General information

• Why certification?
• What are the requirements for certification?
• When and where are the tests offered?
• Why do candidates have to sign a confidentiality agreement before taking a test?
• How long does it take to become certified?
• How does EAC ensure that the testing process is rigorous, fair and secure?
• Are the tests offered electronically?
• How are the tests marked?
• Do the tests require specialized knowledge about any particular subject?
• Do candidates have to pass tests in all skill areas?
• Do candidates have to take more than one test in the same year?
• What is the pass rate for the tests?
• What are common reasons for failing the tests?
• Can candidates see their marked tests?

If you are considering certification

• How widely recognized is EAC Certification?
• I'm currently a member of the Editors' Association of Canada. Can I continue to be a member if I don't get certified?
• I'm a non-member and am considering taking the tests. Will I have to join the Editors' Association of Canada to become certified?
• I just graduated from a post-secondary publishing program. Should I apply for certification?
• I have no formal training in publishing or editing, but I've been working as an editor for 15 years. Can I apply for certification?
• I'm an editor who's recently relocated to Canada. Will I have to get Canadian experience or training before I apply for certification?
• I have plenty of work already. Why should I bother with certification?
• I employ editors. Should I consider paying for their certification?

If you have decided to take the tests

• What is the best way to prepare for the tests?
• Does it matter whether I prepare using the original four-volume PES-1999 study guide or the new PES-2009 study guides?
• What am I expected to bring to the test?
• I understand that there is a list of materials—books and other items—that I am allowed to use during the test. What if a dictionary, style guide or some other item I like to use is not on the list of materials?
• Why do I need a calculator?
• I do all my editing onscreen. Why can't I use a computer during the test?
• Am I expected to be an expert in specific style systems, such as APA?
• Will I have to convert imperial measures to metric?
• What happens if I don't pass?
• How many times can I take a particular test?

Changes related to new professional editorial standards introduced in 2010

• How did the introduction of new professional editorial standards in 2010 change certification?
• How will the certification program continue to change?
• I started to pursue certification under PES-1999. What does the change to certification based on PES-2009 mean for me?
• Will certification based on the old standards be viewed as inferior or superior?

General Information

Why certification?

• To promote and maintain high professional standards of editing
• To help editors develop professionally
• To enhance the status of editing as a profession in Canada
• To enhance the status of the Editors' Association of Canada and its right to speak for editors in Canada

What are the requirements for certification?
To earn editing credentials, candidates must pass the required tests.

Credential	Required tests*
Certified Structural Editor	Structural Editing
Certified Stylistic Editor	Stylistic Editing
Certified Copy Editor	Copy Editing
Certified Proofreader	Proofreading
Certified Professional Editor (CPE)	Structural Editing, Stylistic Editing, Copy Editing and Proofreading

*From 2006 to 2009 a different testing framework was used and slightly different credentials were awarded. For more information, see Changes related to the new professional editorial standards introduced in 2010.

When and where are the tests offered?
The tests are offered each November at sites across Canada as demand and resources allow. Tests have been offered previously in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax. Usually two tests are scheduled on one day.

2012 November 17	2013 November 16	2014 Date TBA	2015 Date TBA
Structural Editing	Copy Editing	Structural Editing	Copy Editing
Proofreading	Stylistic Editing	Proofreading	Stylistic Editing

Why do candidates have to sign a confidentiality agreement before taking a test?
Confidentiality agreements are needed to protect candidates and the integrity of the testing process. All candidates must agree not to disclose information that could identify other candidates who have not agreed to this disclosure. In keeping with generally accepted testing principles, candidates must also agree not to reveal information about the tests themselves because this could provide future candidates with an unfair advantage. Candidates writing pilot tests and actual certification tests are all asked to sign a statement saying they will "not disclose information about the identities of individuals who take the tests or about the tests themselves. This includes discussing test questions and other content, the test scenarios and the specific tasks required of candidates." EAC policies about confidentiality accord with provincial and federal privacy legislation.

How long does it take to become certified?
The time required depends on the credential the candidate wishes to earn. The four tests candidates must pass for the Certified Professional Editor (CPE) credential are offered in rotation every two years.

How does EAC ensure that the testing process is rigorous, fair and secure?
The certification program is based on Professional Editorial Standards (PES), which outlines the skills and knowledge an editor must have to do a professional job with a minimum of supervision. Each test is developed and pilot tested using generally accepted testing principles common in professional certification programs. Everyone involved, including national office staff, volunteers and testing experts, signs a confidentiality agreement and follows procedures that guarantee test security. After each pilot test session and administration, feedback is solicited from candidates, invigilators and markers to improve the testing process.

