ASD STE 100 Skill – How to Learn and Apply Simplified Technical English
The ASD STE 100 skill is the ability to write clear, rule-based technical English. Anyone can learn it with practice. This page gives you a path, exercises and tools.
What is the ASD STE 100 skill?
Knowing the rules of ASD-STE100 is not the same as writing well in STE. The skill is the ability to apply the rules quickly and naturally, while you keep the technical content correct. A skilled STE writer thinks about the reader first: what must the reader do, in which order, and what can go wrong?
The ASD STE 100 skill has three parts. First, vocabulary: you know which words are approved and how to find an alternative for a word that is not. Second, structure: you can break complex information into short sentences, clear steps and useful lists. Third, judgement: you know when a sentence is clear enough, and when a reader can misunderstand it.
Employers in aerospace, defence and other regulated industries often ask for STE experience in technical writer roles. The skill also helps engineers, trainers and support teams who write instructions as part of their job.
Learning path: beginner → practitioner → reviewer
Stage 1
Beginner
Learn why STE exists. Read the introduction and the word and verb rules. Rewrite single sentences: put the verb first, use the active voice and replace complex words.
Stage 2
Practitioner
Write full procedures and descriptions in STE. Use the dictionary every day. Build a list of technical names for your product. Ask a colleague to review your text.
Stage 3
Reviewer
Review other writers' text against the rules. Explain each change with a rule. Help your team keep term lists and style guides consistent with the current issue.
Stage 1 in detail: beginner
Start with the background of STE and the overview of the rule categories. Then read the official text of Part 1. Focus on a small number of rules at a time. Each day, take five sentences from a real manual and rewrite them. Check the words in the dictionary. Do not try to learn the full dictionary by heart; learn to use it.
Stage 2 in detail: practitioner
Now write complete documents. Start with procedures, because the rules for them are the most clear. Make a term list for your product, with the approved technical names. Ask for a review from a more experienced writer. Keep a record of the mistakes you make often, and check your next text for those mistakes first.
Stage 3 in detail: reviewer
A reviewer explains why a change is necessary, with a reference to a rule. This is the most advanced part of the skill. You need a deep knowledge of the rules and the dictionary, and you need to give feedback that helps writers improve. Many organisations ask reviewers to complete formal training.
Practice exercises: rewrite this sentence
Rewrite each sentence in STE. Then compare your version with the model answer. More than one correct answer is possible.
Exercise 1
The valve should be opened slowly by the operator.
Exercise 2
Prior to commencing the test, ensure that all personnel have been notified.
Exercise 3
After removing the panel, the connector can be disconnected.
Exercise 4
It is recommended that the battery is checked for damage on a regular basis.
Exercise 5
Utilize the torque wrench in order to tighten the bolts to the specified value.
Self-assessment checklist
Use this list each time you finish a text. Tick each item you can confirm.
STE as a skill for AI writing assistants
AI writing tools can help you draft or rewrite text in an STE style. But an AI tool does not know your product, and it does not know the full approved dictionary unless you give it. Treat the AI output as a first draft. Always review it against the official specification and your term list.
Give the tool clear, numbered rules. Ask it to explain each change, so you can check its work. Copy the prompt template below and paste your own text at the end.
ste-prompt.txt
You are a technical writer. Rewrite the text below in Simplified Technical English (ASD-STE100 style).
Follow these rules:
1. Use simple, common words. Use each word with one meaning only.
2. Keep procedural sentences to 20 words or fewer. Keep descriptive sentences to 25 words or fewer.
3. Write one instruction per sentence. Put the verb first (imperative).
4. Use the active voice. Do not use the passive voice in procedures.
5. Use only simple present, simple past and simple future tenses.
6. Do not use -ing forms as verbs. Do not turn verbs into nouns.
7. Break up noun clusters of more than three words.
8. Write conditions before the action ("If X, do Y").
9. Write warnings and cautions as a command first, then the risk.
10. Keep all technical names exactly as they are.
After the rewrite, list each change you made and the rule it follows.
Text:
"""
[paste your text here]
"""
Training and certification
Official training in ASD-STE100 is available through training providers that ASD recognises. These courses usually cover the rules in depth, include practical exercises and end with an assessment. Some contracts and employers ask for this kind of training. For the current list of recognised providers and information about training, visit the official ASD-STE100 website.
This website does not offer training or certificates. Our exercises and tools are for self-study only.
Keep improving
The ASD STE 100 skill grows with practice. Write a little STE every day, use the free STE checker to find common issues, and always keep the official ASD STE 100 PDF open while you work.