proofreading training online

11 Proofreading Courses Online In 2023 (Personal Experience!)

By: Author Aisha Preece

Looking for THE BEST proofreading courses to get you started on your online proofreading career?

You’re in the right place.

Three years ago, I quit my 9-5 office job and started working remotely by working as an online proofreader.

This wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t taken a few accredited proofreading courses online that showed me the ropes.

These proofreading training courses helped me transition into an online proofreader that was able to pay my bills and save.  

Whether you’re an experienced proofreader or just starting, signing up for proofreading online courses is a great way to increase your skills and ultimately, your profit.

When you have the skills and knowledge to proofread a document well, you will impress existing clients and also be recommended to new ones.

So, read on to find out about some of the best online grammar editing proofreading courses out there, both free and paid, so you can deliver high-quality work and increase your rates. 

Note – I have bought most of these proofreading training courses myself. 

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

Here’s a quick summary of the best online proofreading courses available in the market:

• My preferred and recommended course – General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ (GPTP)
• Microsoft Word Essentials (Udemy)
• Writing Editing Masterclass (Content Editing, Copyediting and Proofreading)
• Kickstart a Freelance Editor and Proofreader Career on Upwork (Udemy)
• How to Find & Correct Writing Errors: The Proofreading Guide (Udemy)
• Proofread Like a Pro (Udemy)
• Writing Proofreading Course: Proofread Punctuation & Grammar (Udemy)
• Proofreading Power Basics (Udemy)
• What is Proofreading? (Publishing Training Center)
• How to be an Editor/Proofreader for Translators (Udemy)
• Proofreading and Copyediting 101 (Universal Class )

The Best Proofreading Course?

General proofreading: theory and practice™ (gptp).

Although it’s the most expensive on the list, it’s because it’s the best.

I have done many, many proofreading and copyediting courses and this one is the most comprehensive.

Proofread Anywhere ensures you never need to buy any other proofreading resource or refer to any other proofreading online training.

It also shows you how to find jobs and you receive certification once you complete the modules and test at the end.

Also, here is a FREE workshop that will teach you how to become an online proofreader!

More on the details of this proofreading online course later. 

First things first.

It is important to understand the difference between a proofreader and an editor before you decide if you want to learn editing and proofreading.

Don’t make the mistake of using the two terms interchangeably, because that’s what I did before I took a proofreading course!

• An Editor: Makes major changes like restructuring sentences and paragraphs, fact-checking, ensuring clarity or reworking word choices to add more punch.
• A Proofreader: Checks the work after it has been edited like typos, formatting or grammar errors.

Proofreading can be done on any type of written content such as academic journals, books and novels, blog posts, website pages, resumes, and so on.

This is known as general proofreading.

You can also choose to specialize in niche areas such as legal, technical, or medical proofreading.

These types of proofreaders are highly sought after, but make sure you have mastered the field you’ve chosen to specialize in.

In other words, proofreading is the last stop before a piece of work is published.

It ensures the work is nice and pretty before it goes out to the clients – just like a garnish to a delicious meal!

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Do I Need Special Skills To Become A Proofreader?

Not really, but it would help if you’re an avid reader who has good grammar and “Eagle Eyes”, as they call it.

It’s not the norm for clients to ask about your academic background, but if you’re an English or Journalism major, that would be a bonus. (Note – I had neither)

If you don’t have a background, it is also not difficult to get a proofreading certification online.

Here are some of the traits of a good proofreader: 

• You have an inquiring and analytical mind.
• You have excellent attention to detail.
• You don’t mind reading long texts and have the patience for it.
• You’re not easily distracted and have a good attention span.
• You’re systematic and you manage time well.
• You’re reliable and trustworthy.
• You’re open-minded towards various topics, even the ones you’re not interested in.

11 Best Proofreading Courses

To save you time searching, this post has compiled 11 of the best proofreading courses online for you:

This is the best one which I recommend because I have taken it myself: 

General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ (GPTP) (Proofread Anywhere)

The Proofread Anywhere course shows you how to turn your passion for reading into a proofreading business. Founded by Caitlin Pyle, this course teaches you how to proofread and how to market your services to find clients.

Main features:

• 7-day free proofreading course (Introduction).
• Bonus resource guides for all types of service-provider markets.
• Lifetime access to course materials.
• Course completion certificate.
• Also offers a Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ course.

 Price: USD497 for the Ignite Package and USD597 f or the Ignite Plus Package.

Other proofreading courses I recommend from the cheapest to the most expensive: 

2. microsoft word essentials (udemy).

Why is this course on the list, you ask?

Because proofreading is mainly done on Microsoft Word, so it’ll be wise to get to know this platform better. 

Plus who’s going to say no to a free online proofreading course right?

This proofreading resource for beginners will make your proofreading tasks easier, faster, and more efficient.

Most of us are experienced in Microsoft Word –  but do you really know the function of each button?

• A step-by-step tutorial that’s easy to follow.
• High 4.4-star course rating.
• 2hr 48min of on-demand video.

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• Proofreading Academy Review 2023: Worth It And Legit?
• How To Find Proofreading Clients: 19 Ways In 2023 [Bonus Tip!]

3. Writing Editing Masterclass – Content Editing, Copyediting, and Proofreading (Skillshare)

Thi s editing and proofreading course contain many modules on content editing, copyediting, and proofreading.

