The market for online journalists has expanded at a very fast rate in the last few years. People around the world prefer news via internet rather than through print media. This has led to an increased demand for Certified Online Journalist. This certification helps unleash your real potential and open new realms in your career. Also, it increases you visibility and bridges the gap for your dream job
Roles and Responsibilities of a Certified Online Journalist
Online journalism refers to reporting news via internet. Various multimedia elements like graphics, sound, animation, and motion video are a part of online journalism. A Certified Online Journalist has various responsibilities. They look out for stories via contacts, press releases and other media. Then, they must write original articles while paying special attention to the tone and length of an article. Moreover, they work closely with the news team, photographers and editors. Also, they must ensure that their news is engaging the reader’s interest and is interactive. Certified Online Journalists should possess strong written and oral communication skills to excel in this field.
Vskills Certified Online Journalist Overview
Vskills certification for Online Journalist validates your expertise as per company’s need for online media posting and coverage. This certification tests candidates on various areas in online journalism, writing skills, internet and computer basics, RSS, Digital audio-video, blogging, social media, ethics and legal aspects.
Why become a Certified Online Journalist?
Change being the most constant thing in the world has led to great shifts in consumer demand. With the advancement of new technologies online journalism has gained reader’s interest. Becoming a Certified Online Journalist differentiates you as a professional who is serious about applied learning, making you an asset to a prospective employer. Moreover, earning a professional certification enhances your employability and demonstrates your capability. Also, Vskills is India’s largest certification provider and gives candidates access to top exams as well as offers after exam benefits. This includes:
- Firstly, a Government verification tag
- This certification will have a Government verification tag.
- Also, the Certification will have lifetime validity.
- Further, you will get Lifelong e-learning access.
- Moreover, you get access to Free Practice Tests.
- Additionally, You will get tagged as ‘Vskills Certified’ On Monsterindia.com and ‘Vskills Certified’ On Shine.com.
Exam Details
- Exam Code: VS-1168
- Duration: 60 minutes
- No. of questions: 50
- Maximum marks: 50
- Passing marks: 25 (50%).
- There is NO negative marking
- This is an Online exam
Exam Process
Course Outline: Certified Online Journalist
Topics covered in this exam are:
Journalism
- Journalism Introduction
- History of Journalism
- Types of Journalism
- Journalism Ethics and Standards
- Legal status
Online Journalism
- Online Journalism Introduction
- History
- Impact on Readers
- Impact on Publishers
- Characteristics of online journalism
- Work outside traditional press
- Blogs
- Citizen Journalism
- Legal Issues
Communication Skills
- Basics of Communication
- Communication types
- Communication Barriers
- Verbal Communication
- Non-Verbal Communication
- Communication Skills Development
Written Communication Skills
- Definition
- Need for written communication
- Elements of Good Writing
- Contents of Written Communication
- Audience and Format
- Composition and Style
- Structure
- Grammatical Errors
- Proofing
- The six ‘C’s of effective writing
- Structuring the writing task
- Rules for News Writing and Reporting
Computers Basics
- Introduction – What is Computer?