Are the tests offered electronically?
To this point they haven't been, but we're working toward that goal.

While EAC was developing and establishing the program, we did not have the resources required to administer computer-based tests securely and efficiently. We recognize, however, that most editors work onscreen a good deal of the time, rather than strictly with pen and paper. We have therefore been researching ways to provide electronic testing while maintaining the security and integrity of the certification process.

Incorporating computers into a testing process presents a number of challenges. First, testing experts have concerns about computer-based tests that require candidates to do more than answer a multiple-choice question with a single keystroke or write an essay using standard word processing software. This is a significant concern because onscreen versions of EAC's current tests, which ask candidates to proofread or edit a passage, would require far more sophisticated use of computer technology. Second, not all editors and proofreaders work exclusively onscreen. Many organizations and companies still require hard-copy proofreading and editing. And third, editors and proofreaders who do work onscreen do not all use the same hardware or software or use that software in the same way.

A Computer Testing Task Force was formed to explore these issues in the spring and summer of 2011, and came up with a set of recommendations (PDF, 503 KB) that was accepted that fall by the national executive council. A pilot version of an electronic Copy Editing test was administered in November 2011. It revealed that we still have issues to resolve before we can offer the tests electronically. We're continuing this work.

While EAC explores how to address these challenges, we will continue to offer paper-based tests. Read more about this.

How are the tests marked?
Each test is identified by a candidate number only and is marked independently by two markers using a double-blind process: the first marker does not know the identity of the second marker and neither markers nor candidates know each other's identities. When scores for a candidate diverge widely or when a marker recommends a score slightly below the passing score, then a third marker is asked to assess the candidate's work. Once all the tests for a particular administration are marked, a marking analyst and an independent auditor review the results.

Do the tests require specialized knowledge about any particular subject?
No. They test only the knowledge and skills that every editor needs, as defined by EAC's Professional Editorial Standards (PES). The tests simulate real-life work situations as far as this is possible in an invigilated examination setting, and with the understanding that not all editors work on the same kinds of documents, that not all freelance editors have the same kinds of clients, and that not all in-house editors work for the same kinds of organizations. While client and supervisor expectations differ, as do the procedures followed at different workplaces, the fundamental skills and knowledge required to edit a document remain the same. A certified editor is one who can, according to PES, "ensure that the material is consistent and correct and that its content, language, style, and layout suit its purpose and meet the needs of its audience."

Do candidates have to pass tests in all skill areas?
Not necessarily. Candidates need to pass tests in all skill areas only if they wish to obtain the Certified Professional Editor (CPE) credential. Otherwise, they need to pass only the test for the specific credential they wish to earn, whether that is for structural editing, stylistic editing, copy editing or proofreading.

Do candidates have to take more than one test in the same year?
No. Tests can be taken in different years. However, discounts are offered to candidates who register for two or more tests administered in one year.

What is the pass rate for the tests?
The pass rate varies from test to test and from year to year. For instance, in 2006 the pass rate for the Knowledge of the Publishing Process test was almost 70%, while in 2007 the pass rate for the Copy Editing test was below 50%. These pass rates are in line with those reported by other certification bodies, and they are not considered unusual when organizations test for excellence. We know from analyzing the results after each administration of the tests that successful candidates are capable editors who can meet the challenges posed by a timed test in an invigilated setting.

What are common reasons for failing the tests?
Some candidates have failed because they did not prepare adequately. Before the test, candidates need to use the study guides as recommended and review Professional Editorial Standards (PES). Preparation requires more than a few hours (see Preparing for Certification and "Are You Certifiable, Part II"). Surveys of past candidates indicate that most study for at least 30 hours per test.

Some candidates have failed because they did not follow instructions. During the test, candidates need to read the instructions that precede each section and respond appropriately. Candidates writing the Proofreading test must be careful not to copy edit. Candidates writing the Copy Editing test must be careful not to make substantive changes.

Some candidates have failed because they did not manage their time well and were unable to complete the test. Candidates need to be organized in their approach and be aware of how much time they can afford to spend on each section.