It aims at making you an expert at converting dry, boring content with a lot of errors into interesting, easy-to-read, lean, and error-free content.

• Modules cover a larger context of the editing process.
• Final proofreading tests are not compulsory – do it anyway!
• Low time commitment.
• 2-month free trial.

Price: USD8.99 per month with Skillshare Premium.

4. Kickstart a Freelance Editor and Proofreader Career on Upwork (Udemy)

Other editing and proofreading courses in this list focus on upskilling your technique and style.

But in this course, Professor Duncan Koerber will teach you how to find work on Upwork – assuming you already know how to proofread.

• One of the highest-rated freelancing courses on Udemy.
• Insights from Professor Koerber’s writing textbook, Clear, Precise, Direct: Strategies for Writing .

Price: USD12 with 30-day money back guarantee.

5. How to Find & Correct Writing Errors: The Proofreading Guide (Udemy)

This proof freading course is packed with 19 video lessons that can help you upskill your proofreading techniques. Taught by University professor Duncan Koerber, this course is a bestseller on Udemy.

• Students will learn to develop the right mindset to catch errors, and where they lurk.

  Price: USD12 with 30-day money back guarantee.

6. Proofread Like a Pro (Udemy)

This breezy 1.5 hour course will teach you how to proofread like a pro by teaching you what to look out for and how to use professional proofreading symbols.

Top companies like WordPress, Nasdaq, and Eventbrite so you can be sure of its quality content that is value for money.

Dr Clare Lynch, a Cambridge writing tutor and professional copywriter manages to deliver a concise, clear, and engaging class even within a short time span.

If you are looking for a short course to take but want quick returns on investment, this is the one to go for.

7. Writing Proofreading Course: Proofread Punctuation & Grammar (Udemy)

If you have got the proofreading basics down pat, make sure you also try this course on proofreading punctuation and grammar.

You’ll learn three key methods to proofread effectively, and how to fix poor syntax and correct punctuation.

No matter how good at proofreading you think you might be, Nitay L’s class will give you new insights for sure.

As an Upwork proofreader, he will also give you solid, real-life examples from his experiences and teach you how to earn as a proofreader as soon as possible.

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8. Proofreading Power Basics (Udemy)

This course takes only an hour but is jam-packed with 23 video lessons to keep you occupied.

You’ll learn the tips and tricks to proofreading but bear in mind, this course requires you to have at least an intermediate level of grammar and writing skills.

• Offers hands-on exercises and quizzes.
• Downloadable materials are available.

Price: USD 35 with 30-day money back guarantee.

9. What is Proofreading? (Publishing Training Center)

This entry-level proofreading training offers extensive study time – between 5 to 7 hours with 8 months of access to the modules once you signed up.

At the end of this course, you’re expected to understand proofreading in 4 sectors:

• Book and journal publishers.
• Independent authors.
• Educational industry.
• Organizations that may not be publishers but who have information or messages to share.
• Can be viewed on computers only, not tablets and smartphones.
• Fees are non-refundable.
• Downloadable material is available.

Price: USD36

10. How to be an Editor/Proofreader for Translators (Udemy)

This course is one of the best proofreading and editing courses online.

It is designed for translators who wish to concentrate more on editing, revision and proofreading.

Instead of teaching how to edit and proofread, this course focuses on how to USE editing and proofreading to earn money.

• Ensures you can work effectively as an editor/proofreader alongside translators.
• Low time commitment. 

Price: USD37 with 30-day money back guarantee.

11. Proofreading and Copyediting 101 (Universal Class)

This 11-hour course covers both proofreading and copyediting. So, if you’re a writer who’s looking to improve your writing skills, this course is for you.

Not only you’ll improve your writing skills, but this might also be the pathway for you to kickstart your career!

• You can start anytime once signed up.
• Modules can be viewed via both computer and smartphone.
• Accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
• Offers exams and assignments.

Price: USD95 with and USD70 without CEU Certificate.

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Why Do People Hire Proofreaders?

Have you ever read a book or a report and noticed any grammatical errors?

Does it make you question the credibility of the writer?

Errors in the written text may result in readers focusing on the errors instead of the content of the text.

Checking for errors needs a human touch. While it’s true that there are tons of software that can check grammar, spelling, as well as formatting, relying too much on automated proofreading is risky.

Words have personality and meaning. 

Proofreaders are hired for different reasons:

• To boost credibility

The first impression is crucial.

Spelling mistakes and grammar errors can make readers lose interest in reading or worse, lose customer trust and loyalty.

Online copies are the most at stake in this case. Errors, even when they seem minor, are actually a major setback to a business because they can make a site look illegitimate or sketchy.

• To save money

Our eyes and brain love to play tricks on us. That’s why even the smallest thing should be proofread. Imagine having “Principle” instead of “Principal” on a name card. Reprinting would cost a bomb!

Also, this can avoid potential future lawsuits where customers misunderstand the text due to errors!

• To save time

When you’re a professional proofreader, reading and catching copy errors are your bread and butter.

Naturally, you get it done faster than other people would. That’s why people hire proofreaders, they want to save time to get other work done.

• To improve their writing and language use

When people hire proofreaders, they get to improve their own writing and language use too.

Proofreaders will reveal the errors that the writer might have overlooked. 

It can be quite embarrassing to make minor errors like exchanging “it’s” and “its”. So, here’s where proofreaders come into play – to avoid clients doubting a writer’s professionalism.

