Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ASI Principles of Indexing: From Theory to Practice Course?
A self-study course of four modules, 1–4, created by experienced professional indexers from ASI. Students who complete the course will have a well-rounded knowledge of indexing and will be prepared to move forward toward a career as a professional indexer.
2. For whom is the course designed?
Beginning indexers, people seeking a career change, information workers, editors, and writers, as well as people with some experience in indexing who want to validate, broaden, or update skills. The course is exclusively for ASI members.
3. Is the course available to indexers outside the US?
Yes, as long as the student is a member of the American Society for Indexing.
4. What do I need in terms of equipment and software to complete the course?
- Either a Windows-based or Macintosh computer with Internet connection
- PDF reader, e.g. Adobe Acrobat reader
- Word-processing software, e.g. Microsoft Word
- Dedicated indexing software, either open-source or free trial versions. Instructions are included in the course material for downloading free versions of software. Students do not need to pay for any indexing software in order to complete the course.
5. Are there any required textbooks for the course?
The following two textbooks are required for Modules 1 and 2:
Indexing Books, 2nd edition, by Nancy Mulvany.
and either
Indexes: A Chapter from The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th ed.
or
The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th edition (entire book)
In addition to the two textbooks for Modules 1 and 2, the following book is required for Modules 3 and 4:
Facing the Text: Content and Structure in Book Indexing by Do Mi Stauber, available at the author’s website
6. What content is covered in the modules?
Module 1—Introduction to Indexing: What Is an Index?; The Parts of an Index
Students will learn to:
- Define what an index is
- Name the parts of an index
- Understand the terminology of indexing
- Name the types of documents and indexes
- Identify indexable material
- Follow index specifications and style guides
- Try out student versions of software
- Create a simple list of index entries to a short document
- Format an index from a provided list of entries, following two different specifications
- Create an index to a short humanities-oriented document
Module 2—Indexing Process
Students will learn to:
- Understand the steps in creating an index
- Select appropriate terms from a document
- Be aware of various indexing approaches
- Formulate main headings and subheadings
- Create cross-references for related concepts and terms
- Format reference locators according to specifications
- Format entries according to specifications
- Understand the tasks in editing an index for accuracy, consistency, comprehensiveness, and conciseness
- Become acquainted with the process of embedded indexing, the software packages available, and the growing importance of embedded indexing in publishing
- Create an index to a consumer-level health document
Module 3—Exploring Index Structure in Further Depth
Students will learn to:
- Identify and state the metatopic of a document
- Understand varying approaches to metatopics and index structure
- Understand the varying approaches to editing
- Edit an index for length
- Understand how to handle names of various types
- Know how to access resources for handling names
- Use Microsoft Word for embedded indexing of a short document
- Create an index for a consumer-level scientific document
Module 4—Special Topics in Indexing & Business of Indexing
Students will learn to:
- Apply the various special practices in indexing
- Develop a basic understanding of the numerous subject specialties
- Develop a basic understanding of special types of indexes
- Know what goes into setting up a home office
- Understand the financial considerations of running an indexing business
- Be aware of the need and opportunities for professional development
- Be aware of typical project management processes
- Use two add-on packages to create a short embedded index
- Create an index for a scholarly document
Each module includes quizzes and exercises related to the content, a practice index, and a final exam with objective questions and preparation of an index.
7. How much time is needed to complete the course?
Each module requires 40-50 hours of study and is expected to be completed within six months. It is expected to take two years to complete the entire course. However, the flexibility of the self-paced course offers the possibility of early completion.
8. Are there any exceptions to the six months’ timeframe to complete a module?
Under extenuating circumstances, a student may request a three-month extension for a module. An extension will be granted at the discretion of the course administrator and the student’s instructor.
9. What does the course cost?
The fees for each module are:
Module 1 – $175
Module 2 – $225
Module 3 – $275
Module 4 – $275
The overall tuition cost for the course is $950. Additional costs include ASI membership and the purchase of required textbooks.
10. How were the prices determined?
ASI bases the fees on its costs. A large part of the expense of the course is compensation for the instructors. The society has set rates to encourage skilled professionals to take on this role. ASI keeps rates in line with those of other indexing training programs.
11. What if I pay for a module and then decide I don’t want to complete the module or take/finish the course?
Students may request a refund of a module registration fee within fifteen (15) days of payment, provided that they have not logged into that module. When a refund is issued, password access to the course website is cancelled, and the student is disenrolled from the course.
12. How does the grading process work?
Each student is assigned an instructor who works with them for the entire module. Students are able to ask questions of the instructor, participate in monthly office hours, and will receive detailed feedback on their index preparation assignments.
Each module contains several quizzes that are automatically graded by the online learning platform. These short quizzes reinforce learning of the concepts covered in the module. In addition, there is a practice index that is graded by the instructor, occasional short exercises that are graded by the instructor, and a final exam. The final exam consists of objective questions that are automatically graded online and the preparation of an index, which is graded by the instructor. Students must earn an 80% average or greater to pass the module. Scores on individual components may be lower than that, as long as the overall average is at least 80%.
Students are able to view their gradebook within the platform, so they will know their progress and achievement level in the course at all times.
13. What if I fail a module?
If you do not pass a module the first time you attempt to do so, you may purchase and take the module a second time. If your second attempt is also failed, it is at the discretion of the course administrator and the instructor whether or not a third attempt will be authorized.
14. Can I contest a fail result?
If you fail a module and do not understand why after a careful reading of the feedback provided, you may send questions to your instructor. Once you receive a response, if you are still not satisfied, you may submit a request to the course administrator to have your work reviewed by another instructor. This decision will be binding.
15. What is the benefit of a Certificate of Completion for Principles of Indexing: From Theory to Practice?
The certificate can be used in marketing materials when you are ready to promote yourself to potential clients. Please note that a certificate is not the same thing as certification. While some indexing societies in other countries do certify and/or accredit indexers, this is not the case in the United States.
16. Once earned, could my Certificate of Completion for Principles of Indexing: From Theory to Practice ever be revoked?
ASI has not had to revoke a certificate during the years it has offered an indexing training course. However, if cheating was reported or discovered, the case would need to be reviewed, and resolution sought.
17. Are there any other resources you recommend?
There are a few online resources to check out:
- ASI Discussion List The ASIndexing Discussion List (formerly ASI-L) is a monitored electronic forum for the discussion of topics pertinent to ASI and its membership. Appropriate subjects for discussion include anything related to the practice and business of indexing and the use of indexes, as well as matters of concern to members of ASI.
- ASI Indexer Jobs Hotline. The ASI Indexer Jobs Hotline service is designed to connect those who need an indexer—publishers, editors, authors, etc.—with our members, and vice versa. Clients who need an indexer fill out a form with the job specifics, and these job postings are then sent to subscribers of this list. Members respond directly to the client if they wish to apply for the job. This list is opt-in.
- Indexers Discussion Group “Listen in” on concerns of indexers—style guidelines, decision making, working with authors and publishers, and the industry in general
- Index Peer Review (not for use with practice or exam indexes). Send a blank email Indexers volunteer to review other indexers’ work at no charge, as long as you’re willing to reciprocate