proofreading online courses

Discover the Top 75 Free Courses for August

Udemy Announces Layoffs Without Saying ‘Layoffs’

Udemy’s latest ‘Strategic Business Update’ uses corporate euphemisms to signal job cuts while pivoting to enterprise clients.

• 10 Best Free Programming Courses for 2024
• 7 Best Reverse Engineering Courses for 2024
• 10 Best Organic Chemistry Courses for 2024
• 10 Best Applied AI & ML Courses for 2024
• 7 Best Sketch Courses for 2024

600 Free Google Certifications

Most common

• data science
• cyber security

Popular subjects

Software Development

Graphic Design

Computer Science

Popular courses

The Future of Work: Preparing for Disruption

Nutrition and Health: Human Microbiome

Early Childhood Care and Education

Organize and share your learning with Class Central Lists.

View our Lists Showcase

Proofreading Courses and Certifications

Learn Proofreading, earn certificates with paid and free online courses from University of Michigan, UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, University of Reading and other top universities around the world. Read reviews to decide if a class is right for you.

• Style Guides Courses
• Microsoft Word Courses
• With certificate (34)
• Free course (15)
• University course only (6)
• Beginner (26)
• Intermediate (1)
• < 30 mins (3)
• 30 - 60 mins (6)
• 1 - 2 hours (16)
• 2 - 5 hours (14)
• 5 - 10 hours (4)
• 10+ hours (7)
• English (53)
• Japanese (1)
• Russian (1)

Writing Proofreading Course: Proofread Punctuation & Grammar

Proofread Writing & Translation Like a Pro | Be a Freelance Proofreader on Upwork | Grasp Punctuation & Grammar

• 2 hours 32 minutes
• Paid Course

The Complete Proofreading Course: Editing and Proofreading

Learn All Aspects of Proofreading Writing Editing Punctuation and Other Communication Strategies

• 1 hour 23 minutes

How to Find and Correct Writing Errors: The Proofreading Guide

Develop proofreading skills to catch errors in spelling, punctuation, and formatting. Learn effective techniques and best practices to polish your writing and impress readers with error-free documents.

• Free Trial Available

Upwork Freelancing: Make Money With Proofreading Skills

How Dan Makes an Excellent Monthly Income on Upwork - Learn Everything You Need to Do and Proven Proofreading Method

• 1 hour 9 minutes

Basics of Proofreading

A proofreader ensures content is free of typographical, grammatical, spelling, punctuation, syntax, & other such errors.

• 1 hour 30 minutes

Editing and Proofreading Masterclass | Dominate Writing, Punctuation & Grammar

Comprehensive guide to mastering editing and proofreading skills, covering grammar, punctuation, and techniques for various writing styles. Includes practical tips for freelancing and using professional tools.

• 3 hours 49 minutes

Certification in Editing and Proofreading

Master editing and proofreading skills to enhance your writing across various formats. Learn strategies for deep editing, structuring content, and polishing your work to professional standards.

• 1 hour 24 minutes

Hands-On Transcription Practice Series - Course A

Practica intensiva de transcripción en géneros como legal, educación, entrevistas de investigación de mercado, discursos y escritura freelance, con 25 archivos de audio y documentos terminados para comparar.

Editing and Proofreading Made Simple

Improve your writing and editing skills. Learn how to proofread emails, blog posts, and presentations, and avoid common writing mistakes.

• LinkedIn Learning

Proofreading Your Own Work

Learn techniques to effectively proofread your writing, including fresh approaches, audience perspective, fact-checking, and identifying common errors to ensure polished, error-free content.

• CreativeLive
• 1 hour 6 minutes

Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest

This course is for curious students and aspiring authors with a passion for writing for young readers. This course will guide you with a combination of video lectures, online readings, peer reviews, and guest appearances from world-renowned children’s au…

• 13 hours 23 minutes
• Free Online Course (Audit)

Writing and Editing: Revising

This fourth and final course in the “Good with Words: Writing and Editing” series will help you master perhaps the most important step in the writing process: revising. You’ll learn about the difference between editing and proofreading.

• 13 hours 56 minutes

Business Writing Techniques

Enhance business communication skills with practical techniques, focusing on diverse styles, best practices, and proper etiquette for effective written messages in professional settings.

• 4 weeks, 5-8 hours a week

Proofread Like a Pro

Learn professional proofreading techniques to catch errors, use symbols correctly, and produce flawless documents. Gain practical skills for freelance work and improve your attention to detail.

• 1 hour 46 minutes

Writing in English at University

This course aims to give you an understanding of the conventions of academic writing in English and to teach you the components and benefits of what is called process writing.

• 1 day 1 hour 15 minutes

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

4 Best Online Proofreading Courses in 2024 (Pros & Cons)

This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclaimer in the footer menu for more information. Thank you for your support!

If you’re looking for the best online proofreading courses, I can help you. As a trained proofreader, I conducted comprehensive research before deciding which class to take. I chose the Proofread Anywhere course, but all the classes in this article will adequately prepare you to become a proofreader .

The best proofreading courses are General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ by Proofread Anywhere, Becoming a Proofreader by Knowadays , Essential Proofreading: Editorial Skills One by The Publishing Training Centre (PTC), and a series of classes by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP).

Let’s see what each of these classes offers so you can decide if one of them is right for you.

Note : If you want to become a proofreader, I advise against taking a class that costs considerably less than the ones mentioned in this article.

A Brief Look at Which Class Makes the Most Sense for You

Table of Contents

A Quick Comparison of the Classes

Let’s get an overview of the primary differences between these courses.

Summary of the Main Differences

*You earn a certificate from Proofread Anywhere if you purchase the Ignite Plus version of the course and score 90% or above on the final exam.

A Cost Comparison

*You’ll get a $100 scholarship to apply to either version of the course if you watch Proofread Anywhere’s free workshop.

Now that we’ve gotten an overview, let’s dive into the details.

The courses are taught in either US or UK English. These dialects have differences in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary.

The variations aren’t too difficult to learn, but realize you’ll need to do some self-study to master them.

The Proofread Anywhere and Knowadays programs provide some content to help you learn how these dialects vary, but they don’t cover all the details.

All the courses below are suitable for beginners except the second and third classes in the CIEP series.

The Four Best Online Proofreading Courses

1) general proofreading: theory and practice™ by proofread anywhere.

Proofread Anywhere is a business that offers online training for proofreaders.

I chose Proofread Anywhere for my training and would pick it again. I believe this program offers the best value for the money.

Pros, Cons, and Key Takeaway of the Proofread Anywhere Class

• only course that provides in-depth training for building a business and marketing yourself
• teaches you how to navigate one of the most commonly used style guides (CMOS)
• training in grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc., and guidance for integrating AI into your proofreading work
• lifetime access to course materials and a supportive Facebook group
• company not as well-established in the publishing industry (compared to the CIEP & PTC)
• limited access to support from staff (must pay extra for tutoring)
• doesn’t teach you how to proofread typeset documents

Key Takeaway for “The Most Well-Rounded Program”

Take this class if you want to learn how to build an online business and market yourself, want lifetime access to a peer support group, and would like to learn how to proofread using a specific style guide.

Note : This is the only course of the four that doesn’t teach you how to proofread typeset documents. However, you’ll probably only need this knowledge if you work for a publishing company. And jobs at publishing houses are extremely hard to get.

