Technical Report Writing Course

This technical report writing course teaches participants to present complex, technical information clearly and accurately in reports. Readers, even non-technical readers, will readily understand the information in reports. 

Download the Course Outline

Course Overview

Our technical report writing course teaches the optimal planning and writing process to convey technical and complex information in reports clearly and effectively. 

Technical reports are the lifeblood of business decision-making and monitoring. They can take many forms, including incident reports, status reports, feasibility reports, environmental impact reports, evaluation reports, lab reports, etc.

Group training is customized to reflect the unique types of reports your team writes. Instructor written feedback on writing and highly interactive coaching exercises ensure pragmatic training that sticks.

Individual courses offer the opportunity to plan, draft, and edit an actual work report, with written instructor feedback and live coaching on the final report.

INDIVIDUALS

$895

Online self-paced course available for individuals. 

Enroll now

GROUPS

Online self-paced course and instructor-led training can be customized to match your needs. Group discounts apply.

Customize for Groups

This Course Includes:


  • Ten detailed lessons on the fundamentals of effective technical report writing, including both substance and syntax.

  • When, if, and how to use AI effectively. 

  • A list of tools and resources to continually hone writing skills.

  • Detailed, individualized written instructor feedback.

Download the Full Outline

Skills gained in this course:

  • Synthesize complex, technical information and present it understandably to readers.

  • Write an executive summary that tightly summarizes the report content.

  • Ensure report content conveys information for business decisions, within a readily absorbed format.

  • Reduce report time writing by at least 25%, and become a better technical writer.

  • Eliminate bloat and highlight only the information that matters.

  • Use correct grammar, English vocabulary, and punctuation to create polished and professional documents.

  • Synthesize complex, technical information and present it understandably to readers.

Individual written feedback for every student

Instructor-led group training, whether virtual or onsite, includes interactive exercises and detailed instructor feedback. 

The online, self-paced version of this course is a practicum course. You will plan, draft, and edit your actual regulatory document with written instructor feedback and a live coaching session.

Our feedback includes both subjective and objective feedback, in addition to a personal grammar diagnosis and additional helpful resources.

Objective feedback:

  • Is the report tailored to the readers' needs and perspectives?
  • Is the information hierarchy logical?
  • Does the reader have all the information needed (and none that is not needed) to achieve the purpose of the report?

Subjective feedback:

  • Is the proper use of active voice or passive voice used?
  • Is the tone balanced?
  • Is word choice clear and strong?
  • Can you cut any unnecessary words?
  • Are there any grammar errors?

Flexible Technical Report Writing Course Deliveries to Match your Needs

Online course for individuals or groups

This online, self-paced technical report writing course allows individuals and teams to train on their own schedule with 24/7 access to the course.

This is a practicum course, which means participants plan, draft, and edit an actual work report with written instructor feedback on incremental planning exercises and a live coaching session to review the final report written in the course. 

Virtual instructor-led course for groups

Virtual training allows for highly engaging instruction, exercises, and discussion in a professional setting. Learners complete activities in breakout rooms with fellow students, break down documents individually and are encouraged to participate in conversations and ask questions about these essential skills.

Onsite instructor-led course for groups

In-person training is highly interactive, with many individual and shared activities. Groups work together at your location to deconstruct documents, deep dive into individual writing concerns, plan an upcoming document, and more.

Schedule a call to find out more about group training options

Schedule a call
report-coures-certificate

Certificate of Completion

Participants will earn a personalized digital certificate after finishing this practicum technical writing course. This can be displayed on a LinkedIn profile, downloaded to print and hang, or mentioned in a résumé.
Enroll now

Course Structure

This practicum technical writing course is split into several detailed lessons including video lessons and online resources.

Getting Started

An Introduction and Self-Assessment

Review the objectives and breakdown of the course content. Share specific course goals, and tell us about the typical business reports and technical documentation you write.

Lesson 1

6-Steps to Effective Report Writing

Learn a practical framework for effective business report writing. This six-step process helps you understand the strategies needed to write a clear report. This process will allow you to spend 30% less time on every report you write. This applies to all reports, including those that convey technical information.

Lesson 2

Report Planning

Analyzing your audience frames everything about a report and conveys technical information, including content and organization.

We address the tools and best methodologies to generate information and plan reports to ensure the substantive information in the report is accurate and well organized and to help you write most efficiently.

Lesson 3

Report Structure

Learn to organize a report logically, whether it is a business or technical report. Better technical communication can lead to fewer meetings, higher productivity, and better decisions.

This lesson focuses on how to organize and sequence information appropriately.

 

Lesson 4

The Executive Summary

Reports get a bad rap for being long and painful to both read and write. The executive summary is the most important section that conveys the core findings and implications of your report. It allows a busy executive to absorb lots of information easily and make an informed decision.

