online proofreading courses uk

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Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for two years so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for one year so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

Editing and Proofreading

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• SALE Savings End Midnight Wednesday 8th May

Writing is often seen as the glamour part of the publishing industry, just as actors and directors are the much hyped up part of the movie world. But behind all these people are those who ensure that the end product makes sense and is free of mistakes.

The film editor is a key person in the making of movies and in print it is the proofreaders and editors who ensure the highest possible quality of the product. By doing the Editing and Proofreading course you have chosen to enter a highly regarded profession, and as you progress through its stages, you will be provided with all the skills and knowledge needed to be either as a freelance proofreader/editor working from home, on either a part time or full-time basis, or employed full-time within the publishing industry.

Introduction

The publishing industry

How publisher works

How editor works

Copy editor's role

Proofreading Symbols, Skills

Introduction, Copy Editing

Grammar, Spelling

Punctuation, Capitalisation

Setting Up in Business

How to Sell Your Services

Help From New Technology

Electronic Publishing

Other Freelance Avenues

The Finishing Touches

• Requirements

Entry Requirements

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

What's Included

• All study materials
• Study Guide
• Full Tutor and Admin support

Qualifications

On successful completion of your course you will receive the learndirect Certificate of Completion of Training in Editing and Proofreading.

Your course certificate will also state the number of CPD points/hours the course is eligible for.

View a sample of the certificate (opens in new window)

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Need proof of your English and Maths skills? Want to catch up and learn more English and Maths? You can for free when you sign up to this learndirect course.

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Essential Proofreading: Editorial Skills One

The only self-study course that takes you from beginner to PQB-qualified proofreader in one step. Including the most recent on-screen proofreading techniques, it's ideal for career-changers or those needing formal proofreading skills.

STUDY TIME: at least 50 hours and up to 12 months to complete

“My objective was to gain a recognised qualification in proofreading to pursue a career change. The course was excellent and has given me the confidence to make this feasible . ” Audrey, Morpeth, Northumberland, UK

Who is it for?

• Editorial staff looking to build or refresh their skills, or learn from the beginning
• Those who proofread as part of their job and lack formal training
• Anyone wanting to work as a freelance proofreader

What will you achieve?

On completing this course you’ll be able to:

• Mark up on screen and on paper, and understand the differences between the two
• Mark up on screen in Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word
• Use and understand British Standards Institution symbols
• Make informed decisions when marking up proofs – what to change, what to leave

What are the key benefits?

• Convenient and flexible – study from home, in your own time, at your own pace
• The support of a personal tutor at every stage of assessment
• 30 self-check exercises to help you learn and practise
• Receive a completion certificate from PQB, graded with a pass, merit or distinction. It’s the most widely recognised industry qualification!
• Career advice and recommendations for further training

Course contents

• Welcome to Essential Proofreading
• Unit 0: Techniques and good practice
• Unit 1: Proofreading or proof-editing?
• Unit 2: Working on PDFs I
• Unit 3: Working on PDFs II
• Unit 4: Working for publishers
• Unit 5: The BSI symbols

For more information please see our Self-Study FAQs.

Student feedback

"An excellent course. I have a better understanding of professional-level proofreading, a stronger grasp of punctuation/grammar and improved judgement with regard to editorial decision-making. I also know how to use a range of tools to mark up proofs and feel far more confident with the BSI symbols." Darren, Gravesend, UK

"The course was packed with the information needed to be a freelancer, including practise exercises to help develop my editing skills, and my tutor was generous with feedback. Since completing the course, I’ve proofread several books for publishers." Taliha Quadri, Freelance Proofreader, Luton, UK

“The course was excellent! I can now interpret and work to a brief, am more knowledgeable on working with PDFs, can fully understand the BSI symbols (both on paper and onscreen), and recognize the distinction between 'proofreading' and 'proof-editing'. I feel confident in approaching educational publishers and that I can fulfill their expectations of a proofreader . ” Sheila, Happy Valley, Hong Kong

