14, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$555.00
Seats Available20
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, May 20, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$350.00
Seats Available25
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Jun 3, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorMette Aube
Cost$525.00
Seats Available25
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Jun 10, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$630.00
Seats Available12
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Jun 24, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$350.00
Seats Available25
ActionRegister
Start DateWed, Jun 25, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$555.00
Seats Available24
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Sep 16, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$375.00
Seats Available25
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Sep 16, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$575.00
Seats Available25
ActionRegister
Start DateWed, Sep 17, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$595.00
Seats Available25
ActionRegister
Start DateWed, Sep 17, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$485.00
Seats Available23
ActionRegister
Start DateThu, Sep 18, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$985.00
Seats Available20
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Sep 23, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$385.00
Seats Available24
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Sep 23, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorMette Aube
Cost$545.00
Seats Available25
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Sep 30, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$685.00
Seats Available24
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Sep 30, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$385.00
Seats Available25
ActionRegister
Start DateThu, Oct 2, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$985.00
Seats Available20
ActionRegister
Start DateThu, Oct 9, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$985.00
Seats Available20
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Oct 21, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$375.00
Seats Available25
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Oct 28, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$685.00
Seats Available10
ActionRegister
Start DateWed, Oct 29, 2025
LocationOnline
Instructor-
Cost$595.00
Seats Available25
ActionRegister
Start DateTue, Nov 4, 2025
LocationOnline
InstructorEllen Ashdown
Cost$545.00
Seats Available25
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

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

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