Discover the Plain Language Academy
practical, professional learning
What are students saying?
Our Plain Language Academy Letter of Achievement was given to our latest Academy Achiever, Tracey Wilcox, who successfully completed six courses.
The Letter of Achievement program covered so much more than just plain writing. It helped me to plan, design, and test texts, and to understand different types of readers and their needs. I enjoyed the evidence-based readings and practical exercises. Each teacher I had was friendly and expert. As a previously self-taught plain language writer, I am much more able now to create clear and well-planned documents for a wide range of audiences.
Tracy Wilcox
Advisor, Analysis and Regulatory Affairs, Canadian Transportation Agency
Our Plain Language Academy Letter of Achievement was given to our latest Academy Achiever, Tracey Wilcox, who successfully completed six courses.
The Letter of Achievement program covered so much more than just plain writing. It helped me to plan, design, and test texts, and to understand different types of readers and their needs. I enjoyed the evidence-based readings and practical exercises. Each teacher I had was friendly and expert. As a previously self-taught plain language writer, I am much more able now to create clear and well-planned documents for a wide range of audiences.
Tracy Wilcox
Advisor, Analysis and Regulatory Affairs, Canadian Transportation Agency
What do you offer?Core Courses
We offer three Core plain language courses covering the basics: what is plain language, audience awareness, writing and editing, assessing, and project management. Courses are designed to enhance your skills, knowledge and confidence in applying plain language practices to your communications—in print, online, and in person. These three Core courses are now available as a 3-course bundle, with discount of 15% ($115 rebate) when you register and pay for all three at the same time. Advanced Courses Advanced courses are designed to broaden your experience on specialized topics. We offer legal editing, clear online content, health literacy and science of plain language, strategic planning, design courses and more. New ones are coming online all the time. You will find it helpful to have an understanding of plain language practices before taking an Advanced course. Multi-lingual Courses Plain language works for every language. Our new Academies will expand your options beyond the English language. We also have offerings in Español, Français, and in South Africa in 2021. How do I benefit?If you create any of the following information, plain language skills will help you:
When you successfully complete the course, we will send you a Certificate. If you complete the six-course option, C1–C3 and any three others, you will also get a Letter of Achievement. Courses include content, discussions, assignments, self-study and helpful links. Your instructor will be available to answer questions, discuss topics and give you feedback on assignments. Advanced courses include a virtual lesson. |
Who is in your courses?
Study on your time, in your place, at your speed, with our help.
Plain Language Academy courses attract writers and editors wanting to enhance their existing skills or learn new ones. Professionals and new practitioners alike are drawn to the scope of the courses, the fees and the time lines.
We've had students from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Portugal, Canada, USA, India, and Japan. Plain language knows no boundaries and we don't either. Our instructors are from Canada, the USA and South Africa. We welcome you to join us. Sign up for our newsletter to find out more. 
All you need is a computer and internet access.
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How do I register?You can sign up for the courses in any order. But, if you are new to plain language, we recommend starting with courses 1: Basics, 2. Audience and 3. Writing and Editing. Your decision may be based on the need at the time, like writing online content or learning about clear design. Course fees and currency are posted with the registration link.
Here's how to get registered 1. Review our course list and select the ones that interest you. 2. Check the start dates. Courses generally take 4 - 6 weeks. 3. Use the registration link to access us at PlainLanguageaAademy.Moodlecloud.Com where you can set up your account, register, pay and get started. Once you pay you will receive a confirmation email, log in details, and access to the course at the starting date. Contact us about package deals for groups, Letter of Achievement courses and more. Fees Pay by PayPal. Visa can be used without a PayPal account. Most courses are in Canadian or US dollars. If you need an invoice or receipt, request it at getintouch@plainlanguageacademy.com Deadlines Extensions are granted upon our assessment of your request. If the course completion deadline passes, without approval for an extension, re-registration is required. Course Policy, Registration Cancellation or Withdrawal We know circumstances change. If you register and pay for a course, you can withdraw prior to the start of course for a 90% rebate. If you withdraw in the first 5 days of the course, you receive an 80% refund. After one week, we will credit your fees to the same course in the future or another course of equal fees. Courses are generally available for 4-6 weeks. After that, unless special permission has been granted, you will be removed from the course. If you wish to complete it at a future date, you will have to pay again. |