“I acquired a vast amount of knowledge about proofreading, working techniques and the publishing process. The exercises and model answers were really useful, the assignments clear and the assessed skills were covered in each module. My tutor responded quickly and helpfully to questions. I now have a thorough understanding of how to proofread and mark up a variety of texts in MS word and Adobe PDF formats, and a good working knowledge of the BSI symbols.” Lucy Ann Pope, Bournemouth, UK

“I learned a lot and the course was exactly what I was looking for – an update of my skills, having been absent from the publishing industry for a long time. Thank you for your courtesy and expertise throughout the course.” Anne, County Cork, Republic of Ireland

What's included?

Personal tutor

Each student is assigned their own tutor, an experienced proofreader, who provides support throughout the course and for up to three months after completion.

Course materials and access to online learning platform

There are six learning modules, all of which contain self-check exercises. Four modules also contain a longer assignment that you will submit to your personal tutor for marking and commentary.

You’ll have full access to the PTC's online learning platform, through which all course materials are accessed. Downloadable materials mean you can practise your new skills as many times as you need, to feel confident that you have mastered them.

Please note, you will need Adobe Reader DC (free version) and Microsoft Word (2010 or later) in order to complete the coursework.

Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) points

Passing this course is worth between 10 and 20 points towards upgrading your CIEP membership.

Exclusive offers

By signing up to Essential Proofreading , you can claim these exclusive offers.

• 50% off the distance-learning course, Essential Grammar . Usually priced at £70, Essential Proofreading  students will pay only £35, saving you £35.
• 50% off the open course, Proofreading PDFs . With a full price of £165 + VAT, this half-day course is offered to Essential Proofreading  students for £82.50 + VAT, saving you £82.50.

How to enrol and pay

Payment options

Essential Proofreading is on special offer at £395. You can pay for the course in three instalments:

• Instalment 1: £135
• Instalment 2: £130
• Instalment 3: £130

The first instalment is payable at the point of enrolment. 

The next two instalments will be collected between the 20th and the last day of the month, for the next two months.

To enrol, you need to click on the ‘Add to Cart’ button on this page. You will be asked to register (if you have not already done so) and, at that point, will be able to pay immediately by credit/debit card. 

Money-back guarantee

If, within 30 days of buying the course (and before any assignments have been sent to your tutor for marking), you decide that the course is not for you, simply let us know and we will issue a full refund. Note that access to the learning platform will cease once your refund is confirmed.

Course completion

You must complete the course within 12 months of enrolment. If you wish to continue the course beyond this period, you can study for a further 12 months following payment of a £75 re-registration fee. Any further extensions are at the discretion of The Publishing Training Centre.

Please read our Terms & Conditions .

To purchase this course, please add it to your cart via the link at the top of the page.

About the authors

Gillian Clarke  has been a freelance proofreader and editor since 1975. She is a founder member and honorary member of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), now the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), and was responsible for setting up its training programme. 

Margaret Aherne  has worked since 1986 as a proofreader, copy-editor, project manager and tutor/mentor for a wide range of publishing clients, as well as for bodies such as the Audit Commission . She is a founder member of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), now the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), and is a mentor in proofreading and copy-editing on the SfEP’s mentoring scheme.

Related courses

The PTC offers virtual classroom courses, self-study distance-learning courses, and a range of e-learning modules. See below for those that complement or build on this course.  

Virtual classroom courses

• Copyright - the basics
• Grammar and punctuation - the basics
• Introduction to Editorial Skills
• Line-editing workshop
• Progress in Editorial Skills
• Proofreading PDFs

Distance-learning courses

• Essential Copy-editing   
• Essential Grammar
• Successful Editorial Freelancing

e-Learning modules

• A comprehensive guide to copy-editing
• Proofreading PDFs: A complete guide for editors

Enrol now by choosing your payment method at the top of the page. The price of this course has been held since December 2019.