Some candidates have failed because they ignored specific responsibilities described in PES. For instance, some past proofreading candidates ignored non-text materials accompanying a passage they were asked to proofread (standards E6 and E7), and some past copy editing candidates ignored common grammar and usage problems (standards D1 and D4). Candidates must be prepared to satisfy all the requirements outlined in PES.

Can candidates see their marked tests?
No. To safeguard the integrity of the testing process and to ensure that we can reuse certain questions and passages, we cannot allow candidates to see their marked tests. However, starting with the 2010 administration, candidates who fail a test will receive some information about their results.

If you are considering certification

How widely recognized is EAC Certification?
A growing number of editors across Canada have earned credentials since EAC Certification tests were first offered in 2006. Today the Online Roster of EAC Certified Editors identifies a body of editors who have earned credentials in Proofreading, Copy Editing, Structural Editing and Stylistic Editing. As well, the roster names editors who have passed all four certification tests and are designated Certified Professional Editors. All the editors on the roster have passed rigorous tests that require them to demonstrate the skills and knowledge described in EAC’s Professional Editorial Standards. Although a number of post-secondary institutions in Canada and elsewhere offer editing courses that lead to a journalism, publishing or communications diploma or degree (www.canadian-universities.net/Universities/Programs/Publishing.html), and other associations around the world test for editing proficiency (www.bels.org, www.iped-editors.org, www.sfep.org.uk), EAC Certification is the only program that follows the Alliance of Sector Councils (www.councils.org/en) guidelines and administers invigilated tests based on Canadian occupational standards at sites across the country. Government and human resources personnel are becoming aware of EAC Certification and starting to ask for this as proof of editorial excellence—a sign that recognition is likely to increase as more editors meet the high standards required by the program.

I'm currently a member of the Editors' Association of Canada. Can I continue to be a member if I don't get certified?
Yes. Certification and eligibility for membership are not connected in any way.

I'm a non-member and am considering taking the tests. Will I have to join the Editors' Association of Canada to become certified?
No. Certification is open to all editors, members or not. However, non-members pay a higher registration fee for tests than members.

I just graduated from a post-secondary publishing program. Should I apply for certification?
We recommend that you wait until you have at least five years' experience. The tests require knowledge and skills that can only be gained with practice and experience.

I have no formal training in publishing or editing, but I've been working as an editor for 15 years. Can I apply for certification?
Yes. The tests are designed to allow applicants to demonstrate editing skills and knowledge, no matter where or how they acquired them.

I'm an editor who's recently relocated to Canada. Will I have to get Canadian experience or training before I apply for certification?
No. You will, however, need to be familiar with the Canadian context and Canadian editing practices and references.

I have plenty of work already. Why should I bother with certification?
You may want to take the tests to prove your own ability and to be recognized within your field. You may want to consider certification as part of your professional development: studying for the tests will help you identify and fill gaps in your knowledge and skills. You may also want to use your certified status as a marketing tool. Many certified editors have found it pays to mention their credentials when communicating with prospective clients. And many organizations, especially in the publishing community, are becoming aware of the EAC certification program and recognizing its value.

I employ editors. Should I consider paying for their certification?
In a 2002 EAC-sponsored national poll of 100 companies that employ editors, 65% of employers said they would reimburse all or part of their employees' costs related to programs like certification. Many (61%) wanted to know when certification would be available. Employers noted several advantages of certification, including

• ensuring the quality of work
• setting objective standards
• making the selection or hiring process easier

If you have decided to take the tests

What is the best way to prepare for the tests?
When preparing for the certification tests, you should begin by reviewing the standards that will be tested. You can then assess your ability to apply these standards by using the study guide for the test you will write. Read more about the ways successful candidates have prepared for the tests.

Does it matter whether I prepare using the original four-volume PES-1999 study guide or the new PES-2009 study guides?
Both sets of resources are useful when preparing for certification tests or improving your editing skills and knowledge. However, the four-volume guide was designed to support candidates writing earlier versions of the certification tests and does not support all aspects of the current tests. If you decide to prepare using one or more of the old volumes, you must be sure to study PES-2009, which differs from PES-1999 in several respects:

• Standards have been updated to reflect current technologies, to capture print and electronic publications equally, and to be genre-neutral—that is, to describe the core tasks of all editors, regardless of the subject matter or type of publication they work on.
• Part A in PES-1999, "Standards for Structural and Stylistic Editing," has become two separate sets of standards in PES-2009.
• Part D in PES-1999, "Standards for Elementary Knowledge of the Publishing Process," has been renamed "The Fundamentals of Editing" in PES-2009 and lists the skills and knowledge all editors need.

When deciding which resources to use, you should keep in mind how the current tests differ from the tests offered previously.

Certification tests 2006–2009 Based on PES-1999 Supported by four-volume EAC Certification Study Guide and Exemplars	Certification tests today Based on PES-2009 Supported by Proofreading Study Guide (available June 2010), Copy Editing Study Guide (available June 2010), Stylistic Editing Study Guide (available June 2011), Structural Editing Study Guide (available June 2012)
Structural and Stylistic Editing Candidate required to edit a passage and provide additional material (e.g., an outline and author memo)	Structural Editing Candidate required to respond to short-answer questions about the publishing process and structural editing Candidate required to edit a passage and provide additional material (e.g., outline)	Stylistic Editing Candidate required to respond to short-answer questions about the publishing process and stylistic editing Candidate required to edit a passage and provide additional material (e.g., author memo)
Copy Editing Candidate required to respond to short-answer questions about copy editing Candidate required to edit a passage and provide additional material (e.g., style sheet)	Copy Editing Candidate required to respond to short-answer questions about the publishing process and copy editing Candidate required to edit a passage and provide additional material (e.g., style sheet)
Proofreading Candidate required to proofread one or two passages	Proofreading Candidate required to respond to short-answer questions about the publishing process and proofreading Candidate required to proofread one or two passages
Elementary Knowledge of the Publishing Process Candidate required to answer questions about the publishing process

What am I expected to bring to the test?
You will be asked to bring pens, pencils, an eraser, a calculator and rulers, and you will be allowed to bring a Canadian dictionary, Editing Canadian English and up to three more style guides. In 2009, candidates were permitted to choose from the following: The Chicago Manual of Style, The New York Public Library Writer's Guide to Style and Usage, The Canadian Style or The Canadian Press Stylebook and its companion, CP Caps and Spelling. Once you have registered for a test, you will receive a complete list of materials that you can bring to the test.

I understand that there is a list of materials—books and other items—that I am allowed to use during the test. What if a dictionary, style guide or some other item I like to use is not on the list of materials?
Each candidate is allowed to use a Canadian dictionary, Editing Canadian English, and up to three more style guides during the test. If a book or another item you would like to use is not on the list, you may contact the national office 15 days in advance and ask about the book or item. You may be given permission to replace one of the listed books with the book you prefer or to bring the item. If your request for an additional item is granted, all candidates will be informed of the addition to the materials list.

Why do I need a calculator?
Depending on the test, you may be expected to check numerical material for accuracy or perform calculations, in accordance with requirements listed in Professional Editorial Standards (PES).

I do all my editing onscreen. Why can't I use a computer during the test?
Historically, EAC has not had the resources to securely and efficiently administer computer-based tests. In 2011 we began developing and offered a pilot of an electronic version of the Copy Editing test. While encouraging, the results from the pilot revealed that we have a number of issues to resolve before we can offer the test by computer. We continue to work on this.

Meanwhile, we're improving our paper-based tests. We'll continue to set paper-based tests that include questions about onscreen editing but don't require candidates to perform tasks best accomplished with the help of a computer, such as search and replace or cut and paste. This will allow us to address the role of computers in the work lives of editors while maintaining test security, operating efficiently, accommodating the needs of markers and providing a world-class certification program for editors. Read more about this.

Am I expected to be an expert in specific style systems, such as APA?
No. However, you are expected to be familiar with documentation style generally (notes and bibliography versus author-date) and to know where to find information in the style guides you use during the test. Your best sources of information regarding what you are expected to know are Professional Editorial Standards (PES) and the study guide volumes.

Will I have to convert imperial measures to metric?
You will not be asked to convert all measurements in a passage. You may, however, be expected to notice and perhaps correct errors or inconsistencies in conversions as described in Professional Editorial Standards (PES). For instance, if you are writing the Copy Editing test, you might be expected to "correct or query errors in material containing statistics, mathematics and numerals (e.g., incorrect imperial/metric conversions)" (standard D12). Your best sources of information regarding what you will have to do are PES and the study guides.

What happens if I don't pass?
A few months after the test you will receive a notification statement indicating "pass" or "fail." If you don't pass, you may take the test again the next time it is offered. You may also appeal your result within 30 days of the date on the notification statement. Beginning with the 2010 test administration, as well as receiving a notice of pass or fail, candidates who do not pass will receive feedback on their test performance. The Checklist of Comments for Failed Candidates will indicate the types of weaknesses the candidate demonstrated. This valuable feedback will allow candidates to improve their skills, strengthen their knowledge base and better prepare for the next test.