Details of General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™

Who It’s For : Anyone who wants to become a proofreader

Cost : General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ (Ignite): $597 OR General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ (Ignite Plus): $697

The Ignite Plus course includes everything in the Ignite course, including a final exam (graded by hand). If you pass the exam with a score of 90% or higher, you will receive the following:

• a certificate of completion
• one year of free access to the new Hire a Proofreader Directory where you can add your profile and look for work on the job dashboard
• membership in a Facebook marketing mastermind group designed for general proofreading students with verified skills   

Trustpilot Rating : 4.6/5.0 from over 175 reviews (see the current Trustpilot rating )

Prerequisite s : None. However, they recommend you have a good eye for detail.

Required Texts : The recommended texts are the 17 th Edition of The Chicago Manual of Style  (CMOS) and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (11 th Edition) . 

Duration : Self-paced (takes a minimum of one month to complete). They’ve added lots of new content, so it will likely take up to a few months to finish the class if you can’t spend substantial time studying each day.

Time to Access Course : Lifetime (includes any updates). You also have lifetime access to a Facebook support group.

Grade Given : Yes, if you purchase the Ignite Plus version of the course

Certificate of Completion : Yes, if you buy the Ignite Plus version of the program and pass the final exam with a score of 90% or higher.

The certificate acknowledges that you passed the final exam with a grade of 90% or above. 

Here’s mine so you can see what it looks like:

Course Creator : Caitlin Pyle; she has extensive experience in general and transcript proofreading

Instructor Feedback : Yes. Currently, the program has a team member who is quite active in the private Facebook support group. You can alo search the group discussions to find answers to almost any question you would have.

If you need more individualized attention, you can purchase tutoring sessions. They cost $50 per 30-minute session.

Course Taught in US or UK English : US English

Course Content : 14 modules; reading material, worksheets, quizzes, videos, and 40+ documents to proofread

Main Topics :

• Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word use
• Proofreading methods (e.g., working in MS Word, Google Docs)
• Working with style guides
• Proofreading academic, creative, and business writing
• Building a business and finding clients
• Using AI tools to increase efficiency

Additional Notes : This class comes with the following resource guides:

• Look Better in Writing™ Handbook of Commonly Misused (and Abused!) Words
• The Ultimate Freelancer Tax Guide
• The Mindset Mastery Guide
• 5 Mindset Shifts for Goal-Crushing Confidence

A Money Mindset Transformation workshop (and workbook) is also included.

If you’d like more info about this course and creating a profitable freelance proofreading business, you can sign up for this free 76-minute workshop .

You’ll receive a $100 scholarship for either version of the course, but you have to use it within one hour of completing the workshop.

If you’d like to learn more, I wrote an in-depth article about why Proofread Anywhere is well worth the money .

2) Becoming a Proofreader by Knowadays

Knowadays (formerly Proofreading Academy) provides online classes for students who’d like to start a new side hustle or career.

Pros, Cons, and Key Takeaway of the Knowadays Class

• only program that offers guaranteed work (only in conjunction with their editing course) to those who qualify
• training in grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.
• supportive tutors to answer course-related questions and lifetime access to class materials
• teaches you how to proofread typeset documents
• minimal training on how to set up a business and market yourself
• competition for jobs at Proofed will eventually increase as more people qualify for the guaranteed work offer

Key Takeaway for “The Program with the Work Guarantee”

Take this class if you want to be eligible for a work guarantee (only in conjunction with Knowadays’ editing course), want one-on-one support from tutors, and would like to learn how to proofread typeset documents.

Details of Becoming a Proofreader

Cost : $499

Trustpilot Rating : 4.8/5.0 from over 450 reviews (see the current Trustpilot rating )

Prerequisite s : None

Required Text s : None listed. But you need Microsoft Word (2016 or later) to work through the course. 

Duration : Self-paced; takes roughly 40 hours to finish

Time to Access Course : Lifetime (includes any updates)

Grade Given : Yes, you’ll receive a grade for the final assignment.

Certificate of Completion : Yes, all students receive a CPD-accredited certificate at the end of the class. CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development .

Course Creators : A team of proofreading and editing experts from Proofed —a reputable online proofreading and editing company

Instructor Feedback : You can email tutors with questions throughout the class and schedule a tutor support call for free if something is still unclear. Tutors also provide comprehensive feedback on the final assignment.

Course Taught in US or UK English : US English (but a version in UK English is available upon request)

Course Content : 13 modules; reading material, quizzes, videos, and assignments (including real-life example jobs)

• Grammar, punctuation, spelling, word use
• Working with style guides
• Academic referencing and citations
• Finding work

Additional Notes : They offer a work guarantee with their sister company, Proofed. To qualify for guaranteed work, you need to take the Becoming a Proofreader and Becoming an Editor course (bundle deal available for 15% off) and score 80% or higher on the final exam in each class. You begin work on a trial basis. If the trial goes well, you can take on longer and more complex documents.

If you’d like to go to the Becoming a Proofreader free trial or learn more about the Proofreader and Editor Course Bundle, you can do so here . You’ll need to click “Learn More” under “Becoming a Proofreader” to access the free lessons.

I wrote a comprehensive post about Knowadays if you’d like more info. This article talks about all the programs Knowadays offers, including the Becoming an Editor course and their Proofreader and Editor Course Bundle.

3) Essential Proofreading: Editorial Skills One by The Publishing Training Centre

The Publishing Training Centre (PTC) is a network of professionals who provide courses for the publishing industry and broader business world.

Pros, Cons, and Key Takeaway of the PTC Class

• training from a very well-established and reputable company
• both course creators have worked in the industry for 35+ years
• a personal tutor to support you throughout the program
• free training manual to help you start a successful career
• no training in grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.
• course teaches how to mark up on paper with British Standards Institution symbols (a skill you may never use)
• basic user interface

Key Takeaway for “The Program with the Personal Tutor”

Take this class if you aspire to work at a publishing company, want the guidance of a personal tutor throughout the course, and want training from a well-known name in the publishing industry.

Details of Essential Proofreading: Editorial Skills One

Cost : £395

Trustpilot Rating : N/A

Prerequisite s : None. However, they strongly recommend taking their Essential Grammar class (available for £35 with your purchase of the Essential Proofreading course). They also recommend that you are detail-oriented and can concentrate at length. You should have a firm grasp of conversational English and grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Finally, they suggest you have broad general knowledge and are eager to learn.

Required Tex t s : None listed. But you need to have Microsoft Word (2010 or later) and Adobe Reader XI or DC (free version) to complete the training.

Duration : Self-paced; takes at least 50 hours to finish

Time to Access Course : 12 months; you can study for another 12 months if you pay a re-registration fee of £75

Grade Given : Yes, please see the next bullet point.

Certificate of Completion : Yes, you receive a certificate of completion from The Publications Qualification Board . The certificate indicates a grade of “pass,” “merit,” or “distinction.”

Course Creators : Gillian Clarke—a founder member and honorary member of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), now the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP); Margaret Aherne —a founder member of the SfEP  

Instructor Feedback : Each student is assigned a tutor who offers support throughout the class and up to three months after completion. The tutor will grade and provide feedback on four assignments. 