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Proofreading Courses Online or Paper

NCC offers a variety of online proofreading courses that can help you improve your proofreading skills. We have courses on basic proofreading techniques, as well as more advanced topics like copyediting and manuscript preparation. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone who wants to improve their writing, our proofreading and editing courses can help you reach your goals. Browse our selection of proofreading courses below and get started today!

Expert Proofreading Courses Online

Proofreading is the process of examining a document for errors and making corrections. It's an important skill for anyone who wants to produce high-quality written work for their own business, or for clients. It can be a full-time job but can also be studied as a valuable extra skill.

Picking the right proofreading courses that are available in the UK is a very important task, it’s easy to get caught up in the details, which is why NCC is here to make the decision very simple for you. We have a whopping 25 years of experience, and this means that we are more than capable of providing you with whatever you need. You’re welcome to look at what’s on offer and use our unlimited assignment submissions to really nail your course. 

There are many different workplace situations where getting access to the best possible proofreading and editing courses will make all the difference, especially when you are looking to upskill for a new job or career. That’s why we try to make things as accessible as we can, by offering a price match guarantee and easy access to flexible payment terms.

Start Your Proofreading Journey Today 

When you take on a proofreading course, the tutors are as important as the course content. Our courses are taught by trained professionals who are more than happy to help you figure out exactly what’s going to work best. At the end of the day, you will also pick up a recognised qualification for completing the course. If you want to get involved with proofreading courses, then this is the best time to do it. We are more than happy to help you learn a brand-new skill, and will work with you as much as we need to make sure that you have the right course.

Are you ready to get started? Enrol today or speak to us via 0333 3445 690 or email [email protected] . 

14 Proofreader courses

Creative & Arts

Creative Writing Diploma

£30.00 /month

over 12 months and £29.00 deposit

or £389.00 pay in full price

Law & Legal

Proofreading Diploma Level 4

£34.17 /month

or £439.00 pay in full price

Proofreader

Blogging Level 4

This Blogging at QLS level 4 course shows you how to produce engaging content, which will ensure the longevity of your blog. 

£16.28 /month

over 12 months and £329.70 deposit

or £525.00 pay in full price

Business Writing Level 4 Diploma

Copywriting level 4 diploma.

Become an in-demand copywriter by learning how to write original, persuasive and engaging copy that gets results. 

English Language & Literature A Level

Our English Language & Literature A-Level course enhances your grasp of written English, readying you for Higher Education. Dive into analysing literature, language structure, and more with our flexible online A-Level English program.

Perfect for A level English online, our course provides comprehensive preparation in language and literature, leading to academic success. Join us at NCC Home Learning and embark on your journey towards mastering English A Level, paving the way for future educational endeavours and career opportunities.

£29.08 /month

over 12 months and £190.00 deposit

or £539.00 pay in full price

English Language GCSE

Tailored for learners seeking to bolster their reading and writing prowess, our GCSE English course online caters to native English speakers. Dive into our comprehensive program designed to elevate your English Language skills.

With a focus on refining reading and writing abilities, our course offers expert guidance to ensure your success. Whether you're aiming to boost your confidence in English or striving for academic excellence, our online platform provides the perfect environment to achieve your goals.

£27.00 /month

over 12 months and £175.00 deposit

or £499.00 pay in full price

English Writing Skills Level 3

This comprehensive at QLS level 3 English writing course is specifically designed for people who want to improve their written English. This course equips you with the skills to write accurately, concisely and fluently.

Fiction Writing

The Fiction Writing course provides a comprehensive guide to successful fiction writing and focuses on a variety of creative writing techniques and styles.