- Characteristics of computer
- Commonly Used Computer Terms
- Units of a computer system
- Representation of information
- Basic Operations of a Computer – Input, Process and Output
- Input Devices
- Output Devices
- Storage Devices
- Types of Software
- Disk Organization Terms
- Operating System
- User Interface
- Word Processing
Internet
- Networking Concepts
- Internet Terms (Hypertext, URL, Domain Name)
- Web Browser and ISP
- Upload and download files
- Control of Internet
- RSS readers and feeds
- Instant Messaging
- File Transfer Protocol
- Search Engine Optimization
- Digital Audio
- Digital Image
- Digital Video
- Podcasting
Online Reporting Process
- The Report writing process
- Prewriting
- Basics of Reporting
- Writing
- Revising
- Editing
- Story Editing
- Publishing
- The Online Process
- Tips for Writing
Blogs and Blogging
- Blog Basics
- History of Blogging
- Types
- Popularity
- Blog and mass media
- Blogs Advantages
- Disadvantages of Blogs
- Blogging Requirements
- Blog Components
- Important Terminologies
Online Storytelling
- Storytelling Concepts
- Workflow of Online Storytelling
Social Media Reporting
- Social Media Basics
- Other Social Networks
- Social Networks as a Source of News
- Driving Traffic
- Best Practices
Journalism Ethics
- Basic Concepts
- Common Elements
- Self-Regulation
- Ethics and Standards in Practice
Media Laws
- Privacy
- Obscenity and Bad Taste
- The India Copyright Act 1957
- The Trademark Act 1999
- Prasar Bharati Act – 1990
- Official Secrets Act – 1923
- Information Technology Act – 2000
Other Online Journalism
- Open Source Journalism
- Civic Journalism
- Citizen Journalism
- Collaborative Writing
- Indy Media
- Embedded Journalism
Online Newspaper
Streaming Media
- Basic Streaming Concepts
- Evolution
- Broadcasting Techniques
Electronic Publishing
- Basic Concepts
- Electronic Publishing Process
Preparatory Guide
While preparing yourself for any certification or exam, it should be very clear to a candidate where to begin. Therefore, present you our Preparatory Guide which is designed to set you on the right path. It includes a list of all the learning resources which will help you clear the certification exam with flying colours.
Step 1- Deeply Analyse the exam objectives
The first and foremost step is to understand the exam objectives. You must deeply analyse the objectives and concepts covered in the exam. This will help you align your study plan around these objectives. Devote enough time to each and every objectives and have full clarity about it. This exam covers th following topics:
- Journalism
- Online Journalism
- Communication Skills
- Written Communication Skills
- Computers Basics
- Internet
- Online Reporting Process
- Blogs and Blogging
- Online Storytelling
- Social Media Reporting
- Journalism Ethics
- Media Laws
- Other Online Journalism
- Online Newspaper
Streaming Media - Electronic Publishing
Step 2- Study with your best friends-Books
Preparation for any exam without books seems unreasonable and unproductive at the same time. Books are a comprehensive source of information for candidates to prepare for the exam. You can access a detailed explanation of various concepts and find real time examples for further clarity. Books help you expand your knowledge horizon therefore you must include the following books in your preparations:
- Search Engine Society – Alexander Halavais
- Metrics at Work: Journalism and the Contested Meaning of Algorithms by Angele Christin
- Journalism: Publishing Across Media by Janet E Ewell, Michelle Balmeo, Ellen Austin, Randy Hamm
- Journalism Next: A Practical Guide to Digital Reporting and Publishing by Mark E. Briggs
Step 3- Refer the Right Learning Resources
We cannot stress enough that only finding the right learning resources will allow you to understand each and every domain properly. And, you’re well aware of the fact that the internet is clustered with so many different resources, that it become difficult to choose the right ones. To help you out Vskills offers its own E-Learning resources and Study Materials. These resources will help you refresh your skills and concepts related to the exam while providing you with all the important insights. Moreover, they are regularly updated and supplement your learning. You will also get hard copy material that will enhance your skills.
Refer: Certified Online Journalist Sample Chapter
Step 4- Practice Tests to Self-Evaluate
Lastly, practice or mock tests can be one of the advantageous tools which can back you up for the exam. Practice or mock tests are somewhat similar to the actual exam. Moreover, the main aim of designing practice tests is to provide the candidate with the real exam environment. Thus, going through practice tests helps you find your strengths and iron out your weaknesses. They make you understand the areas you’re lacking behind and work upon them. Most importantly, make sure that you are going through practice tests once you have gone through the whole syllabus. It will help you in your evaluating your performance as well as building your confidence. Ready to evaluate yourself, try free official practice test here!
Job Interview Questions
Prepare for your next job Interview with Vskills Latest online Interview questions, these questions are created by experts to help you to overcome the interview fear.