How many times can I take a particular test?
You can take a test as many times as you wish. However, EAC recommends that, if you plan to retake a test, you engage in some professional development activities that will strengthen your knowledge and skills related to the relevant standards in PES. Also keep in mind that if you wish to obtain your CPE credential, you must pass all the required tests within a 10-year period. This period begins when you take your first test. Normally, each test is offered at least once every two years. You must pay the full registration fee each time you write a test. 

Changes related to new professional editorial standards introduced in 2010

How did the introduction of new professional editorial standards in 2010 change certification?
The new standards (PES-2009) that came into effect on January 1, 2010, differ from the old standards (PES-1999) in significant ways. Most important for certification, the Elementary Knowledge of the Publishing Process section was broadened, expanded and renamed, and the Structural and Stylistic Editing section was divided into two separate sections. 

PES-1999	PES-2009
A. Structural and Stylistic Editing B. Copy Editing C. Proofreading D. Elementary Knowledge of the Publishing Process	A. The Fundamentals of Editing B. Structural Editing C. Stylistic Editing D. Copy Editing E. Proofreading

Because certification is based on Professional Editorial Standards, the testing framework for certification needed to be revised with the introduction of new standards on January 1, 2010. The stand-alone test for knowledge of the publishing process was eliminated, and each test was changed to include questions and tasks requiring this knowledge. As well, separate tests will eventually be introduced for structural editing and stylistic editing.

Certification under PES-1999 (in effect 2006–2009)	Certification under PES-2009 (now in effect)
Four tests offered: Structural and Stylistic Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Elementary Knowledge of the Publishing Process	Four tests offered: Structural Editing Stylistic Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Candidate must pass two tests to be certified in one area: a test in one area plus the Knowledge of Publishing test	Candidate must pass one test to be certified in one area; each test includes Fundamentals questions and tasks
Candidate must pass four tests within 10 years to become a CPE	Candidate must pass four tests within 10 years to become a CPE

How will the certification program continue to change?
The certification program began to change when the new Professional Editorial Standards (PES) came into effect on January 1, 2010. The first two tests based on the new standards, Proofreading and Copy Editing, will be offered in November 2010. Over the next two years, two more new tests and four new study guides will replace the old tests and the original four-volume study guide.

Key Dates: November 2009 to November 2012

November 2009: Last administration of tests based on PES-1999 January 2010: New standards—PES-2009—in effect June 2010: New Proofreading Study Guide and Copy Editing Study Guide available November 2010: Two of four tests based on PES-2009 offered for the first time (Proofreading and Copy Editing) June 2011: New Stylistic Editing Study Guide available November 2011: Third of four tests based on PES-2009 offered for the first time (Stylistic Editing) June 2012: New Structural Editing Study Guide available November 2012: Fourth of four tests based on PES-2009 offered for the first time (Structural Editing)

I started to pursue certification under PES-1999. What does the change to certification based on PES-2009 mean for me?
The answer depends on which tests you passed. Candidates who previously passed only one PES-1999 test do not receive any credit. Candidates who previously passed the two PES-1999 tests needed for any certification credential receive full credit:

• If you have passed the Elementary Knowledge of the Publishing Process test and the Proofreading test, you will retain your Certified Proofreader credential and will have fulfilled the Proofreading requirement for CPE status under PES-2009.
• If you have passed the Elementary Knowledge test and the Copy Editing test, you will retain your Certified Copy Editor credential and will have fulfilled the Copy Editing requirement for CPE status under PES-2009.
• If you have passed the Elementary Knowledge test and the Structural and Stylistic Editing test, you will retain your Certified Structural and Stylistic Editor credential and will have fulfilled both the Structural Editing and the Stylistic Editing requirements for CPE status under PES-2009.

Will certification based on the old standards be viewed as inferior or superior?
EAC will not view certification based on the 1999 standards as inferior or superior to certification based on the 2009 standards. The 1999 and the 2009 Professional Editorial Standards (PES) documents are equally admirable; both were developed by editors and publishing industry professionals aware of editing practices current at the time the standards were written. EAC will view editors certified under the 1999 standards, the 2009 standards or a combination of these as equally well qualified to undertake editorial tasks.