Technical writing courses can help you learn how to create clear documentation, write user manuals, develop online help systems, and produce technical reports. You can build skills in audience analysis, information design, and effective editing techniques. Many courses introduce tools like Markdown for formatting, Adobe FrameMaker for document creation, and content management systems for organizing and publishing materials.

Board Infinity
Skills you'll gain: Technical Writing, Technical Documentation, Software Documentation, Technical Communication, Layout Design, Writing and Editing, Writing, Collaborative Software, Graphic and Visual Design, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Typography, Proofreading, Multimedia, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Content Management, GitHub, Version Control
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Skills you'll gain: Business Writing, Concision, Writing, Persuasive Communication, Technical Writing, Business Communication, Grammar, Target Audience, Writing and Editing, Report Writing, Editing, Technical Communication, Proofreading, AI Enablement, Productivity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Stanford University
Skills you'll gain: Grant Writing, Peer Review, Technical Writing, Technical Communication, Writing, Scientific Methods, Journals, Editing, Grammar, Research, Proofreading, Healthcare Ethics, Media and Communications
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Minnesota State University, Mankato
Skills you'll gain: Technical Communication, Technical Writing, Technical Documentation, Writing and Editing, Software Documentation, Proofreading, Writing, Report Writing, Usability, Target Audience, Prompt Engineering, Style Guides, Artificial Intelligence, Research, Design, User Experience, Document Management, Quality Assurance, User Research, Research Methodologies
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Proposal Writing, Interpersonal Communications, Editing, Verbal Communication Skills, Active Listening, Public Speaking, Constructive Feedback, Business Writing, Technical Writing, Technical Communication, Technical Management, Communication, Presentations, Proofreading, Trustworthiness, Persuasive Communication, Storytelling, Non-Verbal Communication, Rapport Building, Engineering Management
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Technical Documentation, Technical Writing, Software Documentation, Technical Communication, Software Design Documents, Information Architecture, Writing, User Requirements Documents, Software Development Tools, Automation, Style Guides, Software Development, Agile Software Development, Interactive Design, Project Management Software, Diagram Design, Generative AI
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
Skills you'll gain: Concision, Technical Writing, Requirements Analysis, Business Requirements, Functional Requirement, Writing, User Requirements Documents, System Requirements, Product Requirements, Proofreading, Editing, Grammar, Style Guides, Verification And Validation
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Minnesota State University, Mankato
Skills you'll gain: Technical Communication, Technical Writing, Technical Documentation, Writing and Editing, Writing, Communication, Report Writing, Organizational Structure, Proposal Development, Artificial Intelligence, Procedure Development, Training Programs, Target Audience, Generative AI, Self-Awareness
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, User Experience Design, Design and Product, Digital Design, User Interface (UI), Technical Writing, Usability Testing, Design Research, User Centered Design, Content Creation, Style Guides, Content Strategy, Writing, Information Architecture, Product Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Proposal Writing, Editing, Business Writing, Technical Writing, Technical Management, Technical Communication, Proofreading, Engineering Management, Writing, Business Correspondence, Target Audience, Concision, Grammar, Persuasive Communication, Communication
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Request for Proposal, Presentations, Technical Communication, Persuasive Communication, Proposal Writing, Business Writing, Technical Writing, Intercultural Competence, Public Speaking, Verbal Communication Skills, Design Thinking, Communication, Innovation, Collaboration, Professional Development, Stakeholder Communications, Target Audience, Planning
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Minnesota State University, Mankato
Skills you'll gain: Technical Writing, Writing and Editing, Technical Documentation, Editing, Technical Communication, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Collaborative Software, Style Guides, Usability, Functional Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Technical writing is a specialized form of communication that conveys complex information clearly and concisely. It is essential in various fields, including technology, engineering, and healthcare, as it helps users understand products, processes, and systems. Good technical writing ensures that information is accessible and usable, which can significantly enhance user experience and safety.
A career in technical writing can lead to various job opportunities, including technical writer, documentation specialist, content developer, and instructional designer. These roles are crucial in industries such as software development, manufacturing, and scientific research, where clear documentation is vital for product usability and compliance.
To succeed in technical writing, you should develop skills such as strong writing and editing, an understanding of technical concepts, research abilities, and proficiency in tools like Microsoft Word and Adobe FrameMaker. Additionally, familiarity with graphic design software can enhance your documentation.
Some of the best online technical writing courses include Introduction to Technical Writing and Writing Effective Technical Documentation. These courses provide foundational skills and practical knowledge to help you excel in the field.
Yes. You can start learning technical writing on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in technical writing, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn technical writing, start by enrolling in online courses that cover the basics and advanced techniques. Practice writing different types of documents, seek feedback from peers, and continuously refine your skills. Engaging with communities of technical writers can also provide support and resources.
Typical topics covered in technical writing courses include document design, audience analysis, writing styles, and the use of visuals. Courses often emphasize the importance of clarity, conciseness, and usability in technical documents.
For training and upskilling employees in technical writing, courses like Business Writing & Technical Writing Immersion can be particularly beneficial. These programs are designed to enhance communication skills within technical contexts, making them suitable for workforce development.