The gold standard of editing
Being certified by Editors Canada is the recognition of an editor’s high level of professional knowledge and skill. In today’s competitive job market, certification demonstrates your expertise—and gives you a marketing advantage.
Editors Canada typically offers two professional certification exams each year, on a two-year rotation.
In 2026, we are offering the Stylistic Editing and Copy Editing exams.
Exam registration
Registration for the 2026 exams in Stylistic Editing and Copy Editing will open in the summer.
The professional certification exams for Structural Editing and Proofreading will be offered in 2027.
Exam format
Candidates will write the exam on their own computer at home (PC or Mac). The 2026 Stylistic Editing and Copy Editing exams will both be written onscreen.
We’ll provide you with the exam and ask you to download it, complete it and upload it within the exam time frame. You will need access to Google Drive. Please register with an email address that has a Google account associated with it. You will need to have reliable Internet access and Microsoft Word installed on your home computer (NOT Google Docs). You should also have a quiet, private space in your home during the exam, in which to write the exam.
For further details on how the exam will be administered, visit the Professional Certification page.
Exam date
Stylistic Editing
Saturday, November 21, 2026
9 a.m. to 12 p.m., local time to candidate
Copy Editing
Saturday, November 21, 2026
2 p.m. to 5 p.m., local time to candidate
Exam fees until September 12, 2026
| Editors Canada members | Non-members | |
|---|---|---|
| One exam | $400 | $500 |
| Two exams (when two are offered in the same year) | $750 | $950 |
Exam fees as of September 13, 2026
| Editors Canada members | Non-members | |
|---|---|---|
| One exam | $450 | $550 |
| Two exams (when two are offered in the same year) | $850 | $1,050 |
Cancellation
If Editors Canada cancels an exam for which you have registered, you’ll have the opportunity to either transfer your registration or receive a full refund of your registration fees. If you cancel your registration for any other reason and the association receives written notice of your cancellation on or before October 15, 2026, Editors Canada will refund your registration less a $100 cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after October 15, 2026.
Certification quick links
- Order the Exam Preparation Guide (formerly Test Preparation Guide, please note the practice exams are from before PES 2024)
- Order Edit Like a Pro (formerly Meeting Professional Editorial Standards)
- Editors Canada Professional Certification home page
- Registration
- The exams
- Qualifying for the exams
- Preparing for Editors Canada Professional Certification
- Frequently asked questions
- Credential maintenance
- Roster of certified editors
- Download our policy on certification
- Resources for preparation
- Pass rates and reasons for failure