How Much Can You Get Paid As A Proofreader?

Before we go deeper into this section, you have to know that there are two main options when it comes to fixing a proofreading rate – per hour and per word.

The simplest way to work out your rates.

But please be careful with your estimation of how long each job will take.

You don’t want to request an extension from your client or undercharge them for the extra hours you work.

•   Per Word

Charging per word may allow you to provide a reliable estimate of how much you’ll charge for a job, but you might need to alter the rate to suit the complexity of the task you’re working on.

Freelance proofreaders have the liberty to customize their rate according to:

• Level of expertise and years of experience.
• Turnaround time.
• Work difficulty.
• Scope of work.

Beginner proofreaders typically charge around USD10 per hour.

More experienced proofreaders usually fix an hourly rate from at least USD20 to USD45 per hour, but depending on your experience and expertise, the rate can go up to USD50 per hour.

Let’s take a look at some annual salary estimates to give you an idea of how much you can potentially earn per year, as a freelance proofreader:

Salary.com : USD52,569 Ziprecruiter : USD51,391 Glassdoor : USD60,809

Some Tips To Succeed As A Proofreader: 

• Make sure your client understands what a proofreader does.
• Sometimes, unedited copies might land on a proofreader’s desk, so you shouldn’t agree to proofreading rates while you have to do copy-editing instead.
• Offer higher proofreading rates for weekend assignments or a quick turnaround time.
• Experience and good references go a long way, so start with a low rate but deliver the job well anyway, because you need experience before you start charging more.

Practice, practice, practice!

If you’ve read all this way, congratulations!

That means you’re interested in polishing your proofreading skills.

Once you’re equipped with the course of your choice, you can have some fun with these free online exercises:

• Test Your Proofreading Prowess Quiz + Bonus Resources
• Business Writing – Test Your Proofreading Skills
• Can You Ace This Basic Proofreading Quiz?
• Proofreading exercises with answers from proofreading-course.com
• Purdue OWL Exercises
• Proofreading exercise by freelancewriting.com
• Writing: BBC Skillswise Editing and Proofreading
• Writers Write: Proofreading Tips and Exercises

FAQs On Proofreading Courses

What qualifications do i need to be a proofreader.

You do not need any official qualifications to be a proofreader but you should have the following soft skills:

• Meticulous and thorough
• Good command of English with native or near-native fluency
• Great communication skills
• Excellent written skills
• Open to feedback and change

It is also good to have a bachelor’s degree in either of these fields: English, English literature, publishing, communications, digital media, or journalism.

You can also skill yourself by taking up specialist courses or an internship role in proofreading. 

What Is The Best Certification For Proofreading?

The best certification for proofreading for anyone with or without experience is the General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ by Proofread Anywhere .

With the best proofreading certification also comes lifetime access to course materials and a course completion certificate.  

I’ve taken this course before myself and while it can be pricey, it is a comprehensive course to get you started immediately on a proofreading career.

The course will teach you how to not only proofread but market your proofreading services even if you have no experience. 

How Can I Learn Proofreading For Free?

There are many ways to learn proofreading for free, such as taking this course from Proofread Anywhere .  These provided many proofreading courses free.

There are even free copyediting courses and free online proofreading courses with certificates.

Ultimately if you do want to make a living out of proofreading, it would be worth investing in a paid course . 

The best editing and proofreading courses online are paid.

And with that premium comes more content and actionable exercises and assessments that will better your skills and increase your worth as a proofreader. 

Is Proofreading Still In Demand?

Proofreaders are still in strong demand even now despite the presence of spellchecking software like Grammarly (which I am using right as I type!). 

Grammarly is not able to pick up every spelling or grammatical error because it can only check against one type of language at one time, and it cannot pick up context.

What happens if you’re writing a cross-cultural piece which has both English, and Malay words and even a smattering of Spanish words?

Yes, your spell-check software can be your first layer of checks but a human should always verify the recommendations by the software.

And that’s why proofreading will always be in demand. 

Does Proofreading Pay Well?

Proofreading can pay well from USD10 to USD50 per hour .

You can always earn more as you develop your skills as a proofreader and gain more job experience. 

In fact, you can even value-add to your services as a proofreader and even offer add-ons like translation proofreading or even copyediting to earn more. 

Is It Hard To Become A Proofreader?

It is not hard to be a proofreader though there is a bit of a learning curve at the start. 

But if you are meticulous, hardworking, and have a keen eye for detail, you will be able to pick up proofreading quickly. 

Practicing and doing multiple rounds of proofreading will also help you get better at proofreading.

You should also take proofreading courses , both free and paid courses to improve your skills and learn from experienced proofreaders on how to get better. 

Of course, once you can afford to invest in yourself beyond the best free proofreading courses, head straight for the quality ones!

Taking proofreading courses can help you upskill BUT having top-notch skills doesn’t mean anything if you don’t put them to use.

The bottom line is, do more research to understand the job, join forums or Facebook groups and talk to other proofreaders/editors.

Don’t be afraid to expand your network and your skillsets like branching into copyediting too.

Speaking from personal experience , finding a good proofreading course online free of charge is rare.

There are plenty of proofreading and editing courses online for free but they aren’t very good, even if they do offer copyediting certificates online for free

I ended up wasting months trying to get good free info and then took some courses and in 2 weeks I learned how to get new clients. 