Course Taught in US or UK English : UK English

Course Content : 6 units; reading material, exercises, and assignments (including real-life example jobs)

• Proofreading techniques
• Best practices and using good judgment
• Proofreading vs. proof-editing
• Working on PDFs
• Working for publishers
• The BSI symbols

Additional Notes : Upon enrollment in Essential Proofreading, you can take two of the following e-learning modules for free:

• Proofreading PDFs: A Complete Guide for Editors
• A Copy-Editor’s Guide to Working with Authors
• Introduction to Marketing
• Introduction to Publishing 

After completing the Essential Proofreading course, they’ll send you a free training manual (Successful Editorial Freelancing) to help you plan and progress in your new career.

Finally, you’ll be listed in The Publishing Training Centre’s Freelance Finder , where publishers can find highly qualified proofreaders.

You can learn more about the PTC course here .

4) A Series of Courses by The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading

The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) is an organization that offers classes for the publishing industry.

They recommend a series of three classes:

            1) Proofreading 1: Introduction (I’ll call it P1.)

This course is not enough training to start working as a proofreader.

            2) Proofreading 2: Headway (I’ll call it P2.)

This class provides enough training to start working on short, uncomplicated documents.

            3) Proofreading 3: Progress (I’ll call it P3.)

This course gives you the skills to work on a full range of documents.  

Pros, Cons, and Key Takeaway of the CIEP Classes

• training from a highly prestigious editorial organization
• program created by a long-standing authority in the publishing industry
• a very comprehensive training program (if you take all three classes in the series)
• P1 course can be taken alone to see if proofreading is a good fit for you; P2 and P3 classes are suitable for proofreaders who already have experience and meet the prerequisites
• quite expensive and no training in grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.
• courses teach you how to mark up on paper with British Standards Institution symbols (a skill you may never use)
• no training on how to set up a business and market yourself

Key Takeaway for “The Most Prestigious Program”

Take these classes if you aspire to work at a publishing company, want training from a prestigious name in the publishing industry, and are willing to pay a high price.

Details of the CIEP Series

Who It’s For :

P1: Beginners who are thinking about becoming proofreaders

P2: Those with some proofreading knowledge and experience who want to know more (they strongly recommend taking P1 first)

P3: Those who have a solid foundation in proofreading and are ready to advance to the next level (they highly recommend taking P1 and P2 first); also for proofreaders coming back to the profession after a break

P1: £180 / CIEP Members: £110

The P1 class is now available in a virtual learning format. It consists of four live webinar sessions (one per week) that last 2.5 hours at most. It costs £320 for nonmembers and £195 for CIEP members.

P2: £320 / CIEP Members: £195

P3: £320 / CIEP Members: £195

Prerequisite s :

P1: Good grasp of English grammar, a wide range of general knowledge, familiarity with MS Word and Adobe Acrobat Reader DC                            

P2: Prerequisites for P1 and an understanding of proofreading basics as taught in P1

P3: Prerequisites for P1 and an understanding of proofreading basics as taught in P1 and P2

Required Tex t s : None listed

Duration : Self-paced; the three classes combined take at least 50 hours to complete

Time to Access Course : six months per course

Grade Given :

P2: Yes, please see the next bullet point.

P3: Yes, please see the next bullet point.

Certificate of Completion :

P2: Yes, you’ll receive a certificate of completion if you complete (but do not pass) the class. If you pass it, you’ll receive a certificate showing you have passed either with “merit” or “distinction.” Your performance on the final assignment determines the degree to which you pass.

P3: Yes, in the same manner as in the P2 course.

Course Creator : The CIEP 

Instructor Feedback : A tutor is available for one hour of support per course. The tutor will answer questions you have throughout the training. You can purchase additional tutoring if needed.

P1: Tutor does not grade any of your work

P2: Tutor grades and provides feedback on three assignments (the third assignment is the final assignment)

P3: Tutor grades and offers input on three assignments as well as the final assignment

Course Content :

P1: 6 units; reading material, exercises, and assignments

P2: 6 units; reading material, exercises, and assignments (including real-life example jobs)

P3: 8 units; reading material, exercises, and assignments (including real-life example jobs)

• Types of errors to correct
• Proofreading strategies and using good judgment
• Proofreading methods (e.g., working in MS Word, PDF markup tools)
• Dealing with complicated documents and complex elements

Additional Notes : None

You can check out the CIEP class series here .

An Honorable Mention

The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) is a well-known organization in the United States that deserves mention.

The Editorial Freelancers Association

The EFA offers online proofreading courses throughout the year. Past proofreading programs they’ve provided include Proofreading: The Basics, Proofreading 101, and Proofreading 201.

These courses require advance registration and have limited space. Furthermore, they only offer specific classes at certain times during the year.

If you want comprehensive training, you’ll probably need to take more than one of these classes; however, getting them to line up with each other will likely be challenging.

You can visit the EFA website to see which courses they currently offer.

Students who take these courses do not receive a certificate. However, the EFA states that students can contact an individual instructor who can verify the student’s participation in a class by writing a letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a certified proofreader.

Currently, the only option to get a professional certification in proofreading is to pass the proofreading exam offered by  Editors Canada , an editorial association based in Toronto, Ontario. However, taking the exam costs $550 for nonmembers.

Furthermore, they recommend that people taking the exam have at least five years of full-time experience working as a proofreader since the exam tests for “excellence (rather than proficiency).”

Becoming a certified proofreader is not necessary to land proofreading jobs. However, if you’d like to know more about this topic, I penned a post about the process of becoming a certified proofreader .

Are proofreading courses worth it?

A proofreading course is worth the investment in time and money if you want to become a professional proofreader. Lots of competition exists in the proofreading industry, so completing a program is one way to help you stand out.

A course will also give you confidence in your abilities and show potential clients you have the skills needed to do the job well. Earning clients’ trust can be more challenging if you don’t have experience, so a class can help boost your trustworthiness from the get-go.

How long does it take to complete a proofreading course?

Generally, it takes at least 50 hours to complete a comprehensive proofreading course that will prepare you to be a proofreader. To finish a class in one month, you’d need to study for about one hour and 45 minutes daily (including weekends). Simple proofreading courses on Skillshare and Udemy typically take 2–4 hours to finish.

How much can a beginner proofreader make?

A beginner proofreader can make roughly $12–$18 per hour. But this depends on whether you work for yourself or someone else, the genre of the texts you take on, and how fast you can proofread.

For example, you’ll earn more proofreading theses you receive via your own clients than by tidying up simple newsletters from customers on Upwork.

As you get more experience and testimonials, you can charge more money. What does “more money” look like? Here are a couple of useful statistics:

• ZipRecruiter  (February 2024) reports that the average yearly pay for a freelance proofreader in the US is $57,520, which is $28.00 per hour.
• According to the  US Bureau of Labor Statistics  (May 2023), proofreaders are paid an average of $51,100 annually, which translates to $24.57 per hour.

What qualifications do proofreaders need?

Generally, you don’t need qualifications (e.g., degree, certification) to be a proofreader. But experience and/or a degree is a requirement for some jobs. What proofreaders do need is the skill set to do the job well.

You can learn these skills by taking a thorough proofreading class, like the ones mentioned in this article. I penned a post about proofreader qualifications if you’d like more info.  

A Word of Caution about Low-Cost Proofreading Classes

As mentioned, I don’t recommend low-cost courses for aspiring proofreaders.

As someone who has completed the Proofread Anywhere program and works in the field, I don’t think a course costing around $100 could possibly provide you with enough training to compete with well-trained proofreaders.

I would encourage you to find successful proofreaders in the industry and ask them for their opinions! I think you’ll find that adequate training is necessary to succeed in this field.

