Google “resume writer” and thousands of search results lead to various websites promoting resume writing services. The challenge for resume writers is to become a stand-out service that provides evidence supporting the results of their professional resumes. Whether entry level or executive, solid resumes summarize experience concisely with direct focus on achievements and accomplishments in all education and professional experiences. Becoming the right writer to design the document begins with understanding the existing professional requirements necessary to become a resume writer.
Resume Writer Certification Requirements
Despite the availability of multiple resume writer designations, there are no licenses or certifications required to provide resume preparation services. Unlike accountants that can turn to the AICPA, a nationally accepted group of industry experts that authorize the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, resume writers do not have the same luxury.
Instead, many writers build their resume services on results in the form of client testimonials, before/after resume examples, and statistics supporting how often their clients obtain an interview using a resume they have written. Writers from all private sector backgrounds find themselves working in the field, using practical business experience, professional development tools, and the gift of prose to construct strong resumes that market the job seeker to a targeted hiring manager.
Options to Become a Certified Resume Writer
For those interested in searching for a certified resume writer or becoming certified themselves, there are nine prominent resume writing certification options to pursue. Each option has individual requirements and demands a combination of an initial registration fee and varying degrees of membership fees and renewal fee requirements for completion of the certification process.
The certification options and a brief summary of the requirements to obtain the designations are as follows:
- CPRW - Certified Professional Resume Writer: This certification splits the testing process into four individual modules. The phases tested include industry knowledge, grammar, essay questions on strategic thinking, and creating a cover letter and resume for a theoretical client. The writer completes and passes all of the modules prior to receiving the certification.
- NCRW - Nationally Certified Resume Writer: After a suggested two years of resume writing experience, the certification process begins with completing 10 units of continuing education and the submission of a sample resume and cover letter. Once the reviewers approve the samples submitted, the modular testing format begins with an exam covering grammar. Another sample resume and cover letter is also required during this stage. In order to maintain the certification once earned, writers complete 15 continuing education units every three years.
- MRW - Master Resume Writer: Writers seeking the master certification first provide five years of documented resume writing experience. After the five years, if the writer has an existing approved resume certification, the writer provides five samples of resumes in varying industries, executive levels, and formats. If the writer does not have an existing certification, the applicant submits 10 resume presentations from previous clients in specifically identified industries. Included in each presentation is an explanation of the client’s need along with the writing strategy used, the materials supplied by client, a first draft of the resume, and both the finished resume and cover letter. Renewal of the certification is every two years, requiring an additional five client presentations and a two page essay describing the new strategies, techniques, and approaches learned since completing the last certification.
- CARW - Certified Advanced Resume Writer: The CARW requires a submission of a resume and cover letter in accordance with the sample study guide provided at the start of the application process. If approved, the writer moves onto the exam phase of the certification. The first stage requires the completion of a sample resume based on the information provided for a fictional client, and the second stage is a short essay section requiring explanations of information gathering techniques. The third and final stage is a final exam in grammar, client questioning, and resume design strategies. Writers renew their certifications every two years by obtaining 30 approved continuing education units.
- CERW - Certified Expert Resume Writer: The CERW is an additional designation for resume writers with existing approved certifications. To apply, resume writers provide seven professional resumes, one ASCII resume conversion, and two cover letter samples. Along with each document, the writer summarizes project challenges, an explanation supporting resume style choices, and the job seeker’s results with the resume, if known. Along with the portfolio, resume writers must provide a detailed biography of their background and write an essay of no less than 1,000 words on personal resume writing philosophies or about a specific topic related to resume writing that displays personal knowledge and expertise. Writers renew the certification every three years with four sample resumes, a cover letter, and an updated biography.
- CFRW - Certified Federal Resume Writer: The testing procedures for certification of federal resume writers begin with five modules that cover the federal hiring process, the structure of the federal resume, components of the federal and senior executive service applications, and a final project that demonstrates mastery of the federal resume subject matter. After finishing the modules, writers complete a final essay exam. Federal resume writer certifications require renewal every three years, with one completed resume submitted along with three Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) Summaries.
- CMRW - Certified Military Resume Writer: Converting military resumes into civilian documents is a challenge. The CMRW certifies a resume writer’s mastery of this complex transition. The certification process begins with six learning modules that provide guidance on how to translate military experience and skills into widely valued civilian workplace needs, increasing the appreciation of the abilities of former military personal. Writers then complete a final exam and a sample military resume based on a fictitious client. Renewal of the CMRW occurs every three years, with the writer providing a sample military resume for review and answering 10 sample essay questions.
- CRS+X - Certified Resume Specialist: The CRS+X certification provides an opportunity for resume writers to specialize in 16 specific industry niches. The process requires an existing, approved resume certification, along with four industry-specific sample resumes that demonstrate the breadth of the writer’s experience. In addition, resume writers construct a one-page essay that illustrates the writer’s expertise in the specialty. Renewals require two sample resumes every five years.
- ACRW - Academy Certified Resume Writer: The ACRW certification process begins with enrollment in the Resume Writing Academy (RWA), which includes an eight week seminar program, along with a three week independent learning program with industry specific resume and cover letter writing projects. Upon completion of the classes, the writer receives 36 continuing education units and the certification.
Professional Resumes and Resume Writers
While certain resume designations may provide prospective clients with assurances in their resume writer’s capabilities, it does not guarantee the interview for the job seeker. Resume writers must communicate, that to achieve the best outcome, consumers should consider previous testimonials, writer partnerships and joint ventures, and resume samples in conjunction with the certification the writer holds. No one combination will work for all clients, but the best opportunity for success in the resume writing industry is the ability to emphasis a combination of strong private industry accomplishments, resume writing experiences, and certifications.
Kimberly Sernel - Education and Experience Kimberly Sernel is a CPA and a writer, graduating as class valedictorian from the University of Illinois at ...