£20.08 /month

over 12 months and £100.00 deposit

or £341.00 pay in full price

Functional Skills English Level 2 RQF

This is the ideal programme for individuals who would like to develop and enhance their English Skills

£20.42 /month

over 12 months and £150.00 deposit

or £395.00 pay in full price

Proofreading Diploma Level 3

This comprehensive Proofreading course is ideal for anyone wanting to brush up on their writing skills or explore a career as a professional proofreader/copy-editor for newspapers, blogs and publishing houses.

SEO Content Writing Level 4 Diploma

This SEO content writing course shows you how to produce focused content that achieves a high ranking on the most popular internet search engines. A good SEO ranking in an online search is a crucial factor in achieving success on the web.

Web Writing Level 4 Diploma

Understanding the principles and practices of assessment award level 3 (rqf).

This is an Ofqual regulated course to develop knowledge of the principles and practices of assessment without any requirement to practice as an assessor. The aim is to assess learners’ knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices that underpin assessment.

Qualification Title: TQUK Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment (RQF) Qualification Number: 601/3913/4 Total Credits: 3 UCAS Points: 8

£13.83 /month

or £195.00 pay in full price

This broad based diploma helps you to understand the writing process and the skills that you, as an aspiring writer, will need.

Level 3 / NCFE / PI410

This Level 4 proofreading diploma will examine every facet of what makes for a successful and professional proofreader.

Level 4 / Quality Licence Scheme / PI188

Level 4 / Quality Licence Scheme / CMP13

Level 4 / Quality Licence Scheme / CMP12

Level 4 / Quality Licence Scheme / CMP22

Level 3 / Edexcel A Level / OSC26

Level 2 / AQA GCSE / OSC06

Level 3 / Quality Licence Scheme / CMP21

Level 3 / Quality Licence Scheme / SH040

Level 2 / NCFE CACHE / OXB04

Level 3 / Quality Licence Scheme / PI190

Level 4 / Quality Licence Scheme / CMP32

Level 4 / Quality Licence Scheme / CMP81

Level 3 / TQUK / PI147

Thirty years of training in editorial skills

Learn to proofread and copy-edit with chapterhouse, fully certificated courses, distance learning, staffed by publishing professionals, train to do a job you’ll love, chapterhouse – training you to a professional standard.

Our correspondence courses have manuals with lots of exercises and model answers for self-assessment, and additional free exercises can be sent in for detailed marking and feedback by our tutors. Chapterhouse offers two different correspondence courses: the Proofreader Plus Course covers proofreading, and the  Proofreading and Editorial Skills Course deals with both proofreading and copy-editing. Chapterhouse correspondence students have up to a year to complete the course, so you can work from home, at your own pace. And you can get practice in the best companies in the world. We cooperate with well-known institutions. The list of best online casinos with which we have partner relations is available for perusal.

There is no ‘average’ student: no typical age, job, background or gender. Some of our students are highly educated. Others left school at sixteen. Some are scientists. Others write novels. Many want to start a freelance career earning money from home . Others want to enhance their existing job prospects or enrich their language skills.

Personal, friendly, traditional

Become a freelancer or upskill for your job, study at your own pace, full tutor support during and after the course, personal advice on finding work, help with applications and with your cv.

Recent Tweets

With chapterhouse, you are in safe and trusted hands.

We also frequently train employees of major organisations, or run bespoke in-house courses for them. Over nearly thirty years we have trained people for hundreds of household-name organisations, including:

The Inland Revenue. The Ministry of Defence. The Home Office. DEFRA. The Institute of Legal Executives. Oberon Books. HSBC. Marie Curie Cancer Care. Bloomsbury Publishing. Sotheby’s. The International Courts of Justice. Public Health England. The World Trade Organization.

Professional standards

A small friendly company with high standards, low overheads: attractive fees, chapterhouse course materials are clear and comprehensive, chapterhouse certificates are valuable – and have been since 1991, the publishing industry respects our former students, we love to hear good news from our students.

I was able to leave teaching last summer and have supported myself since then through proofreading… I am thoroughly enjoying the work and my new lifestyle… thank you so much.