I would only recommend low-cost proofreading classes (such as those found on platforms like Udemy and Skillshare) for those interested in exploring proofreading as a potential job, people wishing to learn the basics of proofreading, and experienced proofreaders wanting to brush up on their skills.

Considering how much proofreaders earn , it’s illogical to think you could make that kind of money after taking an inexpensive class that only takes a few hours to complete.

Also, having a strong command of the English language isn’t the only thing you need to become a successful proofreader. You need to know how to navigate at least one major style guide (e.g., The Chicago Manual of Style ) and how to use software like MS Word and Google Docs to mark up your clients’ texts.

The most significant benefit you’ll receive from a proofreading program is the feedback after proofreading a wide array of real-life example documents.

Now, onto the research I did to write this article.

My Research Process to Find the Best Courses

To create this list, I looked into seventeen editorial organizations across four countries—the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia.

I also investigated several other companies that offer proofreading classes.

The businesses varied widely in reputation and the depth of training they provided. 

All the organizations listed in this article are reputable names in the publishing industry.

Proofread Anywhere and Knowadays are much newer than the other two organizations, but they’ve seen impressive growth over the past several years.

Proofread Anywhere’s general proofreading class was launched in April 2017, and the Knowadays class debuted in August 2017.

I hope this article has helped you learn everything you wanted to know about the best proofreading courses.

I wish you good luck pursuing your goals, whatever those may be!

Best wishes to you! 

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – Henry David Thoreau

Lindsay Babcock

Lindsay is the creator of Om Proofreading. She has a BA in psychology and earned a certificate in proofreading by passing the final exam in Proofread Anywhere’s general proofreading course. She shares what she’s learning in the field and through research to inform and inspire her readers.

Recent Posts

6 Reasons Why Punctuation Is Important (with Examples)

Punctuation is important because it enables us to communicate our message clearly and effectively. Without punctuation, we wouldn’t understand how units of a sentence relate to one another or how...

What Is a Sentence Adverb? (+ Examples and a Quiz)

Although you're probably somewhat familiar with adverbs, you may be unaware of sentence adverbs. As a trained proofreader who has studied the parts of speech, I can help you understand this unique...

Looking for new clients? Meet them on Reedsy

Create a free account to receive requests from authors.

Last updated on Jul 02, 2024

The 9 Best Proofreading Courses for Editors and Writers Online

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Linnea Gradin

The editor-in-chief of the Reedsy Freelancer blog, Linnea is a writer and marketer with a degree from the University of Cambridge. Her focus is to provide aspiring editors and book designers with the resources to further their careers.

About Isabella Peralta

A writer and editor, Isabella coordinates "Prompts," Reedsy's weekly short story competition. Originally from the Philippines, she is a graduate of the University of Cambridge.

Are you looking to assume the mantle of those unsung heroes of the publishing world that have come before you and become an eagle-eyed proofreader? Or do you see proofreading as the first step in your editing career? Whatever your reasons, it’s never a bad idea to develop your skill set further by taking a proofreading course. 

In this post, we’ve assembled a list of online courses that’ll show you how to become a proofreader. For quick reference, here’s a breakdown of the courses we’ll be looking at:

Knowing how to proofread is an important skill for almost everyone in today’s media-saturated world, but if you want to become a professional proofreader or editor (or even a writer), learning how to perform a professional final check on a piece of text to ensure there are no errors could make all the difference to your career.

From in-depth programs to short overview classes available at various price points, there’s bound to be something in this post that’s suited to your needs. 

But before we take a closer look at what these courses offer and who they might benefit, let’s briefly talk about proofreading certificates and whether you need one to get hired.

Can I become a proofreader without a certification?

While you don’t necessarily need a well-known industry qualification to become a proofreader, adding at least one widely recognized proofreading certification to your CV can definitely give you a leg up, especially since the demand for editing services is continuously on the rise.

With more and more people looking to become proofreaders — not to mention AI proofreading software becoming more advanced — a strong CV and unmatchable expertise will help you stand out among your competitors, so if you have time and money to spare, why not invest in yourself and your future?

Professional proofreading

Being a professional freelancer (as most proofreaders are) involves more than just the mastery of proofreading skills — it also means understanding and adapting to the style used by each client, knowing how to market yourself, and managing your finances. Luckily, some courses cover these topics in addition to the hard skills of the trade, taught by experienced proofreaders themselves.

If you’re serious about becoming a professional proofreader, be sure to look out for courses that offer certificates widely acknowledged in the industry. That way, you can verify your own expertise once you’ve “graduated” and set yourself up for a successful proofreading career.

To get more freelance tips and advice from Reedsy professionals, follow us on LinkedIn .

Becoming a Proofreader (Knowadays) 

🎯 Perfect for: Aspiring professionals looking for immersion

💰 Cost: $499. Sign up here .

⏰ Average time commitment: 2 to 4 weeks

While that might seem too basic to many aspiring professionals out there, remember that keeping up to date with the latest features and software could be crucial to your success and efficiency as a freelance proofreader. And in addition to its 78 lessons – which you can complete in 2 to 4 weeks – the course also offers a CPD-accredited certificate upon completion and on-demand tutor support. So if you’re willing to invest in your career, this is a serious contender.

Essential Proofreading: Editorial Skills One (The Publishing Training Centre) 

🎯 Perfect for: Aspiring proofreaders looking for immersion

💰 Cost: £395 (around $500, possible to pay in installments). Sign up here .

⏰ Average time commitment: 50 hours

Since The Publishing Training Centre’s (PTC) intensive proofreading course is intended as a training program for professionals, it is assumed that students already have a good grasp of the English language, grammar and spelling included.

With those basics already locked down, this 50-hour self-paced course focuses instead on navigating the collaborative and technical elements of a proofreading job; explaining standard practices in the publishing business; and providing guidance on both paper and screen markups. It notably offers 30 self-check exercises, four long module assignments, support from a personal tutor, and a Publishing Qualifications Board completion certificate, which PTC claims to be “the most widely recognised industry qualification.”

While PTC is based in the UK, anyone from around the world who’s seriously interested in becoming a proofreader can join this course as the knowledge it offers can be applied almost anywhere where (British) English is the working language.

Proofreading and Copyediting with The Chicago Manual of Style (Editorial Freelancers Association) 

💰 Cost: $190. Sign up here .

⏰ Average time commitment: Self-paced, around 3 to 6 months

If you want to be well-versed in what’s considered the standard for U.S.-style book publishing, look no further! This course from The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) will show you all there is to know about not just proofreading, but also copyediting with The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) as a foundation.

If you’ve got “an excellent grasp of college-level grammar,” as EFA states, then this course’s focus on style, punctuation, and citation, among other things, could help you go beyond learning the fundamentals of CMOS’s notes-and-bibliography system — you’ll also learn about “the practicalities of correcting a typical author manuscript,” which will definitely help boost your CV!

The course consists of 16 lessons, and each lesson has a 10-point quiz at the end to test your knowledge. Since the course is self-paced, how long it will take to complete will depend on each student, though a representative tells us that 6 months is usually more than enough time, even with only occasional study. Students are notably given a full year to access the course site and download materials from it for later review.

High-level proofreading on a budget

If you’re on a tight budget but still want something in-depth, consider taking one of the courses below. They provide a comprehensive understanding of proofreading — without breaking the bank. 

