To participate you will need a computer or mobile device and an internet connection. Participants will be able to enhance their writing skills from the comfort of their home or from their workplace with supervisory approval.

By completing the Successful Business Writing Online Learning Certificate Program, you will:

• Acquire a better understanding of grammar, sentence structure, and the writing process.
• Enhance your writing skills.
• Demonstrate your dedication to lifelong learning and professional development.
• Fulfill one of four mandatory training requirements for the Administrative Assistant Traineeship.

Eligibility

All CSEA-represented NYS employees are eligible to participate. Supervisory approval is not required for courses taken outside the normal workday. It may be possible for employees to take courses during working hours with supervisory approval.

Time Frames

Employees can register for the Successful Business Writing Online Certificate Program between February 9, 2023 and February 8, 2024. Courses will be available from February 9, 2023 through February 8, 2024. All required courses must be completed by February 9, 2024.

Required Courses

Participants are required to successfully complete 12 courses and achieve a passing grade of 70% or higher in each course. All online learning courses will be taken through the Statewide Learning Management System (SLMS). 

Certificates

Participants who successfully complete the required 12 courses by February 9, 2024, will be awarded a Successful Business Writing Online Learning Certificate from the Partnership. To print your certificate, log into SLMS, go to My Learning page, locate the appropriate certificate program, and click on the Print Certificate button. Note: The Print Certificate button will only be available if the status is Completed.

Workforce Development Competencies

Workforce development competencies are job-based skills employees need to succeed across a wide variety of occupations. When you complete this certificate, you will have an opportunity to enhance your skills in one of these competency areas.

This certificate will assist you in developing the following competency:

Verbal and Written Communication

Want to learn more? The Successful Business Writing Online Learning Certificate Program ends on February 9, 2024. However, you can continue improving your writing skills any time you like. In fact, research shows that if you space your learning activities on a topic over time, you'll get more out of your learning experience and remember it longer - so extend your learning with these suggested activities! Unlike your 12 required online courses, these activities are optional and do not need to be completed to receive your certificate.

Digital Books and Videos

Empire Knowledgebank (EKB) and Skillsoft eBooks and Videos Portal - This site gives you access to thousands of free digital books and videos. You must register (or already be registered) for a Partnership Online Learning License to access these digital books and videos. For more information, you can check out Using the EKB and Skillsoft eBook and Video Portal how-to guide.

    Recommended Reading

• Writing at Work: How to Write Clearly, Effectively and Professionally, by Neil James
• Business Writing for Dummies, 2nd Edition, by Natalie Canavor
• Better Sentence-Writing in 30 Minutes a Day, by Dianna Campbell
• Grammar for Dummies: 1,001 Practice Questions, by Geraldine Woods

    Recommended Videos

• Five Best Practices to Prevent Business Writing Blunders, by Dianna Booher (3:00)
• Using Outlines to Improve Communication, by Heide Abelli (3:00)
• Writing Emails That Get a Response, by Diane Darling (2:00)
• Writing for Business, by Des Dearlove (3:00)

Training

These courses are offered by the Partnership and are open to all CSEA-represented NYS employees. Webinars can be taken from any device with a connection to the internet. You can also view recordings of webinars.

    Recommended Courses

• Avoiding Common Punctuation and Grammar Mistakes (webinar)
• Building a Better Vocabulary
• Essentials of Report Writing (webinar)
• Expanding Your Vocabulary (webinar)
• Grammar and Punctuation Workshop
• Professional Email That Gets Results (webinar)
• Successful Business Writing
• Writing Effective Reports and Evaluations
• Writing Effectively (webinar)
• Writing Successful Email
   

YouTube Videos

• 12 Business Writing Tips for Effective Emails and Letters (9:53)
• How to Write a Complete Sentence | Grammar Lessons (2:34)
• How to Avoid a Run-On Sentence | Grammar Lessons (2:20)

Contact us at (800) 253-4332 or email [email protected].