PD, Stanley

I have been able to inform a well-known company in Germany of my success and as a result am now contracted to them as a proofreader. You were right about Chapterhouse being ‘well respected in the UK and internationally’.

HD, Sheffield

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Proofreading Intro | Training Course

Develop the proofreading skills needed to identify mistakes in your writing. Learn how to spot and correct common spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

JOURNALISM EXPERTS | WRITING TRAINING | SMALL COURSE SIZES | LONDON LOCATION

Course Info

Course offering.

• One Day Course
• 10:00 - 16:30
• Classroom at London Bridge
• Live Online
• Expert Tuition
• Team Training Available

What will I learn?

• The importance of accuracy
• Understanding proofreading marks
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Mastering punctuation rules
• Keeping a proofreading checklist
• Free digital course assets
• Free post-course helpdesk support

Learner Reviews

How good is the course.

• Average Score 4.8 out of 5
• Delicious lunch provided
• Certificate of Achievement
• 352 reviews
• Read Reviews

Introduction

• Functions of a proofreader

• Approaches to proofreading

• How to read thoroughly and accurately

• Proofreading on paper and on screen

Proofreading and editing marks

• Understanding proofreader's marks and terminology

• Commonly used terms: ens, ems, points, picas

• Different types of proof

• The dangers of relying on grammar or spelling checkers

• Keeping a proofreading checklist

Spotting mistakes

• Dealing with tables and complicated pages

• How to read and correct page proofs

• Cutting and making lines

Punctuation

• Punctuation marks defined

• Common punctuation errors

• Deviating from the usual proofreading rules

• Spelling and punctuation tips

• Regularly misspelt words

• Avoiding common errors

• Changes in current usage

Working with the author

• The role of tact

Avoiding the common pitfalls

• Misspelling headlines

• Wrong telephone numbers or email addresses

• Incorrect prices

• Misplaced headlines or captions

Practical proofreading exercises

Questions and answers

You Might Like These Too

Good Grammar and Punctuation

From £279 + vat.

• Mastering sentence construction Understanding punctuation rules Crafting sentences and paragraphs Using different tenses Nailing apostrophes and plurals

Journalism Intro

From £349 + vat.

• The changing face of journalism Effective research techniques News reporting essentials Crafting engaging feature articles Ethical considerations and media law

How to Write Effectively

• Having a clear brief Focusing on your audience Structuring your copy effectively Writing clearly and concisely Using active sentences

"It was great to hear some different perspectives on the course. I also appreciated the trainers use of content and the time they took to go through everything, making sure it all made sense." King's Health Partners 19th April - Proofreading : Introduction

Latest Reviews

• 23rd January

+44 (0)1892 710877

Copy-editing and Proofreading

Price: £ 565.00, 100 pages +, assignments, of varying length, the copy-editing and proofreading course, become a professional copy-editor and proofreader, learn how to edit and proofread documents like a pro.

The Copy-editing and Proofreading Course is for grammar experts who want to work professionally in the editing field. It also provides an excellent foundation for anyone who needs to edit documents in the workplace.

If you are particular about word choice, and if typos and clunky sentences drive you to distraction, you may have what it takes to be an editor. 

This practical course will teach you how to copy-edit and proofread fiction, non-fiction and academic writing. 

We’ll help you gain the skills you need to get hired by publishers, business owners and curators of online content. A professional editor will be on hand to guide you and assess your work every step of the way.

The Copy-editing and Proofreading Course Gives You...

No automated marking.

We use traditional methods of assessing work, as editors at publishing houses would. No generic feedback!

A Flexible Schedule

Work wherever and whenever you want. You can easily fit our courses around work and other commitments.

Relevant, Usable Content

Easy-to-digest course notes that capture a lifetime of writing experience, ready for you to apply to your own writing.

Ongoing Assessment

Your writing is assessed continuously as your course progresses.