Proofreading Power Basics (Udemy) 

🎯 Perfect for: Aspiring professionals on a budget

💰 Cost: $85.99*. Sign up here .

*Prices fluctuate according to region. We’ve also seen frequent promotions with prices as low as $11.99, so keep an eye out for potential sales!

⏰ Average time commitment: 1.5 hours

Understanding proofreading marks, choosing your approach to a document, knowing how to address capitalization and numeration — these are just some of the things you can expect from Proofreading Power Basics.

As with many of the more advanced professional classes out there, make sure you come with a world-class understanding of grammar since there’s no talk of punctuation or homonyms here — in fact, the course’s creator states that to pass with flying colors, you “must at least have intermediate grammar skills.”

For learners on a budget who want to hone their professional skills and put them into practice right away, this just might be the class for you — and given Udemy’s frequent price drops, we think it’d definitely be more worth the wait to try and catch a sale. However, note that unlike a few other online classes in this post, you will not receive a recognized industry qualification upon completion.

Proofreading and Copyediting 101 (Universal Class)

💰 Cost: $95 with no certificate, $120 with a certificate. Sign up here .

⏰ Average time commitment: 11 hours

Proofreading and copyediting are both covered, giving you a more diverse range of skills and more bang for your buck. PIus, if you’d like to add proof of formal training to your CV, you can pay just $25 more to obtain a CEU (Continuing Education Unit) certificate. Universal Class states that CEUs “represent a crucial benchmark in professional and personal development” and serve as “the industry measurement of non-credit education.”

Kickstart Your Freelance Editor & Proofreader Career on Upwork (Udemy)

🎯 Perfect for: Those looking to get started with freelancing

💰 Cost: $94.99*. Sign up here .

⏰ Average time commitment: 2 hours

In 25 bite-sized lessons, this class’s instructor shares his insights into becoming a freelance editor and proofreader on Upwork. Though it won’t teach you the hard skills of proofreading, consider taking this course if you want answers to plenty of complex questions and issues related to being a freelancer — from finding proofreading jobs to understanding personal finance.

In addition to obtaining a certificate of completion, you’ll also learn how to: write a strong bid proposal cover letter; fast-track your career trajectory; and improve your bidding chances, thereby winning contracts and receiving good reviews.

The instructor does touch on editing philosophies and which editing tools to master, but that should be considered additional information to the golden nuggets of wisdom you’ll hear about managing your independent work.

Similar to the previously listed Udemy course we mentioned, we think this one is worth it if you can catch a sale, but otherwise, go for one of the cheaper courses below or invest in the Knowadays or PTC course.

Top tip: Don't stop at creating a strong profile — also demonstrate your professionalism with a well-designed freelance proposal.

Beginner proofreaders, writers, and students

If you’re a student who’s looking to secure those A*s or a freelance writer who just needs to make sure all your submissions are flawless, you may wish to consider the courses below. 

While they don’t go into specific details like collaborating on a digital document or managing the nitty-gritty of formatting a manuscript, they do cover basic grammar mistakes and most major types of editing — enough to give you both a good introduction and the confidence to revise an array of texts . Plus, you can potentially save quite a bit of money by doing an initial proofread yourself before hiring a professional freelancer to check your work.

Proofreading Basics Certificate Course (New Skills Academy)  

🎯 Perfect for: Beginner proofreaders, writers, and students

💰 Cost: $25. Sign up here .

⏰ Average time commitment: 1 hour

If you need help at any point while taking this class, you can take advantage of the 24/7 student support that it offers. Additionally, you’ll be given access to an exclusive New Skills Academy study group and receive a certificate upon completion of the course.

How to Find & Correct Writing Errors (Udemy) 

💰 Cost: $64.99*. Sign up here .

*Prices fluctuate according to region. We’ve also seen frequent promotions with prices as low as $11.99, so keep an eye out for that!

This Udemy class includes 19 lectures that you can watch in your own time, covering editing techniques and technical guidance regarding styles, spelling, and document formatting. You’ll receive an hour’s worth of video content that’ll equip you with the skills needed to proofread and spot mistakes in your own work without a hitch.

The instructor notably has experience working for various newspapers and magazines. He’s also taught at the university level and created content for several popular online editing classes in addition to this Udemy course.

Grammar Fundamentals (Editorial Freelancers Association)

Since this course is self-paced, how long it will take to complete will depend on each student, though a representative tells us that 6 months is usually more than enough time, even with only occasional study.

In addition to in-depth lessons, handouts, and assessments, the course also offers real-time Q&A sessions via Zoom with the instructor. Students are notably given a full year to access the course site and download materials from it for later review.

Reedsy recommends

While we recommend all of the courses above for different reasons, it’s important to choose the course that’s right for you.

If you’re serious about becoming a professional proofreader, Universal Class’s “Proofreading and Copyediting 101” offers relatively good bang for your buck at $95 for the course itself and $120 if you want the CEU certificate to strengthen your CV. Given the class’s end-of-lessons tests and 11 hours of content, it will require you to consistently put in time and effort, helping you hone your skills as a proofreader. You’ll also get the added bonus of copy editing training. 

However, the certificate that you’ll gain from Universal Class is not as widely recognized in the industry, nor does it compare to the much more extensive and immersive training that you’ll get from courses such as Knowaday’s “Becoming a Proofreader” and PTC’s “Essential Proofreading.” And while these come at a much steeper price, these courses are more likely to be a one-time investment, as they are better equipped to turn you into a full-fledged proofreader in one go — without having to pay for additional courses and training — which may be  more worth your while if proofreading is something you see yourself doing long-term.

FREE RESOURCE

The Full-Time Freelancer's Checklist

Get our guide to financial and logistical planning. Then, claim your independence.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who’s just looking to dip their toes into what proofreading entails, there’s no reason to pay the big bucks yet. Instead, consider taking a course like New Skills Academy’s “Proofreading Basics Certificate Course,” which is perfect for those with a tight schedule and budget who still want to become more knowledgeable about not just common mistakes, but also software with the purpose of proofreading.

In the end, any one of the nine courses that we’ve detailed in this post will leave you with a better understanding of proofreading, regardless of your level of commitment, career goals, and budget. We hope that this post will help you make an informed choice about which one is right for you, and that you find the course that will bring you one step closer to being a successful proofreader.

Earn more than you would at a publishing house

Create your free Reedsy profile to get started.

Create your Reedsy freelancer account

We have some great projects already lined up for you to work on.

The Full-Time Freelancer’s Checklist

Tick off these boxes to claim your independence.

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

• Proofreading Courses
• Side Hustle Blog
• eBooks for Freelancers
• More Freelancer Resources
• Join Free Workshop

We Teach People  How To Become a Proofreader  with Our proofreading courses

Wondering if proofreading is a good fit for you? Get started with our free introductory proofreader workshop.

featured in

SPOT COMMON ERRORS

Catch GRAMMATICAL ERRORS QUICKER

MArket Your Skills  To Help People

Gain momentum by:

• Learning exactly what proofreaders do -- and don’t do
• Avoiding the most common mistakes new proofreaders make when first starting out
• Identifying how to find potential prospects
• And so much more…

3 Ways  Proofread Anywhere Delivers…

It's A Tested Process

By using a tested process to become a proofreader while doing what you love, your proofreading skills can impact others and achieve a lot of good.

Easy To Follow Proofreading Courses

We turned the guesswork of becoming a proofreader into practical step-by-step instructions. Each lesson builds upon the last, empowering you to make progress you can see. 

We cover EVERYTHING

From proofreading basics to marketing, Proofread Anywhere covers it all. If you’ve got questions, our friendly support team and student communities are ready to answer!

TAKE YOUR PICK

Our proofreading courses help Build Reliable skills And Teach You How To Become a Proofreader!

General Proofreading:

THEORY & PRACTICE

• How To Proofread Documents And Books for Clients
• Everything You Need To Know About Proofreading
• Discover How To Find Potential Prospects
• NEW! AI Module added July 2023
• Demystified: Freelance Consulting Setup, Billing… Even Navigating Finances As A Freelancer!

> Skip the workshop; I'm ready to start now!

Transcript Proofreading:

• Learn How To Proofread Spoken Word
• High Possibility for Repeat Clients
• Niche Down to Reach Unique Prospects
• Exclusive Access to Student Support Group
• Lifetime Access to all newly added content including the NEW! AI Module added July 2023

> Skip the intro course; I'm ready to start now!

I absolutely love working as a freelance proofreader.  I decide my own schedule and I don’t have to follow a dress code or talk on the phone.

Ashley, PA graduate and success story

** Results May Vary **

How Our Proofreading Courses Make It Easier For You to Build Your Skills & Start Freelance Proofreading…

Both of our proofreading courses are designed to help you polish your proofreading skills and launch a proofreading career. We do this in 4 simple steps…

Choose The Right Course For You

Whether you dream of proofreading for your favorite author or love geeking out on expert testimony given in a courtroom, both of our courses pave the way to becoming a freelance proofreader. Each lesson is concise and straightforward, allowing for a stress-free learning experience.

Learn The Art Of Proofreading

Working through each lesson, you’ll build and polish the skills you need to become a proofreader. You’ll practice and even be “put to the test” with quizzes and hand-graded examinations -- so you can feel confident in your ability to take action and succeed.

Apply The Lessons

The key difference between unprofitable proofreaders vs. profitable proofreaders… is that the profitable ones apply what they’ve learned! Information is useless without implementation, which is why Proofread Anywhere focuses on building confidence through practice -- not just learning theory and rules.

Start Freelance Proofreading and Learn Where Proofreaders Find Potential Prospects

Becoming a proofreader is a great thing. It’s so satisfying to get the chance to work with clients doing something you love. After you’ve mastered the art of proofreading, it’s time to evolve! We take you through the freelancing aspect of proofreading -- including where proofreaders find potential prospects -- so you can start with confidence.

Ready to Learn More?

Polish  your skills With Us… and Become The Expert!

Designed and regularly updated by experienced professionals, our courses help you transform your “eagle eyes” for spotting errors into skills you can use to become a freelance proofreader.

Through a unique combination of:

1) Everything you need to know about proofreading (it’s more than just finding typos!)

2) Everything you need to know about launching a freelance proofreading business -- from setting your prices to finding and communicating with clients

3) Lifetime support, updates, and an interactive community… Proofread Anywhere is the leading choice for learning how to become a proofreader online.

We invite you to become not just good at proofreading, but a master at proofreading. Why? Because the stronger your skills are, the more confident you become. We’re with you every step of the way.

I can't say enough about how the PA course changed my life. I'm so glad I found it because it's given me the freedom I've been wanting -- work whenever and however much I want and enjoy my own life too!

maria arellano (from trustpilot)

Hear What Students Say About Our Training Courses

Click to play

Where should I start?

Most of our students begin with the General Proofreading: Theory and Practice course.

How long does it take to complete the course?

The amount of time it takes to complete the course varies based on a lot of factors, including the time you have available. We’ve seen students complete the course in as little as a month, whereas others take quite a bit longer since they integrate their coursework into their current schedule of family fun, date nights, and other activities. 

Does Proofread Anywhere help me get clients?

Proofread Anywhere teaches the ins and outs of being an effective proofreader and teaches how other proofreaders have found potential prospects but does not give you clients.

Any training program that promises you clients, makes bold or unsubstantiated income claims, guarantees work or job opportunities is probably a scam and should likely be avoided.

Want To Kickstart Your Proofreading Career?

Enter your first name & email address to get The Essential Kickstart Guide To Proofreading today. This guide will help you kickstart your career as a profitable proofreader.

Success! Now check your email to download the Kickstart Guide.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

• Affiliate Portal
• Sponsor our Newsletter
• General Proofreading
• Transcript Proofreading
• Free 7-Day Trial Course
• Free Video Workshop
• Student Reviews
• Hire A Proofreader
• Resources for Freelancers

© 2022 Proofread Anywhere. All Rights Reserved.

• Website Terms
• Course Terms
• Cookie Policy

Consumer Testimonials and Important Disclaimers . Your results will be based on numerous variables, such as your level of effort, experience, personal qualities, and ability to master the skills taught in Proofread Anywhere's training programs. Since these factors differ for each individual, we cannot guarantee your success, results, or income level, nor are we responsible for your success or failure. The testimonials and examples used are exceptional results from a wide range of Proofread Anywhere's students. They do not apply to all students (or "customers") and shall not represent or guarantee that everyone will achieve the same or similar results.

As with any business-related program or online training program, your results using Proofread Anywhere's General Proofreading: Theory & Practice, Transcript Proofreading: Theory & Practice, and any other Proofread Anywhere LLC products, may vary from the consumer testimonials published on Proofread Anywhere's websites and social media pages.  From time to time, Proofread Anywhere may compensate some past students with a gift card or other nominal remuneration that encourages them to voluntarily provide an honest testimonial of their experience, whether positive or negative. Unique experiences and past performances do not guarantee future results. Testimonials herein are non-representative of all students; some students may have worse performance than that indicated.

Proofread Anywhere is not a school. Proofread Anywhere does not offer any degrees recognized by employers, act as personal career advisors or guarantee employment by enrolling in its programs.  Proofread Anywhere does not offer or believe in “get-rich-quick schemes.” General Proofreading: Theory & Practice, Transcript Proofreading: Theory & Practice, and any other Proofread Anywhere products are not "get-rich-quick schemes." It takes substantial time, effort, and dedication to be successful with any endeavor you pursue. Proofread Anywhere believes that it provides you with a valuable toolbox to achieve your desired results, and many students agree.

Becoming A Proofreader

Right now, there are over 100K open jobs requiring proofreading skills. Take our online proofreading course, Becoming A Proofreader, to receive comprehensive training, earn a professional certificate, and unlock these job opportunities to start your new career!

• CPD accredited
• Beginner friendly
• Guaranteed work with Proofed
• Takes 4–6 weeks at 5 hours a week
• 100% self-paced learning with lifetime course access
• 24/7 expert tutor support
• Private alumni group

Get Certified and Dive into a Proofreading Career

Certified Becoming A Proofreader graduates have proofread for a wide variety of clients across many different industries.

Interested in our guaranteed work offer? Learn more about our bundle offer here!

Who is this online proofreading course for.

You can become a freelance proofreader if you aspire to…

Kick-start a career in something you’ve always enjoyed

• Earn more, or boost your existing income
• Leave behind an unfulfilling job
• Start a career in something that truly interests you

Gain more flexibility and work from anywhere

• Work from home or while traveling, switching on and off whenever you want to
• Work for yourself around your family’s schedule
• Organize your work around your life, not the other way around

Work on rewarding projects where your expertise is needed and appreciated

• Stay active in your retirement
• Earn extra income to put toward trips and new experiences
• Get a sense of accomplishment while helping others

Introducing Our Becoming A Proofreader Course

13 modules, 78 lessons, and dozens of practice-based exercises.