Remember this:  The more you invest in yourself, the more you’ll improve the odds of increasing your income.

Proofreading Courses: 11 Of The Best Online Ones in 2023 !

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7 Best Free Proofreading Courses + Low-Cost Options (2024)

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

As a trained proofreader, I can tell you about the best free proofreading courses on the market. We’ll explore a few low-cost options too. I’ll let you know which ones give you a certificate of completion for finishing the class or passing the final assessment.

We’ll also see who would benefit from these classes and who may want to avoid them.

Table of Contents

Om Proofreading Picks for the Best Free Classes

Here are my top two choices for the best free proofreading courses.

Proofread Like a Pro is number one on my list for the following reasons:

• The class is included with Udemy’s free trial and is a bestseller on the platform.
• The teacher won Udemy’s 2019 Award for Student Success.
• The instructor has a wealth of relevant experience and expertise.
• It has one of the highest ratings for a proofreading course on Udemy.
• It’s reasonably priced if purchased alone (without a subscription).

Let’s look at the best options for free and low-cost proofreading courses.

Best Free Proofreading Courses + Low-Cost Options

Please note that prices, ratings, and other details are subject to change. I’ve included links to all the classes so you can see the most up-to-date information.

The Price for These Proofreading Classes

Whether a course can be free for you on Udemy or Skillshare depends on whether the class is available with a free trial. Only new subscribers are eligible for a free trial on either platform.

Top-Notch Tip: You can often find Udemy and Skillshare’s classes for a significant discount.

Alison’s proofreading class is free for everyone who signs up (no membership required).

Here’s a quick look at the cost of subscribing to these platforms.

Subscription Plans for Udemy, Alison, and Skillshare

Note : Udemy subscriptions are not currently available to students everywhere; however, they’re working diligently to make their subscriptions available to more learners in the future ( source ).

A subscription to one of these platforms gives you access to thousands of courses taught by working professionals and industry experts so you can learn new skills for a reasonable price.

Access to the classes ends when you terminate your subscription.

Do You Earn a Certificate of Completion?

Let’s see which providers offer certificates with their respective courses.

Before we dive into the details of each class, let’s see who these courses are best suited to, how I decided which ones to include in this list, and how I organized the list.

What to Know about Free Proofreading Courses

Before we begin, please know that free and low-cost classes aren’t suitable for providing adequate training for aspiring proofreaders.

Although you can become a proofreader in a fraction of the time required to get a college degree, you still need adequate training and practice.

Competition exists in every sector, and the proofreading industry is no exception.

It’s illogical to think that a free or inexpensive course lasting a matter of hours could be comprehensive enough to prepare you to earn the rates that professional proofreaders get paid .

If you have any doubts about this, I encourage you to ask successful proofreaders for their opinions.

So if you want to become a professional proofreader, don’t worry. I can still help you. 😊

Just go to the FAQ at the end of this article . You’ll get all the information you need to take your next step.

Who Should Take a Free (or Low-Cost) Proofreading Class?

These classes are best suited to the following:

• folks wanting to improve their proofreading skills for job-related purposes
• students wishing to boost their proofreading proficiency to earn better grades
• people who are unsure whether being a proofreader is a good fit for them
• proofreaders wishing to brush up on their skills or get additional training
• those who’d like to volunteer as proofreaders

How I Determined Which Classes Are Best

I found the top courses by searching the websites on Verywell Family’s list of best online learning platforms .

Here are the seven platforms that made the list:

• MasterClass
• Pluralsight

Courses Taken from the Best Online Learning Platforms

Udemy and Skillshare are the only two platforms on the list that provide proofreading courses. So all the classes recommended in this article (except one) come from these two providers.

Coursera was considered the best overall learning platform, but they don’t offer proofreading courses.

However, if you want to learn about grammar, punctuation, editing, or writing, I encourage you to check out Coursera.

I was impressed with what they offer and glad to see they provide financial aid to students who need it.

A Course Taken from the First Page of Google Search Results

I also checked the first few pages of Google after searching for “free proofreading courses.” I found a proofreading class provided by Alison on the first page.

Udemy and Skillshare are relatively well-known sites, but many have never heard of Alison.

I took the Alison course to see if it deserved a spot in this article.

I liked it and included it as the second course in this listicle.

Criteria for Courses in This Article

I came up with specific criteria for evaluating the courses I researched. To make the list, classes needed to meet the following requirements:

• a high/excellent rating (4.0 or above for Udemy courses)
• ratings from a minimum of 300 students
• at least one hour of video content

How I Organized the List

Since you’d likely prefer a free course over a low-cost one, I’ve included the courses available with a free trial first.

The Udemy class is number one for the reasons I mentioned. Next comes the Alison class since you don’t need to sign up for a free trial.

Then come the Skillshare classes, which are available with a free trial. Finally, the list concludes with low-cost options offered by Udemy that aren’t part of their free trial.

Details of the Best Free Proofreading Courses

1) proofread like a pro.

