Learning Resources

Education

Professional development through education is a core component of ELS certification maintenance. Education should comprise at least 25 (but no more than 40) of the 50 credits per 5-year maintenance period. Many associations, educational institutions, and other organizations offer activities that can be used to earn credits in this category. However, to be eligible for certification maintenance, the educational activity should relate directly or be relevant to the work of editing in the life sciences. Eligible activities include attending educational activities and sessions on a variety of topics such as software tutorials, internet tools or resources, editorial ethics resources, style guides, publication best practices, education in particular scientific topics including state-of-the-art reviews, and more.

Below is a list of suggested sources that satisfy the criteria for professional development through education. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, nor are these preferred or recommended options. The sources below are suggestions only, and the list will be augmented and revised over time. For questions regarding the eligibility of an activity or other resource, or to make recommendations, please contact [email protected].

Professional Associations

Professional editorial associations around the world offer many options for professional development, from online and self-paced courses to webinars on specific topics.

• ACES: The Society for Editing offers live and pre-recorded webcasts on a range of editorial topics via the ACES Academy.
• The American Medical Writers Association offers an Essential Skills program, a set of self-paced courses on topics such as basic grammar, ethics for medical communications, and statistics; completion of all of the Essential Skills courses leads to a certificate. AMWA also offers online learning and webinars.
• The Australasian Medical Writers Association offers a professional development program of courses and webinars.
• The Council of Science Editors offers webinars, short courses, and a publication certificate program.
• The Editorial Freelancers Association offers both traditional and self-paced courses in editing. It also offers live and pre-recorded webinars.
• Editors Canada offers a range of webinars (new and pre-recorded) on topics related to editing practice, from editing productivity to conscious language to project management.
• The Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders offers online courses for editors of different skill levels, from beginner to experienced. They also offer guides on a range of editing-related topics, from punctuation to plain language to medical editing (digital versions of all guides are free for members).
• The Indian Copyeditors Forum maintains lists of upcoming educational events (see the Training section) and copyediting courses (see the Resources section).
• The Institute of Professional Editors keeps a searchable list of upcoming professional development events and webinars.
• The Society for Technical Communications offers online courses and webinars.

Other Sources

• Cadman Editing Services offers online courses in PerfectIt and EndNote, as well as webinars on other editorial tools
• Editcetera offers workshops and flex training in editing
• KOK Edit maintains the Copyeditors’ Knowledge Base, a wealth of information about educational programs, editing tools, editing basics and more – much of it free
• Right Angels and Polo Bears offers online courses in proofreading, PDF markup, and editing in Word 365 and self-study workbooks on editing in Word 365, editing numbers, and marketing for freelancers
• Right Touch Editing keeps a database of editorial training offered by editors, for editors

Continuing Education Programs in Editing

Many educational institutions offer continuing education in editing and publishing. Check the courses on offer through the many certificate programs to see if one or more fits your needs.

• University of Chicago certificate in editing
• UCLA certificate in editing and publishing
• UC San Diego certificate in copyediting
• New York University certificate program
• Continuing education programs in Canada
• Continuing education programs in Australia