You’ll learn unique skills that are essential for a successful freelance proofreading career. Plus, you’ll have the chance to try out simulated client scenarios that will prepare you to tackle the real thing.

Comprehensive content

Learn about common mistakes, working to style guides, differences between US and UK English, useful shortcuts, tracking tools, and the nuances of proofreading different types of writing, including creative, business, and academic.

Interactive by design

It’s more than just words on a screen! With a mix of videos, quizzes, and practical try-it-yourself exercises, we’ll help you stay engaged every step of the way.

Built by proofreading experts

You’ll learn from materials carefully crafted by academics and proofreading experts, whose knowledge of grammar and punctuation served as launchpads for their own careers.

1:1 interaction with tutors

One of the best things about this course is our friendly, knowledgeable tutor team. They are always available to give one-on-one assistance and genuinely want to see you succeed. After receiving your final assignment results, you’ll have a call with a tutor who will give you detailed, tailored feedback.

Self-paced learning

There’s no pressure and no ticking clocks. With total control over your education, you can complete the course in under one month or in six months if life is busy. When you’re finished, you can come back to it anytime.

Leads to work opportunities

When you pass the Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor final assignments with scores of at least 80%, you’ll have the option to onboard with Proofed and start a 10-document paid trial, working on real client documents.

Becoming A Proofreader Course Curriculum

Here is a sneak peek of what you will learn in each module

Module 1: An Introduction To Becoming A Proofreader

Module 2: proofreading and editing, module 3: the basics of microsoft word, module 4: common spelling mistakes, module 5: common grammar mistakes, module 6: common punctuation mistakes, module 7: other common errors, module 8: proofreading in practice: style, module 9: academic proofreading, module 10: academic proofreading: referencing and citations, module 11: proofreading business writing, module 12: creative writing and the publishing industry, module 13: finding work and the final assignment, our learners’ real reviews from trustpilot.

They took a leap of faith and transformed their careers – gaining flexibility, extra income, and, often, a sense of purpose by helping others with their writing.

How Our Course Works

Here’s what you can expect after starting the course:

Complete the course and take the final assignment

Work through the lessons at your own pace, and complete the try-it-yourself exercises and interactive quizzes to test out your new knowledge and developing skills. If you have any questions, you can contact the tutor team at any time. In the last module, you’ll come to the final assignment. This is an open-book exam, and you can take as long as you need to complete it.

Get detailed feedback and receive your CPD-accredited certificate

Your final assignment will be graded by one of the tutor team, and you’ll receive your score, detailed feedback, and a course completion certificate. You’ll also have the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one call with a tutor to discuss your assignment and tips for honing your skills.

Explore job opportunities with our course bundle

Our work guarantee is available for graduates of both Becoming An Editor and Becoming A Proofreader . If you score 80% or more in the final assignment for each of these courses, we’ll offer you a 10-document paid work trial with our partner company, Proofed.

Proofreading Course Reviews ⭐

Here’s what our graduates say:

As a working mom, it gave me the confidence to start a career later in life and the feeling that I could do it.

“Out of all the different courses out there that I took, this one gave me the fundamentals that prepared me to work in the proofreading industry.”

Now I can work around my family schedule and organize work around life, not the other way around.

“After taking the course, a pool of options opened up to me. Proofreading is a nice add-on and a security blanket that brings me the extra income and flexibility I need.”

I used to do a job anyone could do. Now I have something unique to offer which led to increased self-esteem.

“I thought I might pass the test and then receive some email explaining why I was wrong for thinking I’d get to work for Proofed. Those worries were groundless though; I’ve worked for Proofed for ten months now.”

Working with Proofed, I get to read student work and help people at the start of their careers, which feels quite satisfying.

“It’s a flexible, informative and well-thought-out course. Gives you insights into what’s expected of you in this job. I’m happy to have found a new way to make money to supplement my retirement. Now I can travel and eat out with my wife feeling like I deserve it”.

Earn Guaranteed Work with Our Proofreading & Editing Course Bundle

You’ll learn:

• The essential skills needed to be a professional proofreader
• How to fix common spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes
• The appropriate style and tone to ensure that a document suits its intended audience and purpose
• How to use the tools in Microsoft Word so that you can apply these newfound skills

Becoming An Editor

• How to take your skills to the next level and perform a more in-depth review
• The difference between comprehensive, line, and copy editing
• How to apply editing principles according to structure, content, and style
• How to edit different types of documents, including academic, business, and creative writing, plus online copy and translated texts

Meet Our Friendly Tutors

They were once where you are now, and they’re here to give you the confidence that you can do it too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Proofreading Course

Guaranteed work sounds great, but surely there’s a catch.

There are no hidden surprises with our guaranteed work offer.

If you pass Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor with a distinction score (at least 80%) in each final assignment, we’ll offer you the chance to take up a 10-document work trial with our partner company, Proofed – one of the world’s leading proofreading and editing services. If you successfully pass this paid trial, you’ll gain access to the wider Proofed platform and be able to accept bigger and better-paying documents. As you build confidence and experience, you may also be invited to take on specialist work with business clients, further boosting your earning potential.

And if you don’t score 80% first time, it’s no problem. You can purchase additional attempts, and you’ll receive ample support from our friendly tutor team along the way.

How does this proofreading course work?

Becoming A Proofreader is made up of 13 comprehensive modules, each focusing on a different aspect of proofreading. You can progress through the course at your own pace and return to completed modules for a refresher whenever you like.

As well as informative written content, each module includes interactive elements such as videos, try-it-yourself exercises, and quizzes. These are designed for you to test your skills as you work your way through the course, and they help highlight any areas you might want to revisit. But don’t worry, none of these count toward your final grade!

When you reach the final module, we’ll guide you through some key revision areas and provide you with a mock assignment. This is a great opportunity for you to try out your skills and see the kinds of edits you should be making in a document. The mock test isn’t marked by a tutor, but it comes with our edited version and a set of notes so you can review your work.

When you’re ready, you can then progress to the final assignment! This consists of two proofreading tests, on which you’ll receive detailed tutor feedback. You can take as long as you need to complete the tests, and you are encouraged to refer back to the course while you work. If you score 80% or above for this course and Becoming An Editor, you’ll be offered the opportunity to undertake a 10-document paid work trial as a freelance proofreader with Proofed. And if you don’t pass the first time, don’t panic! You can purchase additional attempts.

What kinds of writing does your proofreading course cover?

In Becoming A Proofreader, we cover the main subjects professional proofreaders are likely to work in. Creative, business, and academic writing are all included. If you’re just starting out, we recommend gaining experience in all areas before you decide to focus on a particular type of writing.

Do you teach proofreading symbols or marks?

At Knowadays, our courses have always been based on the need for editing and proofreading in a digital world. We recognize that most clients work on a computer with internet access and need documents to be proofread immediately.

We don’t teach the use of proofreading symbols as most proofreaders today are unlikely to use them. There may be some customers who prefer the traditional methods of proofreading, but most work will be done digitally.

How long will it take to complete the course? Can I start my proofreading course at any time?

One of the great things about learning with Knowadays is that you get to set the pace. When you buy one of our courses, you get lifetime access. This means you can get started whenever you want, and you can take as little or as much time as you need.