Expert, Individual Feedback

Get prompt, honest, detailed feedback on every assignment from an award-winning writer. We focus on your unique writing strengths.

No Peer Reviews!

You will only be assessed by your tutor, a leader in their field. No more guessing and wondering how to write; you'll be guided line by line.

A Comprehensive Toolkit That Provides Hands-On Editorial Training

Master the skills required to run your own editing and proofreading business.

Learn how to transform problematic writing into grammatically correct, well-structured and engaging content.

This eight-month course will teach you the basic skills of copy-editing and proofreading so that you can make consistent and confident decisions when correcting texts.

Note that this course does not teach the rules of grammar. Rather, students will complete several written assignments of increasing complexity to gain proficiency in the skills of proofreading and copy-editing. Individual feedback will be provided by your tutor upon submission of each assignment.

In this course, you will learn how to:

query or correct spelling, grammar and syntactical errors in a given text

correct, flag or query content-related errors in a given text

proofread hard copy as well as on-screen text

embark on a career in copy-editing and proofreading

Additional requirements for this course:

Students are expected to consult one of the prescribed style guides for every editing decision they make. The style guides are an additional purchase , and are essential reference material for those students wishing to pursue a career in copy-editing and proofreading.

A second-hand edition that is within ten years old of the most recent edition will suffice perfectly well. Please note that we use UK English at the college.

You will also need to use MS Word and the ‘Track Changes’ function. This is considered an industry standard for copy-editing and proofreading work.

Option 1: (Print)

The Oxford Style Manual or the New Oxford Style Manual

Option 2: (e-Book)

New Hart’s Rules: The Oxford Style Guide. This edition does not include a dictionary, so you will need to buy one separately.

This course precisely provided the challenges I needed to highlight the flaws in my own writing and copy-editing processes. There was never a dull moment! My tutor struck the perfect balance between peer and teacher and was incredibly kind, approachable and motivating. Her feedback was always encouraging and clear. Enjoyable. Tough. Precisely what I needed.

Dené janse van rensburg, copy-editing and proofreading course, course overview, price includes vat, number of assignments, the assignments vary in length., number of modules, these modules include around 100 pages of course notes., course duration, work at your own pace – up to a maximum of eight months. we suggest a minimum of four months., start date: anytime.

Working with an individual tutor means you can start the course at any time.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent grammar knowledge is essential.
• Computer skills, e-mail and Internet access required.
• No previous tertiary qualification required.

Tutor for this Course

Course Curriculum

• Introduction to the course
• Recommended reference works and resources
• Using ‘Track Changes’
• Using a house style guide
• Editing Assignment 1.1
• Editing Assignment 1.2
• Editing Assignment 1.3
• What is copy-editing?
• Correcting punctuation
• Editing Assignment 2.1
• Editing Assignment 2.2
• Editing Assignment 2.3 
• Explore copy-editing in practice
• Maintaining a style sheet
• Correcting spelling, hyphenation and homophones
• Editing Assignment 3.1
• Editing Assignment 3.2
• Editing Assignment 3.3
• Correcting capitalisation
• Understanding the treatment of names and numbers
• Editing Assignment 4.1
• Editing Assignment 4.2
• Editing Assignment 4.3
• Explore proofreading in practice
• Correcting quotations, references and abbreviations
• Editing Assignment 5.1
• Editing Assignment 5.2
• Editing Assignment 5.3
• Correcting grammar errors
• Editing Assignment 6.1
• Editing Assignment 6.2
• Editing Assignment 6.3
• Correcting factual errors
• Correcting formatting errors
• Editing Assignment 7.1
• Editing Assignment 7.2
• Editing Assignment 7.3
• Editing Assignment 8.1
• Editing Assignment 8.2
• Editing Assignment 8.3
• Where to look for work
• What to charge
• How to invoice
• Editing Assignment 9.1
• Editing Assignment 9.2
• Editing Assignment 9.3
• Hardcopy Proofreading
• Proofreading Academic Theses
• Substantive Editing

*Students may choose to do more than one elective. These will be invoiced separately.