Lesson 5

Report Examples with Various Tools

Reports can feel overwhelming because there are so many variations and writing styles. Review examples of types of reports using the most common format and vital tools to ensure writing proficiency. 

This lesson also looks at important considerations when writing a report from a template.

Lesson 6

Persuasion

Learn to weave in at-a-glance hooks to persuade and engage your reader. Titles, sub-titles, data presentation, and other areas can become much more compelling with skilled persuasive techniques applied.

Persuasion, done well, will highlight reader engagement and your credibility. Your technical knowledge will look strong.

Lesson 7

Format Considerations

Technical information is dense. Learn formatting techniques to create a visually appealing, easy-to-scan report that helps your reader easily understand complex, technical information. The format is even helpful when writing for other technical professionals or when writing technical manuals.

Headings, white space, typography, visual structure, and the best graphical representation of data are addressed.

Lesson 8

Clarity and Word Choice

Ensure your report is a pleasure to read with clear and concise language that presents your information competently and confidently. This module ensures that your sentences are accurate, easy to reach, and engaging, a critical part of effective report writing skills.

Lesson 9

Grammar and Syntax

Learn proofreading tactics to avoid embarrassing grammar and spelling mistakes. These go beyond simple tips and tricks. These are proven grammar and syntax strategies that will make all your writing more professional.

Lesson 10

Feedback and Guidance

The self-paced version of this course concludes with a live one-on-one coaching session with your instructor to review your final report.

Instructor-led group courses conclude with detailed resources and individual written feedback.

View the full course outline and list of resources

Download the PDF

What will writing look like after this training?

clarity-icon
Complex information is conveyed clearly.
time-icon
Writing time is significantly reduced.
organized-icon
Well-organized, relevant content is included.
format-icon
Designed and formatted to be easy to read.
bad-news-icon
Information is tiered appropriately.
writing-icon
Writer’s block is avoided through planning.
readability-icon
The executive summary is tightly summarized.
persuasion-icon
Persuasion is clear and effective.
professional-icon
Competent, clear, and professional.
grammar-icon
Grammar errors are identified and corrected.

Meet the Mentors of Technical Report Writing Excellence

ElisabethO_Headshot

Elisabeth O'Quinn

Elisabeth has a unique combination of business and business writing acumen, with an extensive background in writing, editing, and content marketing management.

She has supported a wide range of businesses, writing blog articles, white papers, presentations, and editing business documents. She has supported many of our clients with rave reviews of her writing feedback, helping countless participants with their technical report writing skills.

Elisabeth lives in Georgia with her cat and rescue pup. In addition to writing, she loves traveling with her twin sister, learning German, and creating watercolor prints.

Read more >>

grace-cuddy

Grace Cuddy

Grace has extensive experience in Instructional Solutions' online English courses and also works with individuals and groups from several international companies across Europe as a business writing coach. She is an expert in business English writing and loves to help students improve their technical writing skills.

She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has a keen sensitivity to global writing. She has a strong background in corporate communication and management and successfully developed cross-functional writing and communication processes in a large corporate team. She has also helped professional engineers and firms develop professional training programs.

She enjoys yoga, travel, and dance. She splits her time between New York City and Madrid.

Read more >>

Bailey Lang headshot sq

Bailey Lang

Bailey is a professional writer, editor, and accountability coach with more than a decade of experience. 

 She began her career in marketing communications for a global HR outsourcing company before taking a detour into academia.

She earned her MA in rhetoric and writing at the University of Findlay and then completed her Ph.D. in rhetoric and writing studies at Bowling Green State University. Along the way, she wrote and published a book, numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, and more. 

When she’s not writing or editing, you'll find her reading, hiking, or knitting. 

Read more >>

Katie Almeida Spencer headshot

Katie Almeida Spencer

Katie is an experienced Business Writing and English as a Second Language instructor, business English writing coach, and teacher trainer. She taught Business Skills and Academic Writing at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

She is very skilled at evaluating both the substance and language of business documents. Her writing critiques, instruction, and coaching have received stellar evaluations from our clients at Chartis Consulting, DuPont, Shell, Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council, and the World Wildlife Fund.

She holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Rhode Island and an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her areas of expertise include business writing and technical report writing, proposal writing, English courses, and syntax and non-native writing.

Read more >>

Course feedback and testimonials

technical-report-writing-evaluation

MITRE was established to advance national security in new ways and serve the public interest as an independent adviser. It tackles some of the biggest threats facing the U.S. and the world, taking on large-scale challenges in cybersecurity, defense, health, aviation, enterprise transformation, and more.

We are proud to have been chosen to support all technical writing courses in Mitre's Technically Write program.

View our course evaluation for this Technical Report Writing course on Survey Monkey.

 

left-quote Created with Sketch.