Is there a UK and a US version of the proofreading course?

Yes, there are two versions of the course! You will be assigned the US version as standard, but if you would prefer the UK version instead, you can email us at [email protected] and we will make the switch for you.

How do I know proofreading is the career for me?

Before making any kind of career change, we recommend asking yourself three questions:

What do I enjoy doing? What skills do I possess or would I be willing to learn? What would make me happy career-wise?

A career in proofreading might be for you if:

• You enjoy reading, writing, and learning about the English language
• You have great attention to detail and often spot errors in written material
• You have good time management, technology, and organizational skills (or would be willing to develop them!)
• You want a career that is flexible, rewarding, varied, and always teaching you new things

With so many proofreading courses available, how do I know this is the right one?

We know there are a lot of different options out there, and weighing them up can be a daunting task.

One of the best ways to see if a course is right for you is to give it a go, which is precisely why you can take two lessons from the course for free. You can get a feel for learning with Knowadays by exploring our example modules, complete with interactive activities and quizzes.

It’s also worth asking yourself:

•  Does the course cover the fundamentals?
• Does it include practical exercises to test your skills?
• Do you get access to learning support?
• Does the course have good reviews?
• Do you get a certification?

When you learn with Knowadays, the answer to all of these questions is yes! Plus we’ve been recognized as the Editorial Training Provider Of The Year (UK) in the 2023 Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards.

What’s the difference between proofreading and copy editing?

If you think of the editing process as a timeline, copy editing happens toward the end – after developmental and line editing have been finished but before the final proofread:

Developmental editing ➜ Line/stylistic editing ➜ Copy editing ➜ Proofreading

A copy editor’s role is to ensure that words, sentences, and paragraphs work together to properly express the author’s ideas while maintaining the author’s voice.

A proofreader focuses on fixing mechanical errors, such as spelling mistakes or typos, grammatical issues, and misused or missing punctuation. You can read more about this in our blog .

Modern digital proofreading can touch upon some elements of copy writing because it’s no longer constrained by the limitations of the printing press. Some clients may not exactly know if they need a proofreader or a copy editor, but our course teaches you all about the remit of each role, plus how to establish the scope of the task before you start.

What do I need to take the course? What will I need to study for this course?

There’s no need to study anything beforehand. To complete the course, you’ll need a laptop or desktop computer with an internet connection and access to a full version of Microsoft Word (2016, 2019, 2021, or 365).

Although you can view the course on smartphones, tablets, and Chromebooks, they use a limited version of Microsoft Word that doesn’t include all the necessary tools. Plus, a larger screen size is preferable for study.

Other than that, all you need is the ability to set aside some study time, a little self-discipline, and the desire to learn about all things proofreading!

If English is not your first language, you can still take the course, but please note that passing the final assignment calls for a high-level understanding of written English.

Do I need any qualifications or previous experience to enroll in the course?

The simple answer is no!

Becoming A Proofreader is designed to cover everything you need to know to start work as a professional proofreader, so you don’t need any qualifications or previous experience. This course is your path from complete beginner to confident, trained professional.

That being said, lots of experienced professionals take Knowadays courses too! If you’re looking to brush up on your existing skills or find new avenues of work, our Becoming A Proofreader course can help you do just that.

Is Becoming A Proofreader a certified course? Do I get a proofreading qualification?

Becoming A Proofreader is accredited by CPD – a professional body that certifies excellence in professional development training. CPD-certified courses are rigorously tested by industry experts, which makes them a valuable addition to your resume. When you successfully complete the course, you’ll receive a digital certificate via email. This is a great way to showcase your achievements, and it lets potential employers and clients know that your knowledge and skills are up to date.

How much does the proofreading course cost?

Our course is $499 (which is cheaper than other proofreading courses out there!). If you’re also interested in learning how to edit, we offer a bundle of two courses for $849, saving you 15% and giving you the opportunity to work with Proofed. Learn more about the bundle here .

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes! Course purchases will be refunded in full if requested within 14 days of the purchase date (see our terms and conditions ).

If you’d like to request a refund, all you need to do is email us at [email protected] and we’ll be in touch.

Does it matter where I live?

You can be anywhere in the world! All you’ll need is a computer (PC or Mac), an internet connection, and a full version of Microsoft Word (2016 or later).

Please note that to work with Proofed, your country of residence must have a tax treaty with the United States Internal Revenue Service and use a currency that’s compatible with Proofed’s payment platform. These countries are listed here .

If I successfully complete the Becoming A Proofreader course, am I guaranteed work with Proofed?

When you pass both our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses with distinction scores of 80% or higher, you’ll have the chance to begin a 10-document trial period with our partner company, Proofed.

Completing only Becoming A Proofreader does not guarantee work with Proofed, but you can still launch an independent career as a professional proofreader!

Is there a demand for proofreaders?

There is no shortage of demand for proofreaders!

From businesses to academic institutions, publishing houses to nonprofits, all sorts of organizations produce content that requires proofreading. Although some deal with this in-house, there is always a demand for professional freelance proofreaders who can get the job done to a high standard.

Webpages, blog posts, social media content, email newsletters, essays, novels, manuscripts, journal articles, legal documents, medical writing – there is a huge variety of proofreading work available (and that’s not even the full list!).

How much money do proofreaders make?

The rates proofreaders charge can vary significantly based on factors such as:

• How experienced you are
• How complex the job is
• Whether you are working in a specialist subject area
• The type of client

The EFA (US) suggests a minimum hourly rate of $31–$45 (depending on the nature of the project). The CIEP (UK) suggests a minimum hourly rate of £28.65.

When you start out, it is likely you will be earning less than this, as you may need to market your services competitively in order to build up a client base (as well as your confidence and experience!). But as you gain practice and develop your skills, you also gain the ability to charge higher rates.

You can read more about setting rates as a proofreader in our blog .

Can you make a living proofreading?

Definitely! There are lots of factors that influence how much a proofreader can charge, and figures on average income vary depending where you look. However, the figures all have something in common – they show it’s completely possible to make a living proofreading.

Hundreds of Knowadays graduates are doing just that, whether by working for Proofed, signing up with other agencies, or building their own freelance businesses.

As with any career, you have to be willing to put in the work to develop your skills, find clients, and gain experience. But if you do that, you’re sure to succeed!

Plus, as you gain experience, or complete additional training or accreditation, you can raise your rates accordingly.

How do I get my first proofreading job?

If you pass your final assignment with a distinction score of 80% or above for this course and Becoming An Editor, you won’t need to worry about finding your first proofreading job. As part of our guaranteed work offer, you’ll have the chance to take up a 10-document paid work trial with our partner company, Proofed, soon after completing the course.

If you’d prefer to source your own clients, or you want to combine working with Proofed with working independently, there are a number of things you can do. Explore our blog to pick up freelance tips and read guidance on how to find proofreading work . And for the practical elements of setting up your own freelance business, check out our Becoming A Freelancer course.

Who can I discuss my questions and doubts with?

We’re here to help you decide whether Becoming A Proofreader is right for you, and we’ll guide you through your journey if you take the course. Our tutors have been exactly where you are now, and they will make sure you feel taken care of at all times.

Email us your questions at [email protected] , or get in touch to ask about scheduling a chat with one of the team.

• No payment info
• No hidden costs

Thanks! Your two free lessons have been sent to your email.

Try Two Lessons For Free

Enter your email below and get instant access to two lessons from the full course.