Provider : Udemy

Course Level : All levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced)

Who It’s For : Aspiring proofreaders, writers, and professionals

Requirements :

• a strong understanding of grammar, syntax, punctuation, and spelling
• access to a printer

Cost : Free with a 7-day trial (eligible students only)

• $79.99 for nonmembers
• please see your Subscriptions page for further info about fees

Rating : 4.7 out of 5.0 (2,388 ratings)

Certificate : Yes

Duration : 1 hour 45 minutes (48 lectures)

Time to Access Course : As long as you’re subscribed OR lifetime access (if you purchase the course without a subscription)

Materials : 23 downloads, 21 articles 

Main Topics :

• finding and correcting punctuation and grammar errors
• proofreading symbols
• finding proofreading jobs
• what to look for when proofreading a text
• tactics for identifying mistakes

Course Creator: Dr. Clare Lynch / Dr. Lynch has a PhD in English Literature. She’s an expert writer with decades of experience.

Sign up for Proofread Like a Pro .

2) An Introduction to Proofreading

Provider : Alison

Course Level : All levels

Who It’s For : Writers, office assistants, paralegals, and anyone in charge of producing error-free texts

Requirements : A printer

Cost : Free

Rating : High

Certificate : Available for purchase after you pass the class with an 80% or above on the final assessment

Duration : 1.5 hours (7 topics) / 3–4 hours to complete

Time to Access Course : Lifetime

Materials : 5 downloads, 3 practice tests

• how to spot and fix mistakes
• proofreading hacks
• advanced proofreading methods
• common pitfalls for proofreaders
• special proofreading situations

Course Creator : Marcia Yudkin / Marcia is an author, marketing mentor, and writing coach who has been an editor for a small press.

Since the Alison platform isn’t as well known, I’ve included some additional info below.

Pros of the Alison Proofreading Course:

• fantastic instructor (she knows her stuff!)
• excellent course overall (lots of great takeaways)
• practice tests are helpful, and corrections are accurate
• class has earned CPD certification

Cons of the Alison Proofreading Course:

• tech support lacking* (took more than 24 hours to respond during the week)
• must pay if you don’t want ads between videos 
• outdated user interface (can’t play videos at a higher speed)
• needed to email customer support to get certificate

* The first video lesson stopped loading at one point, but fast-forwarding a few seconds took care of the glitch. It may have been a problem on my end, but no one was available to help me at the time (hence the listing as a con).

How to Receive a Certificate of Completion from the Alison Proofreading Course

To ensure that readers who want to take this class receive the certificate they’re promised, I went through the process of passing the class and purchasing the certificate. 😊

Some of Alison’s courses offer a free certificate of completion but not the proofreading class.

Although I had to email the support team to get my certificate (it wasn’t automatic), I got it within a day of writing them. The certificate costs $39, but sometimes you can get it for less if Alison is running a sale.

And here’s the certificate I received, in case you’re curious about what it looks like.

Sign up for An Introduction to Proofreading .

3) Writing Editing Masterclass—Content Editing, Copyediting and Proofreading

Who It’s For : Aspiring editors, editors, and anyone wanting to improve their writing by self-editing

Requirements : None listed

Cost : One-month free trial available (new subscribers only) or $29 for monthly subscription or $165 yearly

Rating : High; met or exceeded the expectations of 91% of students

Certificate : No

Duration : 2 hours, 59 minutes (62 lessons)

Time to Access Course : As long as you’re a Skillshare member

Materials : Not specified, 2 projects

• how to track changes in MS Word
• how to track changes in Google Docs
• proofreading strategies
• how to fix spelling mistakes
• how to fix punctuation errors

Course Creator : Sivakumar Kannan / Sivakumar is a digital marketing consultant, trainer, and coach.

Sign up for Writing Editing Masterclass .

4) Editing and Proofreading Masterclass | Dominate Writing, Punctuation & Grammar

Provider: Skillshare

Course Level : Beginner

Who It’s For : Anyone wanting to get better at editing and proofreading texts

Rating : High; met or exceeded the expectations of 89% of students

Duration : 3 hours, 48 minutes (64 lessons)

• proofreading with MS Word
• proofreading tips
• how to proofread translated documents
• jobs for proofreaders

Course Creator : Nitay L. / Nitay is an English and Hebrew proofreader, translator, and transcriptionist at Upwork.

Sign up for Editing and Proofreading Masterclass .

5) Proofreading Power Basics

Course Level : Intermediate

Who It’s For : Writers, editors, teachers, and other professionals

• completion of the “Grammar Essentials” course
• intermediate grammar and writing skills

Cost : $84.99 for nonmembers

Rating : 4.4 (971 reviews)

Duration : 1.5 hours (33 lectures)

Materials : 15 downloads, 13 articles, 1 practice test

• fundamentals of proofreading
• how to correct common mistakes
• using exercises to improve proofreading skills
• how to build confidence

Course Creator : Ashan R. Hampton / Ashan is an assistant professor of English, an editor, and a writer; she recently finished coursework for doctoral candidacy.

Sign up for Proofreading Power Basics .

6) How to Find & Correct Writing Errors: The Proofreading Guide

Provi der : Udemy

Who It’s For : Anyone wanting to rid their texts of errors and freelance editors wishing to improve their proofreading skills

Requirements : Good grasp of English

Cost : $64.99 for nonmembers

Rating : 4.3 (1,143 ratings)

Duration : 1 hour (19 lectures)

Materials : 3 articles

• finding and correcting typos and spelling errors
• finding mistakes in images and formatting
• using lists to correct errors with consistency

Course Creator : Dr. Duncan Koerber / Dr. Koerber has a PhD in Communication and Culture and has spent 12 years teaching writing and communications classes to students at Canadian universities.

Sign up for How to Find & Correct Writing Errors .

7) Writing Proofreading Course: Proofread Punctuation & Grammar

Who It’s For : Anyone who wants to get better at proofreading texts

Requirements : You just need to know English 😉

Cost : $54.99 for nonmembers

Rating : 4.3 (624 Reviews)

Duration : 2.5 hours (31 lectures)

Materials : 7 downloads, assignments

• how to identify common mistakes
• basic proofreading methods
• how to fix errors with punctuation and syntax

Sign up for Writing Proofreading Course .

Now that we’ve seen the best options, let’s get an expert opinion about free and inexpensive classes. Then we’ll figure out the answers to some common questions.

An Industry Expert’s Opinion about Free Proofreading Courses

Louise Harnby is a well-known editor, proofreader, writer, podcaster, and speaker who has worked in publishing for 30 years.

Here’s what she says about free and inexpensive proofreading courses for aspiring proofreaders:

“Any courses that promise miracles for very little to no money and time need to be viewed with caution. Use them to evaluate whether a professional editorial career is right for you. Beyond that, financial investment will be necessary.” – Louise Harnby

Louise also discusses what someone looks for when they need editorial services. She tells us that people are looking for an enthusiastic professional who cares enough to invest in top-quality training and understands how to correct a document to industry standards.

She says, “If you can’t demonstrate that you’re that person, you won’t be able to compete effectively.”

I agree with Louise.

It would be a shame to invest in an inexpensive course with the idea that it would be your sole source of training. You’d then have to fork over more money after realizing you didn’t receive sufficient preparation to work in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which proofreading course is best?

After countless hours of research, I can confidently recommend four online proofreading courses—all of which will prepare you to be a professional proofreader.

• General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ by Proofread Anywhere
• Becoming a Proofreader by Knowadays
• Essential Proofreading: Editorial Skills One by The Publishing Training Centre
• A series of three courses by The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading

I authored a comprehensive article comparing these proofreading classes . The post contains two helpful tables and explains the details of each course in an organized way so you can draw comparisons.

I also include a “key takeaway” for each course to help you decide which class makes the most sense for your needs.

All these courses provide a way for you to receive a proofreading certificate—whether you earn it or it’s given to you for finishing the class.  

How do I learn to proofread?

How you learn to proofread depends on your goals. If you want to become a professional proofreader, a comprehensive course is the best way to get the knowledge and confidence you need. But a simple class or self-study can suffice if you simply want to improve your proofreading skills.

Are proofreading courses worth it?

A proofreading class is worth it if you’d like to increase your proofreading proficiency. The ability to produce polished writing is essential in many careers and in academic settings.

And if you want to be a professional proofreader, a thorough course will give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to succeed. A class will also help you compete in the industry since your clients will know you’ve received excellent training.

A comprehensive course should provide you with numerous relevant real-world documents to proofread. You’ll get feedback on your performance so you’re aware of areas that need improvement.

I penned a post about why proofreading classes are worth it if you’d like to learn more.

How do I become a certified proofreader?

To become a certified proofreader, you must pass a rigorous proofreading exam offered by Editors Canada . They recommend you have at least five years of experience as a full-time proofreader before taking the test. Currently, no organization in the United States offers this certification.

Om Proofreading has a post about getting certified as a proofreader if you’re curious about this. The article also discusses how to get a proofreading certificate, which is what most proofreaders decide to do.

Getting a professional certification in proofreading and getting a proofreading certificate are two different processes.

I hope this article has given you valuable information about the best free proofreading courses (and inexpensive ones too).

Good luck with your proofreading-related goals!

Best wishes to you!

“I don’t want to live in the kind of world where we don’t look out for each other. Not just the people that are close to us, but anybody who needs a helping hand. I can’t change the way anybody else thinks, or what they choose to do, but I can do my bit.” – Charles de Lint

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.

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Everything You Need to Become an Online Proofreader

• What is an Online Proofreader?
• How To Become A Proofreader Online With No Experience

1. Educate Yourself:

• Grammar and Style Guides : Familiarize yourself with essential grammar rules and style guides like the AP Stylebook or the Chicago Manual of Style.
• Online Courses : Enroll in online proofreading courses. Some popular ones include Proofread Anywhere’s General Proofreading course or courses on platforms like Udemy and Skillshare.

2. Take a Proofreading Test

• Proofreading Exercise from Freelance Writing
• Three tests at Editing Tests
• Earn Smart Online Proofreading Quiz

3. Practice Regularly:

• Daily Exercises : Engage in daily grammar exercises and proofreading practice to hone your skills.
• Online Quizzes : Take online proofreading quizzes and tests to evaluate your progress.

4. Work on the Skills for a Successful Proofreader

• Strong written language skills (most roles require English)
• An eye for detail. Remember, spelling and grammar checkers will have been used so you’ll need to keep a sharp eye out for mistakes they’ve missed, like mixing up affect and effect.
• Effective time and task management
• Good communication

5. Get the Necessary Tools and Training for Aspiring Proofreaders

• Google Docs : This is often a choice by smaller organizations as it gives you a lot of word processing power, as well as collaboration tools including tracked changes and version history and, is free to use.
• Microsoft Word: Another common word processor, if your clients use Microsoft Word you can convert them into Google Docs and back but it goes occasionally changes the formatting so paying for an Office 365 subscription might be a good business expense.
• An advanced spelling and grammar checker: There are a few choices available, such as Grammarly which works as a browser extension, Hemingway App which is a standalone website or desktop app, and PerfectIt which integrates with Word. They all go that one step further than the spelling and grammar checkers that come as standard and will do some of your job for you.
• Style guides: The most commonly used are AP and Chicago but some organizations have their own in-house guides.
• A website and other online profiles to start building your profile in the industry.

6. Build an Online Presence:

• Portfolio Website : Create a professional portfolio website showcasing your proofreading skills and any completed projects or coursework.
• Social Media : Maintain a professional social media presence, especially on platforms like LinkedIn.

7. Network and Connect:

• Online Communities : Join online proofreading and editing communities to connect with others in the field and learn about job opportunities.

8. Land Your First Proofreading Job: Tips and Platforms

• Fiverr – one of the best-known freelancing sites, Fiverr gives you a platform for your freelance proofreading business. You can list gigs, setting your own details and pricing for free (you pay when you get work) but it is a competitive marketplace.
• Upwork – another freelancing marketplace, but on Upwork employers list projects and you bid on them, letting you see what your clients are willing to pay.
• Flexjobs – a dedicated remote working recruitment site, if you’re looking for a full-time job as a proofreader, this is the site for you.
• Contena – This is a dedicated site for writing services, and all the roles they list are remote. You have to apply to join and it is a membership platform, the cost is around $500 but they don’t publish that on their site.
• Proofread Now – a proofreading services site, that list their vacancies here .
• Edit911 – this site offers a very high standard of proofreading – they only hire PhDs. If you’re a doctor, send them your resume and a cover letter.

9. Maintain Professionalism:

• Timely Deliveries : Ensure that you meet deadlines and maintain clear communication with clients.
• Continuous Improvement : Seek feedback for continuous improvement and strive to deliver high-quality work.
• Ready to Become a Proofreader?

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Proofreading Certification

Proofreading certification [everything you need to know].

At Proofread Anywhere, one of the most common questions we hear from prospective proofreaders is “How do I get my typo-catching talent officially certified?” How can you get a proofreading certification? Let us explain.

Well, let’s clear up a misconception first: In the United States, there is currently no official proofreading certification .

But that’s not to say you can’t get your eagle eyes verified in other ways. For example, there are online proofreading courses that offer a certificate of completion after you finish all the modules and pass the final exams.

A certificate of completion for a proofreading course can serve as tangible proof to clients that you’ve successfully undergone extensive training and are qualified for the role, especially if the certificate of completion is from an established institution that clients know and trust.

And not to toot our own horn, but our courses at Proofread Anywhere are highly rated among proofreaders and clients alike (stay tuned to find out why)!

How to Get a Proofreading Certificate

There is no such thing as a proofreading certification in the US. However, some colleges offer certifications in related fields such as editing, creative writing, and academic writing. Editing and writing certification programs may not be specifically tailored to proofreading, but they often have modules dedicated to essential proofreading skills, like mastering various publication formats and grammar fundamentals .

Getting certified in editing or technical writing from an accredited college can, therefore, still be a fantastic way to show clients that you have the necessary skills for academic proofreading. When advertising your services, you can discuss the modules you took that improved your grasp of the English language, and any assignments you completed that put proofreading-related skills into practice.

But our team at Proofread Anywhere knows firsthand that studying with an accredited college isn’t for everyone. Most come with insane enrollment fees and expect you to pay for course books and study guides, which can be a barrier for those with little income to spare.

Not only are accredited college programs expensive, but they also have strict project deadlines and require attendance on a set schedule. These time constraints can make a college course incredibly difficult to complete even if you have the necessary funds — especially if you’re already working a 9-to-5 or are a stay-at-home parent juggling the responsibilities of childcare.

That’s where a dedicated online proofreading certification course can come in! While online courses may not be accredited, they’re significantly cheaper than college programs (our PA courses cost a fraction of that) and they can be completed remotely at your own pace and schedule.

Unlike a technical writing or editing program, our proofreading courses focus exclusively on honing your proofreading chops . They teach the principles of grammar, punctuation, and sentence structures, as well as effective proofreading strategies and how to apply commonly used style guides (think Chicago, APA, MLA).

Some courses even go a step further and show you how to turn your newly acquired proofreading skills into a profitable freelance career, with modules on marketing your services and attracting prospective clients.

Whether you choose to study with Proofread Anywhere or another course provider, you just need to make sure the online proofreading course you choose is reputable, well-established in the publishing industry, and provides a certificate of completion that tangibly showcases your achievements… And, not to brag, our courses at Proofread Anywhere fulfill all of that criteria (and more!).

Online Courses With Proofreading Certificate

Our online courses at Proofread Anywhere are trusted, well-respected in the industry, and recognized all around the world! After all, they…

• Equip you with all the training, business info, and support you need to build a successful proofreading business
• Are presented clearly, with attention to detail, and with links to tremendously useful resources
• Have plenty of practice documents to hone your skills before taking the final exam, and a fantastic Facebook group to connect with and get help when needed
• Help you to reframe your mindset to think more positively

Don’t believe us? Well, here’s a little plot twist: Those sentences above weren’t written by us — they’re actually direct quotes taken from reviews left by our very own PA graduates! Our Trust Pilot is filled with 5-star reviews from those who have established their dream proofreading careers thanks to our courses (so definitely take a peak when you have the time).

Our proofreading courses also come with a completion certificate once you successfully pass their final exams with a score of 90% or above. You’ll receive the certificate in a convenient, shareable digital file, meaning you can easily (and seamlessly) add it to your freelance website, proofreading portfolio, or virtual resume. On top of that, the certificate is signed by PA team leaders Maia Xiong and Tanya Vaughan.

Since Proofread Anywhere is regarded as an industry leader in proofreading and editing, the certificate will be treated as a credible and respected “credential,” inviting your clients to feel confident to put their trust (and written materials) in your hands.

As a graduate of a PA course, you’ll also be provided with a “verified PA graduate” badge that can be added to your LinkedIn profile . The badge ensures you come across as a qualified professional to clients when you advertise your proofreading services, and it also helps your profile stand out to recruiters headhunting for full-time and freelance proofreaders online.

PA is offering General Proofreading and Transcript Proofreading courses with certificates of completion. General Proofreading is an introductory course ideal for total beginners, and Transcript Proofreading is best suited to those who already have fundamental proofreading skills but are looking to specialize in a lucrative niche (in this case, the legal field).

General Proofreading: Theory and Practice

If typos and comma splices set your cringe meter off the charts, then General Proofreading: Theory and Practice may be the perfect course for you! You’ll learn the basics of proofreading and kickstart your proofreading career from scratch.

The program is packed with over a dozen modules, several resource sheets and quizzes, and practice materials in a range of mediums and difficulties. Each module comes with hours of lesson content and is dedicated to helping you master a particular proofreading skill or self-marketing technique. You’ll also learn how to set up a freelance website and draft effective proposals.

The course is also regularly updated with new content to keep up with current trends and industry developments. We’ve actually just added a new module on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which covers the latest technologies like ChatGPT and how you can use them to ramp up your efficiency as a proofreader.

The General Proofreading: Theory and Practice course costs between $697 and $797, depending on whether you opt for the Ignite or Ignite Plus version. Most of our students complete the course within a month.

If you’re after the digital certificate of completion and badge, opt for the Ignite Plus membership version. This perk isn’t provided in the Ignite membership. Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between the two tiers:

Not ready to jump in just yet? Try out our FREE Proofreading Workshop to find out if proofreading is right for you! You can also get a taste of what it takes to be a proofreader (while polishing up your grammar knowledge) with Grammar Lion’s refresher course .

Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice

If binge-watching true crime dramas is your guilty pleasure, transcript proofreading may be the perfect side hustle (or career shift) for you! As a transcript proofreader, you get to work directly with real-life legal cases by reviewing and cleaning up court transcripts (and this includes criminal cases too!).

Unlike general proofreading, transcript proofreading doesn’t just involve checking for spelling errors and correcting grammar mistakes; you’re often required to ensure dates are accurate, fill in omissions left out by transcription software, and format the document according to transcription style guidelines. You must also ensure any changes you make to the transcript preserve each speaker’s tone of voice.

Transcript proofreading is considered a specialty, or niche, and pays more than typical proofreading gigs because additional responsibilities like confidentiality and other complexities are involved — it can be a great next career step for general proofreaders who want to grow their income.

Our Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice course equips you with the skills, knowledge, and resources you need to excel as a transcript proofreader (regardless of whether you have a degree or former experience in the legal field). The course takes 3–6 months to complete and consists of 60 lessons across 13 modules, over 50 practice transcripts to put your skills to the test, and an in-depth word skills quiz.

Students also receive the following perks:

• Access to an exclusive student community for transcript proofreaders
• Two hand-graded exams
• Your profile is listed in a graduate directory
• Lifetime access to course content, including future updates

Just like our General proofreading course, you receive a digital certificate of completion and badge once you pass the final exam. The course costs a one-time fee of $997 for lifetime access to over $3,000 worth of content.

Transcript proofreading still sounds like a mystery? We’re on the case. Our FREE 7-day transcript proofreading course introduction can help you dive into the world of proofreading for court reporters and give you a “clue” of what to expect!

How a Proofread Anywhere Certificate Can Help You

A certificate of completion obtained through a PA course isn’t just a document that you can show off proudly to friends and family — it can truly make a difference in your career as a proofreader and help you secure long-term clients. After all, a certificate serves as proof that you:

• Have undergone thorough training to hone your proofreading skills.
• Have had your proofreading chops tested and verified by industry leaders in the proofreading field.
• Are a passionate learner committed to continuous growth.
• Have experience tackling documents of varying subject matters and forms, or in the case of transcript proofreading, have acquired the specialized knowledge and skillset needed to handle court transcripts with professional care.
• Know the importance of confidentiality, professionalism, and adhering to a client’s preferred style guidelines, whether in-house or Chicago.
• Are up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry practices (including AI-powered software).

But the best perk of all? The certificate can enhance your belief in your own capabilities, and encourage you to put your skills out there and pursue opportunities you may not have had the confidence to do so before! And just like that, you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful professional proofreader. 

If you have any more questions about an online certificate in proofreading and editing or simply want to learn more about our courses, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team directly . We’re always around to help. For more information and resources, you can also check out our Freelancer Resources page!

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This is interesting! I always thought there might be a formal proofreading certification. No wonder it's such a common question.

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