I have already shown some of the procedure recommendation documents to team members at work and impressed them with the better defined process. It also helped prove my point of the need to write for an audience, not just in general.

Engineer

Mitre
left-quote Created with Sketch.

This training will help in both my written and verbal communications because I learned to organize my thoughts. I now see the actual methodology to improve my technical reports.

Project Manager

Bombardier Aerospace, Northern Ireland
left-quote Created with Sketch.

I learned very valuable tips such as what to avoid when writing and how to follow a process. I will surely apply what I've learned when I write emails and risk assessment reports in the future.

Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager

Novo Nordisk
left-quote Created with Sketch.

This was a fantastic class, and the discussion of user requirement documents and project status reports was illuminating. I can see already how much time I will save using these techniques.

Business Analyst

Liberty Mutual Insurance Group

Become a better technical report writer.

Sign up today or schedule a discussion to become a stronger technical writer

INDIVIDUALS

$895

Sign up today and start learning how to become a better technical report writer.
Enroll now

GROUPS

We offer flexible online, virtual, and onsite courses or workshops that match your company's technical reports. Let's discuss the best approach for your team. 

Schedule a call

Frequently Asked Questions

What skills will I gain from the Technical Report Writing course?

By taking the Technical Report Writing course, you will develop the skills needed to create clear, concise, and effective technical reports tailored to your audience. You'll learn how to:  

- Structure technical reports logically and professionally.  

- Write with clarity and precision to convey complex information effectively.  

- Use visuals, charts, and data to enhance comprehension.  

- Follow industry-specific formatting and reporting standards.  

- Edit and proofread for accuracy and professionalism.  

- Adapt content for varied audiences, from technical experts to non-technical stakeholders.  

These skills will enable you to produce reports that drive informed decision-making and showcase your expertise.

Do I need prior writing experience to enroll?

No prior writing experience is required to enroll in the Technical Report Writing course. 

The course is designed to accommodate participants at all skill levels, providing comprehensive instruction and personalized feedback to enhance your technical writing abilities. Whether you're a beginner or looking to hone your advanced skills, this course will guide you through the process of creating clear and effective technical reports.

Can this course be customized for my organization?

Yes, the Technical Report Writing course can be fully customized to meet the specific needs of your organization! 

We can tailor the content to align with your industry, company guidelines, and the types of technical reports your team produces. Customization options include:  

- Incorporating your organization's templates, styles, and branding.  

- Focusing on specific report types, such as engineering reports, scientific studies, or compliance documentation.  

- Addressing industry-specific terminology and standards.  

- Including real-world examples or projects relevant to your team.  

Customized training ensures participants gain practical skills that directly impact their day-to-day work and reporting abilities. Learn more about our customization process.

How long does the course take to complete?

We recommend that participants allocate eight hours to the self-paced online course.

Instructor-led group training requires seven hours of total training time, which can be delivered incrementally.

Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

Yes, upon completing the Technical Report Writing course, you will receive a personalized digital certificate of completion. This certificate can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile, downloaded for printing, or mentioned in your résumé, showcasing your enhanced technical writing skills.

How can I enroll in the course?

For groups, please book a meeting to discuss your specific documents and needs.

For individual enrollment, please click here to enroll now. The enrollment button is also at the bottom of this page. 

What types of documents will I learn to write?

In the Technical Report Writing course, you will learn to write reports that match the documents you write at work, so you will learn to write the most important documents for your position!

Group training is customized to the team’s document requirements. Individual self-paced courses follow a practicum model in which participants plan, draft, and edit an actual work report. Therefore, the documents that participants learn to write are varied but relevant to their work. Typical technical reports include:  

- Feasibility studies

 - Research reports

 - Progress and status reports

- Specifications for proposals 

- User manuals and instructional guides 

- Process documentation 

- Data-driven reports with visualizations, such as charts and tables.  

- Executive summaries and technical briefings.  

The course is designed to equip you with the skills to produce professional, audience-appropriate documents that clearly communicate technical information.

How is the course delivered, and what is the format?

The Technical Report Writing course offers flexible delivery formats to accommodate various learning preferences:

- Online Self-Paced Course: Access course materials at your convenience, allowing you to progress through the content on your own schedule. You will plan, draft, and edit a work report with instructor written feedback and live coaching. 

- Virtual Instructor-Led Training: Participate in live, interactive sessions conducted online, featuring real-time instruction, discussions, and collaborative exercises. Detailed, individualized, instructor feedback on your writing is included.

- Onsite Instructor-Led Training: Engage in in-person training sessions at your organization's location, providing hands-on learning experiences tailored to your team's needs. Detailed, individualized, instructor feedback on your writing is included.

Each format includes comprehensive lessons on effective technical report writing, downloadable resources, and personalized instructor feedback to enhance your writing skills.