Earning the credentials

To earn editing credentials, candidates must pass the required tests.

*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 (PES) introduced in 2010.

Taking the tests

There are no formal requirements for taking the certification tests. However, the EAC Certification Steering Committee recommends candidates have at least five years of editing experience before taking the tests and that they prepare well.

Candidates

Certification is open to both members and non-members of Editors' Association of Canada. EAC members pay lower test fees.

Nationality

There are no formal requirements regarding nationality. However, note that EAC Certification is designed to test the skills of editors working in Canada. Although many of the standards underlying the tests may be familiar to editors working in other countries, the tests also require familiarity with Canadian editorial practices, resources and issues.

Occupation

EAC Certification is intended for editors of written material who carry out structural and stylistic editing, copy editing and/or proofreading. The meanings of these terms may vary considerably from one organization to another. Please review EAC's definitions of editorial skills and Professional Editorial Standards.

Becoming certified is valuable for both freelance and staff editors. Offering certification to employees is valuable for employers of freelance and staff editors. Find out how you and your organization can benefit from certification.