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Yes. Not sure about the US but here in the UK I've noticed over the years that there has been a general increase in the number of TWer (whatever title they may be called!). A few years ago I did a small survey of local firms (30-40 in total) asking who did their documentation, what tools were used, how important did they think it was etc. On a scale of 1-9 (1= v.important) most firms rated the documentation 1-3 and saw it as an integral part of the product (admittedly one gave 9 and said they provided it only because it was in the contract - not sure if they're still in business!). Most used or were thinking of using a TW to do the work (staff or contract). If this is a general trend then, for a lot of companies, this will be the first time they have hired a TW and I feel that anything that makes the experience beneficial etc will only boost the profession as a whole. Similarly, a bad experience could have them revert to having the docs done by whoever happens to be free that day.
While I don't see certification as the be all and end all I think it would be something that could act as a general guide to newbie hirers. It wouldn't guarantee that they got a good author but it might help weed out the really bad ones. Like hiring a plumber etc, if you can't get a recommendation you're relying on picking one at random from the phone book - does one who is registered etc sway you more than one who isn't? Or is it just who's cheapest?
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