What Our Students Say

Get these additional benefits, lifetime course access.

Benefit from free lifetime access to future course updates and access to our writing resources.

Work at Your Own Pace

Our courses work around you. You can pace your course around your busy life.

500+ Bonus Articles on Our Blog

A superb, constantly updated resource with articles on writing and interviews with writers.

Work Opportunities

Top students are invited to join our writers and editors for hire service.

Be the First to Know About Writing Competitions

We'll help you keep up to date with the latest competition announcements

Join a Community of Writers

You will have access to our friendly Facebook community, daily writing tips and writing inspiration.

Risk-Free 100% Money-Back Guarantee

We are so confident that you will love your course that if you’re not 100% satisfied with the quality of our training, simply ask for a refund within 30 days.

Complete the Application Form to Enrol on the Copy-editing and Proofreading Course

You will receive an approval email and invoice within one working day.

Should your form not submit, please let admin know at [email protected]

Questions? We've Got Answers

Detailed course notes covering the content of each module are emailed to you. At the end of each module, you will be required to complete several writing exercises. Once the writing assignment has been completed and emailed to your tutor, you will receive an assessment and feedback, and the module will be considered complete.

Absolutely. You have direct communication with your tutor for the duration of the course. The more questions you ask, the more you will get out of the course.

You will get lifetime access to the course. You will also benefit from future updates and improvements to the course.

For the majority of our courses, only your tutor will see your work. It will remain completely private unless you get it published. The journalism courses might see your work published in the public domain, but you do have the final say as to whether or not this happens.

You will receive a Writers College Certificate upon successful completion of the course, provided you meet the following conditions: 

You must have completed all assignments.

A minimum average of 50% must be achieved.

The course must have been completed within eight months of registration.

Excellent grasp of grammar, punctuation, spelling and English usage. (You should consider our Grammar for Writers Course if you need to sharpen your grammar skills.)

Computer skills as well as email and Internet access are required.

Use of Microsoft Word and the Track Changes function.

• A printer and a scanner or camera are required only if you do the Hardcopy elective in Module Ten.

No previous tertiary qualification is required.

Because you will work with an individual tutor, you can start your course as soon as your application has been approved. There are no specific start dates as would be the case with a traditional college.

An application is usually approved within one working day. Once we receive proof of payment, your can start your course.

You could be starting your course today!

Reading Time: 20 hours

Editing Time: Up to 30 hours

You have eight months to complete the course (and an extra 21 days if your course runs over the Christmas and New Year break).

You are welcome to finish the course sooner if you want to, but we wouldn’t want you to rush the process too much!

Once your application has been approved, you will receive notification of approval and an invoice via email. As soon as we receive proof of payment, the first module as well as your tutor’s email address and your login details will be sent to you. Your tutor will also be in touch to welcome you.

Any work created on our courses is owned by you. We will never make a claim to anything you produce. We follow the rule that copyright subsists with the creator (you).

'The course opened up a whole new world for me - a challenge that I enjoyed tremendously. Di was very helpful.’

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If within seven days of starting your course you are not happy on your course, we can either transfer you to a different course or provide a full refund.

If you request a refund after seven days and before 30 days we will charge a 5% administrative fee, as well as any bank fees and tutor fees already incurred.

We do not offer a refund after 30 days on the course.

Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading

• About CIEP training courses
• Art of Querying
• Copyediting 1: Introduction
• Copyediting 2: Headway
• Copyediting 3: Progress
• Copyright for Editorial Professionals
• Editing Digital Content
• Editorial Project Management
• Efficient Editing: Strategies and Tactics
• Getting to Grips with Grammar and Punctuation
• Health Editing
• Introduction to Fiction Editing
• Medical Editing
• Non-Fiction Developmental Editing
• Plain English for Editors

Proofreading 1: Introduction

• Proofreading 2: Headway
• Proofreading 3: Progress
• Proofreading Theses and Dissertations
• Web Editing
• Word for Practical Editing
• Course booking
• Course booking terms and conditions
• Course fees
• Curriculum for professional development
• Exercise Bank
• In-house training
• Promoted courses
• Virtual learning course dates
• Individual membership
• Corporate membership
• Upgrading your membership
• Complaints and appeals
• Continuing Professional Development
• Editorial syllabus
• Environmental values
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Qualifications
• Membership Codes
• Book reviews
• Fact sheets
• Newsletters
• Online shop
• Recommended books
• Suggested minimum rates
• Test yourself
• Calendar of events
• CIEP discovery meetings
• Conferences
• Local groups
• Special interest groups
• About proofreading and editing
• What is proofreading?
• What is copyediting?
• Working as a proofreader or editor
• Basic editorial test
• Advertise with the CIEP
• CIEP: An edited history
• CIEP ambassadors
• CIEP publicity leaflets
• Honorary members
• Judith Butcher Award
• Media and public relations
• Meet the team
• Our partners
• Special offers for members
• Privacy notice

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for beginners contemplating a career as a proofreader and for those who need to proofread as part of their job but have had little formal training. It is designed as a taster to answer the question ‘Is proofreading for me?' You will need further training and practice to become a competent proofreader.

Course description

'Proofreading' can mean different things in different contexts. This course looks at the role of a proofreader, what kinds of errors they are looking for, how much they should change and how to mark corrections.

Most proofreading today is done on screen, on PDF, so we focus on how to mark corrections clearly and efficiently on PDF using the Adobe commenting tools. We also introduce you to the BSI marks, which can be used on paper or in a PDF, and to proofreading in Microsoft Word using Track Changes.

By the time you’ve completed the course, you should be familiar with the following aspects of the profession:

• the types of error a proofreader is expected to spot and correct
• how to mark those errors on paper and onscreen using BSI symbols, PDF markup tools and Word's Track Changes
• some of the common editorial conventions in the UK and how to apply them
• an understanding of how to exercise judgement in how much to change
• the difference between proofreading and proof-editing
• the importance of obtaining sufficient guidance from the client about the work they expect you to do
• where proofreading fits into a variety of publishing processes.

At the end of this course, you will not have sufficient training to start work . We suggest that you grow your skills with Proofreading 2: Headway .

Requirements for taking this course

• Fluency in English
• Good general knowledge of English grammar
• Wide general knowledge
• Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word
• Basic familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

While the course provides helpful links to information on these requirements, it does not teach the rules of grammar or spelling, nor does it cover how to use the software.

How is the course delivered?

This course is available as an online self-assessed course (e-learning) or as a live virtual learning course .

Other course features

During the course, you’ll have access to:

• an experienced tutor, and the chance to ask them questions
• homework exercises to help you practise your craft.

It is now very clear to me that there is a very large and precise skill set required to be a proofreader and it is not simply a matter of being a relatively literate person. This course has given me a good insight into the complexity. EM

I thought overall this is a great course, I’ll keep practising and and using the material until the deadline. Can’t fault the course. DM

Very helpful to someone starting out. The course balances exacting exercises with positive support. CB

I really enjoyed this course. I had moments at the beginning where I questioned if I was cut out for it but the further into the course I got the more enjoyable it become. VB

It was pitched at the right level, scary enough to make you think, but also providing the information and exercises to start to give you confidence. JD

A very helpful course with a good variety of exercises and study notes. AA

Availability, prices and upgrade points

Other price discounts are available. See the fees page.

Prices are exclusive of tax, which will be added automatically at your local rate at checkout.

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Members can help boost the CIEP’s funds

© 2024   Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading