online proofreading course free

Learn How To Edit Like A Pro With 2024‘s 7+ FREE Best Online Proofreading Courses

Working as a proofreader is a great way to find some part-time freelance work. But you want to make sure that you are delivering the quality that your clients are expecting!

Below are some of the best online proofreading courses that you can take in order to establish your skills and build good proofreading techniques and habits.

If you want to start a proofreading business and become a copyeditor, you can certainly benefit by honing your proofreading skills/copyediting to increase your overall abilities.

Take a look at this list of copyediting courses and see which of these awesome courses looks like the “write” fit for you!

• #1 Top Recommended Proofreading Course
• Taught By Professional Editor & Proofreader
• Covers Proofreading, Content Structure, Punctuation & More
• Beginner Friendly Course
• 29,000+ Other Included Classes
• 1,000+ Students Enrolled
• 1-Month Free Trial
• Activate Free Trial Now

Table of Contents

Top 9+ FREE Best Online Proofreading Courses & Certifications 2024

1. skillshare: writing editing masterclass (skillshare).

Up first on my list is a great all-around editing course with many modules that focus specifically on proofreading. On top of that, this free Skillshare course also dives deeper into the larger context of the editing process for copyediting and proofreading.

In this 3-hour-long course, you’ll learn about the following proofreading topics: typos, proofreading strategies, spelling errors and homonyms, the comma, question marks and exclamation marks, colon and quotation marks, apostrophes, hyphens, and dashes, and parentheses.

Another great component of this training is that there is an optional final assignment that will test your skills and act as a great overview of what you have learned.

As this course is hosted on Skillshare, students get to take the classes at their own pace via the desktop portal or the smartphone app. Skillshare also offers a 1-month free trial , so there’s no losing! Hands down one of the best online proofreading courses!

• Can be accessed for free with the Skillshare free trial, making this a free course
• Beginner friendly and suitable for all levels of freelance proofreaders
• Good overview of fundamentals of the editing process in general for English grammar
• Low time commitment

Activate FREE Skillshare Trial

2. Editing and Proofreading Made Simple

For beginners looking to quickly improve their proofreading skills, Erin Rickard ’s LinkedIn Learning course is a great place to start. As a longtime freelance copywriter, she’s well-versed in what it takes to effectively communicate; as a professor, she’s adept in connecting with her students and helping them improve their craft.

This efficient course packs a lot into 40 minutes. You’ll learn how to develop personalized templates, tools, and tactics necessary for effective editing including checking content, spelling, and grammar as well as the proper use of formatting. You’ll practice applying these skills and spotting errors across presentations, emails, and website articles.

This course is on LinkedIn Learning, a subscription platform that gives you access to a full catalog. So for one price, you can take this course as well as other highly-rated related courses: Grammar Foundations , Business Writing Principles , Social Media Marketing Foundations , and Writing Emails People Want To Read .

There’s even a 1-month free trial. Even better, you earn a certificate for each course that appears on your LinkedIn profile and helps you rank higher in jobs searches.

• 102,406 students have taken this course
• 40 minutes of videos across 3 chapters
• Continuing Education Units available
• Certificate of completion appears on your LinkedIn profile
• 30-day free trial gets you access to full 15,000 course catalog

3. Proofreading Your Own Work

Next up is a proofreading course from Heather E. Saunders , owner of Just the Write Type Editing. She’s been called on to edit everything from medical journals to fiction novels, so her techniques are timeliness and universal.  

What I love about this course is how practical her advice is. She’ll teach you how to come back to your own writing with the fresh eyes necessary to catch even your most common and easily overlooked mistakes. And while it may seem simple to read it aloud or take a break, applying her proofreading tricks can be the difference between a great submission that gets published or an embarrassment that gets set aside. 

Once you’ve completed this class you’ll know the common proofreading mistakes, your personal writing blind spots, how to create an ideal environment for editing, and how to fact check efficiently. 

This course is available on CreativeLive, which frequently runs sales that put each course below $10. Even better, they have an all-access Creator Pass to 2000+ courses starting at $13/month. While they don’t technically have a free trial, they do have a 7-day refund window.

GET 20% OFF THE CREATOR PASS WITH CODE CREATIVELIVE20 THRU 10/31!

• 7,600 students have taken this course
• 100% of students recommend it
• 8 videos running just over 1 hour 
• Lifetime access via  desktop or mobile
• Satisfaction guarantee

4. The Writer’s Toolkit: 6 Steps to a Successful Writing Habit (Skillshare)

Hopefully, if you like proofreading, you like to read. And hopefully, if you like to read, you also like to write! Being a strong writer can help you to be a stronger proofreader. You get an eye for what good writing looks like and what makes sense on paper.

This course will help you to foster a healthy writing habit . By following the six steps laid out by award-winning author Simon Van Booy you will be able to increase the amount that you write and your level of writing ability.

He will discuss each of the steps in detail in this 38-minute-long course. The steps include making your own space, finding your medium, reading inspiring works, setting the conditions, sticking to a routine, and sketching to stay inspired.

This  Skillshare course will also give you the possibility to view other students’ projects and to submit your own project to the course webpage. Looking at what other people have done can inspire you and help to spark your creativity.

This course is for anyone who wants to learn how to be a better writer, beginners included. All you need is an open mind and a blank screen or notebook that you can fill with your own wonderful words!

• Lots of student projects to view for inspiration
• Very popular! 14,255 students
• Designed for students of all levels

5. Udemy: Proofreading Power Basics (Udemy)

Up next on my list is great course hosted on Udemy, which is all about teaching the tricks of the trade and give students a new confidence in their proofreading skills. This course is also aimed towards beginners, but knowing intermediate grammar and writing skills will be extremely beneficial.

Taught by English professor Ashan Hampton , he provides students with helpful assessments, exercises, and quizzes that will keep students learning experience productive and keep them on the right track.

While the course is brief (1 hour long), it is jam-packed with information! Over the course of 23 video lessons, students will learn about topics like proofreader expectations, proofreading tips, strategies, marking, proofing for capitalization and numbers, and proofreader error hotspots.

Overall, this is a fantastic course that caters to those of all experience levels!

• High 4.3-star rating
• Popular course – 1,271 students!
• Includes a module on proofreading marks
• Lifetime access to course materials
• 10 downloadable resources + 9 articles
• Certificate of completion

Visit Udemy.com

6. Udemy: How to Find & Correct Writing Errors: the Proofreading Guide (Udemy)

Moving on is another Udemy course taught by University professor Duncan Koerber. While the course is brief, coming in at only 50 minutes, the 19 video lessons are filled with a wealth of knowledge!

In this course, students learn about good habits for proofreading, practical proofreading tips, professional proofreading symbols, using lists and guides in the proofreading process, tips for proofreading the format, design, and graphics of a document.

Professor Koerber will also teach students about important final tasks that people forget to do when proofreading. The resources and techniques students will gain from this course truly make it one of the very best online proofreading courses.

• Popular! 1,631 students
• Suitable for all levels

7. The Publishing Training Centre: What is Proofreading? (Publishing Training Center)

Are you new to editing and looking to find out if proofreading is something you might be good at? Then this entry-level course will prepare you for what you need to do as a proofreader, and give you the chance to test your skills to see if you have what it takes.

In this class, students learn how proofreading is applied in four different sectors: book and journal publishers, other organizations that have information or messages to share, independent authors, and students.

Divided into two sections, the first section will provide students with information on proofreading. The second section involves a practical exercise that will help you gauge your proofreading abilities.

After completing this course, students should have a strong sense of their skill level and an idea of what steps you should take next in order to keep progressing as a proofreader. Or you can pair this with an online journalism course and start writing for one of the millions of online publications.

• One of the most extensive courses on this list: about 5-7 hours of course material
• 8 months of access to the course material
• Course certificate awarded upon completion of the course
• Suitable for beginners

Visit Publishingtrainingcentre.com

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

If you want to work as a proofreader, chances are your first paid jobs might be on a freelance basis. It’s not always easy to find good jobs and many people will try to underpay you or even avoid paying you at all.

This course walks you through how to use the Upwork platform to find work as a proofreader. And to ensure that you get paid for your effort! Using Upwork might not seem like rocket science but there is a bit more to it than meets the eye.

Professor Duncan Koerber will share some great insight into this two-hour-long course. He covers topics such as getting started on Upwork; bidding for jobs; ratings and repeat clients; macro-level tips for doing a great job; and some practical concerns for an online editor or proofreader.

Throughout 25 lessons you will gain valuable knowledge that can help you to succeed as a freelancer. This course is for all levels and all you need to get started is Microsoft Word software and a keen eye that’s ready to spot the best new job! You can also take your skills on the road and get a digital nomad job that will allow you to work from anywhere in the world!

This is easily one of the best online proofreading courses available!

• Very high 4.5-star rating
• Popular course! 1,430 students
• Lifetime access to course material

9. Skillshare: Proofreading Your Articles: Tools (Skillshare)

There are lots and lots of tools available that can help you to be a great proofreader. This Skillshare course will teach you some excellent tips and hacks that will make your proofreading process quicker and more accurate. This is a good course to take if you are just starting out as a proofreader.

In this course, you’ll cover topics such as punctuation, word tips, and proofreading hacks. But the main focus of the course is how to use online grammar checkers like Grammarly , ProWritingAid, and other free auto-proofreaders to check your work.

These grammar checkers will basically do your proofreading for you. However, some (like Grammarly) aren’t free so ideally, you can learn to proofread without relying on them. But it can be a good idea to use them to check your work while you are first starting out.

Nothing makes you lose clients faster than handing in an assignment filled with mistakes. This course will help you figure out how you can use online grammar checkers to improve your own skills. But you should never discount the effectiveness of good old fashioned paper and (red) pen!

If you want to learn more, you can read my comprehensive review of Skillshare .

• Low time commitment: 48 minutes
• Possible to access this course for free using a Skillshare free trial
• Positive student reviews – the course met or exceeded student expectations
• Links to 2 helpful articles included with course content

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this guide on the best online proofreading courses helps you to better your skills or even land that next job! For more upskilling, you can see our guide on other online classes and training here .

Or if after reading this, you’d rather just hire a proofreader for your project or website, I’ve had great success with Fiverr . Check out the profiles below for pros who can start today!

My name is Lewis Keegan and I am the writer and editor of SkillScouter.com. I'm extremely passionate about online education and what it can do for those to better their lives. I spend most of my time blogging, hiking, and drinking coffee. I also have a Bachelor's Degree in Education and Teaching.

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Skill Courses

9 Free Best Online Proofreading Courses in 2024 [Free Guide]

Updated on April 10, 2024 by Patrick

One question that students commonly ask is, “Is proofreading training worth it?”

Yes. Having good proofreading skills will not only help make your texts more engaging and readable, but it’ll also make you more valuable to publishers and increase the demand for your freelancing service.

And that’s why we’ve rounded up the nine best free online proofreading courses in 2024 to help you step up your writing career.

Quickly, the best free proofreading course is Skillshare’s Writing Editing Masterclass – Content Editing, Copyediting, and Proofreading. This course covers the common types of editing journalists do, how to fix errors in your writing, and how to use the correct punctuations. Also, the online course is entirely free.

The other top two courses that make into our top 3 recommendations are;

• Proofreading Academy: Becoming a Proofreader (Best Value)
• The Publishing Training Centre: What is Proofreading? (Best Academic Proofreading Training)

So let’s take a deeper dive into what makes these courses stand out. But first, let’s know the difference between an editor and a proofreader.

What’s The Difference Between A Proofreader and An Editor?

Often, people use the titles’ proofreader’ and ‘editor’ interchangeably, and they find it difficult to separate the two from each other.

However, they’re two different sets of professionals with different roles.

The primary difference between an editor and a proofreader is that an editor ensures that a content piece adheres to a style guide, is clear and understandable for readers or listeners. Editors also restructure sentences and paragraphs and fact-check the content to ensure no false or misleading information.

On the other hand, a proofreader is the last eye that gets on the content piece before the content is published. Proofreaders also ensure that written or audio content is free of grammar errors, spelling errors, homonym errors, and typographical errors. They also format content, so it looks more presentable.

You can decide to be a general proofreader and work on all types of content pieces, from academic journals to blog posts to website pages to novels, books, and even resumes. Or you may decide to niche down to a field you’re highly skilled at, like medical, legal, or technical fields.

Now, where the confusion comes in is that a lot of times, when clients hire writers, editors, or proofreaders, they expect them to have impeccable copy editing and proofreading skills: so they expect you to be a complete package.

So for writers, editors, or proofreaders, having both editing and proofreading skills is a surefire way to increase your value in the market and generate more income.

Let’s explore the nine best free proofreading classes you can learn online and what makes them stand out without further ado.

Top 9 Best Online Free Proofreading Courses

1. skillshare: writing editing masterclass – content editing, copyediting and proofreading (best overall proofreading course).

• Rating: 153 reviews
• Price: Free

Our top pick for the best free online proofreading course is this detailed course from Skillshare.

This course by Sivakumar Kannon (a seasoned digital marketing consultant, content marketer, and agency owner) takes a deep dive into teaching beginner proofreaders proofreading strategies to improve their writing.

A highlight of what you’ll learn from this in-depth 3-hour, 62 practical video lessons include;

• Journalists of leading publications use the three most common types of editing.
• How to fix spelling errors.
• The correct usage of punctuations such as comma, hyphens, dashes, quotation marks, question marks, colon, etc.
• How to edit content to make it leaner and more engaging.
• 30+ editing rules and how to tackle homonyms .

There are also a couple of writing assignments, such as editing blog content to ensure students easily grasp all they teach.

And at the end of this Writing Editing Masterclass course, you’ll be proficient enough to take up any copy editing and proofreading work.

Plus, your writing skills would have significantly improved, and you’ll be structuring and editing either your work or client work with better accuracy and ease.

And the good news is that if you sign up TODAY for this Skillshare course, you will grant a 2-month free trial to learn this editing course and many other training courses on the e-learning platform.

• The class is free for you to learn and improve your English grammar.
• The practical course also has downloadable course material and transcripts you can access anytime.
• Over 2,600 students have taken this course.
• It requires low-time commitment and is excellent for beginners.
• You can take this self-paced course from the convenience of your home.
• This course doesn’t make you a certified proofreader.

The Writing Editing Masterclass is one of the best online proofreading courses to help writers and freelancers work as editors.

2. Udemy: How to Find & Correct Writing Errors: The Proofreading Guide

• Rating: 4.4/5
• Price: $89.99 $12.99

Coming close second on this list is another editing course that self-editing proofreaders will find very valuable.

That’s because the course instructor – Duncan Koerber – is a university professor with 12+ years teaching writing and communications courses in Canadian universities. He’s also worked as a journalist for several media outlets.

So when you take this course as the other 3,600 students did, you’ll be tapping from over 20 years of Duncan’s writing, editing and proofreading experience.

A summary of what you’ll be learning in this 50-minute 19 lectures online proofreading course is;

• The good habits to improve your skills as a proofreader.
• Practical proofreading tips and proofreading symbols that only professional proofreaders use.
• How to use lists and guides in your proofreading process.
• Practical tips for correcting punctuations and writing errors.
• And how to format and design your text and content. Plus, you’ll learn to fix errors with graphics.

This online video training course is excellent for writers, freelance editors, and proofreaders who want to improve their editing and proofreading skills.

• A university professor teaches an online proofreading course with over 20 years of writing and proofreading experience.
• The online training program takes only 50 minutes of your time.
• You’ll get lifetime access to the course materials.
• Significant for beginner proofreaders and experts to improve their proofreading and grammar skills
• You’ll receive a certificate of completion.
• It focuses primarily on proofreading, not editing.

Despite this proofreading course having to learn by a university professor, there’s no barrier to entry. The only requirement is that you have a good grasp of English grammar.

How to Find & Correct Writing Errors is easy to understand, concise, and packed with a lot of very informative content.

The above features make this free proofreading course one of the best proofreaders, editors, and freelancers.

3. The Publishing Training Centre: What is Proofreading? (Best Academic Proofreading)

• Rating: N/A

This list won’t be complete without this online proofreading course from The Publishing Training Centre.

This intensive entry-level course is excellent for students just starting editing and proofreading. It will take their proofreading and grammar skills from amateur to a more advanced proofreader level.

This editing and proofreading course is split into two sections to help simplify proofreading concepts for the proofreader and improve her writing skills with assignments.

In this 5 – 7-hour proofreading course, you’ll be learning how to provide your proofreading service to;

• Book and journal publishers.
• Students who need help writing and proofreading their essays.
• Independent authors.
• Businesses not in the publishing industry but that have information to share with their audience.

Students will access this course for eight months after signing up for the platform’s training and paying a one-time fee of $34.

You’ll also get lots of downloadable materials in this online proofreading and editing course to strengthen your knowledge so you can work as a proofreader at an advanced level. You’ll learn most of the thoughts and processes that go into proofreading texts.

We also like that a reputable British proofreading organization delivers the training program. After taking the classes and tests, you’ll You will receive an award a certificate of completion.

• This editing course is packed with tips to help proofreaders, editors, and freelancers level up their copy editing and proofreading skills.
• The online training program is suitable for beginners to hone their writing skills better and upgrade their understanding of English grammar.
• You’ll have to pay a fair but non-refundable price to access this editing course.

Publishing Training Centre is a reputable online proofreading training platform that helps students become expert proofreaders with top-notch training courses.

4. Coursera: Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest

• Rating: 4.7/5

Writing for Young Readers is another top-notch course from Coursera (read this best coursera courses ).

This course is presented to you by two experienced authors and one doctor – David Hill, Maria Gill, and Alex Alexandrou.

This course is so popular that over 85,000 people have taken the program. So whether you’re a student or an aspiring author, you’ll be able to write engaging content for young readers.

In this 13-hour online video course that spans four weeks (although the deadline is flexible), you’ll learn;

• How to cultivate effective writing habits, put yourself into your writing, and find your identity.
• The genres that are popular among young readers.
• How to structure your texts to appeal to your audience .
• Here’s where you’ll learn about editing, proofreading, and publishing.

So if you’ve thought about writing stories for the younger generation, this is where you’ll get the chops to do so.

• This free proofreading course is in English and has subtitles in 9 other common languages so you can understand the video content regardless of your first language.
• You’ll get a shareable certificate upon completion.
• 38% of the learners pivoted to a new career after taking the lessons.
• It focuses primarily on writing for children.

There’s a lot to take home from these proofreading classes to improve your creativity in this detailed program.

5. Udemy: Kickstart Your Freelance Editor & Proofreader Career on Upwork

• Rating: 4.5/5

It is a second course by Duncan Koerber that we featured on this list.

He isn’t only a university professor and an educator, but he also works as a freelance proofreader on Upwork. And there’s no better instructor to teach you the qualities Upwork clients want from their proofreading contractors than someone who’s been down there in the trenches.

In the 22 modules spanning 1 hour 30 minutes, you’ll learn tips and topics to improve your proofreading skills to land more Upwork clients that’ll pay you what you’re worth;

• How you can write practical bid proposals that’ll get clients’ attention.
• How you can win contracts on Upwork.
• How to get good ratings and return clients.

You’ll also learn editing philosophies and the editing tools that can make your proofreading flawless. So if you’re planning on hunting for gigs on the Upwork platform, this is the best course for you.

• You’ll be learning from an experienced Upwork freelancer who’s also a university professor.
• You’ll learn to ply your trade on Upwork to get better-paying clients.
• Your business skill in attracting and retaining clients with a professional profile will improve.
• The Proofreader Career on Upwork will make you become a more efficient reader and proofreader.
• The course focuses more on the business side of freelance proofreading rather than the grammar aspect.

Getting clients as a freelancer is difficult. And it’s one thing to get a client, and it’s another to impress them, so they return for your service. So if you’re looking to boost your career chances and get more work as a proofreader, this is the proper training for you.

You won’t only be skilled at getting jobs on Upwork, but you’ll also be able to get various positions on other creative freelance platforms.

You are looking for more ways to market your proofreading services? These courses with printable certificates will show you how.

6. Skillshare: The Writer’s Toolkit: 6 Steps to a Successful Writing Habit

• Rating: 3088 reviews

It is another fantastic Skillshare course that teaches students how to cultivate a healthy writing habit.

A healthy writing habit is a great way to increase your productivity, the number of words you write, and your writing skill in general. And proofreading courses like this can help you get there.

The course instructor is Simon Van Booy, a screenwriter and an award-winning author who will take you through the six steps that’ll transform your proficiency as an editor and proofreader.

The topics you’ll learn from this short 40-minute program that over 15,000 students have taken includes;

• How to set your working conditions and stick to the routine.
• How to get inspiration from reading other people’s works.
• How to find the medium that suits you best.
• And how to stay inspired by sketching.

These proofreading courses show you a systematic approach to make writing more accessible and a more fun project.

And as an author of 10 best-selling fiction books and a writer for the New York Times and BBC, I don’t think there will be a better person to teach you about creative writing than Simon.

It will also help you if you’re looking to break into the publishing industry.

• Experts and beginners can take the course.
• It’s a low-time commitment course.
• You’ll learn to be more creative and get inspiration from an origin you never thought possible.
• It’ll teach the habits to make you a successful writer.
• It doesn’t dwell much on proofreading and editing.

You can spark your creativity and begin writing incredible stories that your audience will find intriguing.

This short course will show you the way.

7. Udemy: Proofreading Power Basics

• Rating: 4.3/5
• Price: $94.99 $14.99

If you’re a freelance writer, blogger, editor, content creator, or you work 9 – 5, but you’re looking to find work as a proofreader, then this free proofreading course is for you.

The hands-on proofreading classes cover lots of the technicalities proofreaders and editors should be aware of. The course instructor – Ashan Hampton – is a Ph.D. candidate who’s both an educator and an editor in her education and training business.

In the 1-hour on-demand video lessons, she covers tips, strategies, and topics to sharpen your proofreading skills and make you highly sought-after. You’ll learn;

• The fundamentals of proofreading and copy editing.
• Proofreading marks, capitalization, and numbers.
• The checklist of error hotspots.

All these are split into 23 classes that are easy to understand. There are also lots of quizzes, exercises, and assessments to make you quickly grasp all the information you’ll learn.

• This Udemy proofreading class is certificate training.
• You’ll learn proofreading marks in addition to other courses.
• Lots of downloadable resources and lifetime access to the topics so you can easily refresh your memory.
• You’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• It’s a great starting point for copy editors, writers, and proofreaders just starting out freelancing.
• These editing and proofreading courses don’t talk about punctuations and homonyms.

However, before you enroll in this course, you should have at least intermediate grammar skills, plus some writing skills.

8. Proofreading Academy: Becoming a Proofreader (Best Value Proofreading course)

• Rating: 4.8/5
• Price: $295 (7-day free trial)

Only a few online proofreading courses have topics that talk about style guides, and that’s where this program comes in.

In this class, you’ll learn academic proofreading so you’ll be able to proofread academic journals. You’ll also be learning various writing style guides to structure your texts and blog posts as a professional proofreader.

And another important thing you’ll learn from this 40-hour editing course is how to use Microsoft Word at an advanced level.

Another thing we love about this 10-module program is that the teaching company guarantees you freelance work. They’ve got partner companies that’ll be needing your proofreading services.

This part-time job will be your final assessment which you’ll have to pass. So this course is different in that you won’t go about searching for a job. One awaits you the moment you sign up with them.

What a way to kickstart your freelance copy editing and proofreading career without thinking about where your next client will come from.

So whether you’re a student, a worker, a stay-at-home parent, or just anyone looking to earn extra income, this course is suitable for you.

• You’ll learn to use the cool editing features of MS Word.
• You’ll immediately go from apprentice to a professional after taking this program.
• You’ll learn the popular style guides, referencing, and citations, so you’ll be able to edit and proofread academic journals professionally.
• It’s costly compared to the other proofreading programs.

Becoming a Proofreader from Proofreading Academy can easily be the best online proofreading and copyediting course on this list. However, the hefty price slapped on it (which is worth it, by the way) makes it a deterrent for some students.

You can also take the 34-minute video course on Udemy – Become a Professional Proofreader. It will give you insights into if the system is an excellent fit for the skills you desire to acquire.

9. Proofread Anywhere: General Proofreading Theory and Practice (GPTP)

• Price: $497

One of the best editing courses on our list is the General Proofreading Theory and Practice from Proofread Anywhere.

Whether you’re just starting your editing journey as a freelance writer, copy editor, or proofreader, and you’d love to run your own proofreading business without hassles, this course by Caitlyn Pyle will show you the ropes.

She’s an experienced proofreader, former reporter manager, and transcript production, specialist. So you’ll be drawing from her wealth of experience to take the next step in your online proofreading career.

It is also one of the most in-depth and extensive courses on this list as it contains 40+ classes and can take from 2 to 4 months to complete. There are also lots of downloadable resources.

The major highlights of this online proofreading class are;

• Learning the theory and practice of proofreading novels, textbooks.
• How to also proofread blog posts and resumes.
• How to market your editing and proofreading services to get repeat clients.

You’ll show zero mercy at the end of the course for spelling errors, writing errors, inconsistency in writing, and wrong punctuations. Plus, you’d have learned to make more money from your side hustle or full-time proofreading work.

• You’ll learn proofreading tips and techniques to turn your skill into a business.
• Turn meh copy into a masterpiece and earn more money.
• You’ll have access to a lot of case studies, grammar worksheets, and an extensive vocabulary.
• A certificate of completion.
• Free training before you can take the course.
• Learn the online proofreading courses from the comfort of your home or anywhere.
• A seasoned proofreader and reporter (Caitlyn Pyle) with lots of experience teaches these online editing courses.
• You can also take Caitlyn’s transcript proofreading course.
• The training is costly when compared to the other proofreading courses on this list.

You can start generating more money today to turn your side hustle into a full-time venture. This course will show you how to win publishers over and get contracts that are worth your skill.

Bonus: Free Proofreading Software Courses

Udemy: Microsoft Word 2019 Essentials – People mostly do their proofreading using Microsoft Word, so this 3-hour lesson will make you more efficient using the software. Learn it now.

Skillshare: Proofreading Your Articles: tools, tips, and hacks that work – This lesson shows you how to use free software like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and other tools to make you faster and more efficient. Start learning it now.

FAQ’s

Do you need qualifications to be a proofreader.

No, you don’t need a degree or any special qualifications to be a proofreader. But you’ll need to take a proofreading course to be a skilled proofreader. And studying English, journalism, or any humanities courses will make your skill more desirable: However, it’s not necessary.

How do you become a certified proofreader?

You can become a certified proofreader by gaining writing and grammar experience. Or you can study English or take courses in journalism or technical writing to sharpen your proofreading skills further.

Then you’ll enroll in proofreading classes to earn a certificate of completion. And you’ll also have to learn editing and proofreading marks (style guides) to style content and documents based on some existing rules.

And after that, you’ll contact the US Proofreader Certification Association to take their test and obtain your proofreader certification.

Is there a proofreading course?

Yes, there are lots of proofreading courses you can learn online to improve your proofreading skills. This article put together a list of the nine best proofreading courses to help you become a proofreader.

A proofreader does more than read people’s texts for grammar errors and correct them.

A proofreader ensures that texts have the right cadence and impact so as to achieve their purpose.

This makes proofreading an in-demand skill. Learning a writing course can make you become a better proofreader. Also, you can learn to tell more impactful stories with these storytelling courses.

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Learn How to Proofread: 13+ Free Proofreading Courses

Since March 2020, trends and opportunities in remote work have changed drastically. Employers weren’t ready for entire workforces to work from home, but thanks to innovative advances and technological wonders, it worked out better than anyone anticipated.

Where once work-from-home (WFH) jobs were seen as “gigs” and only suited to part-time, freelance, or low-paying positions, when everyone became a WFH worker, the attitude towards working from home and the people who did it for a living changed.

According to a survey of over 1,500 employers conducted by UpWork , by 2025 over 36 million Americans will be working full time from home in remote positions. 

One “divine” occupation, according to Stephen King, for those looking to join the work-from-home crowd is the pursuit of proofreading. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for proofreaders will increase by 5% in the next 8 to 10 years.

To write is human. To edit is divine. Stephen King

You could spend hours studying the local library’s copies of the MLA Handbook , The Associated Press Stylebook , The Chicago Manual of Style , and whatever grammar books they have to offer.

Or you could take an online course or two, possibly earn a certification upon completion of said course, and be well on your way to a lucrative work-from-home career. 

Today, we’ll be looking at some of the best online training courses for prospective proofreaders. Train from home to work from home and do it without breaking the bank. What could be better?

Here’s what’s in store for you today:

• No-cost proofreading courses
• Free-with-trial proofreading courses
• Low-cost proofreading courses

The divine world of proofreading is made easily accessible by taking any of the courses outlined below.

Completely Free Proofreading Courses

The editing academy’s free editing for beginners minicourse.

The Editing Academy offers a “Master Course” in professional proofreading that costs around $550. However, they also offer a free online minicourse, “ Editing for Beginners ”.

While this free course won’t prepare you to become a professional proofreader, it will give you a taste of what that could be like. It includes information on what you can expect as a professional proofreader, as well as a couple of grammar lessons. 

If you’re new to the idea of becoming a professional proofreader or copyeditor, this free online minicourse can be quite useful in helping you decide if proofreading is the right career for you. 

Alison’s Introduction to Proofreading

Unlike the Editing Academy’s minicourse, the free proofreading course from Alison.com teaches you how to proofread. Even better for prospective professional proofreaders is the fact that Alison’s course focuses on business writing . An Introduction to Proofreading provides you with the skills needed to tackle proofreading business communications, especially those created in Microsoft Word.

The course also includes instruction on how to “trick” your brain into catching often overlooked errors. The final module focuses on something not every proofreading course does—the dangers of working with templated documents. 

You also have the option of buying a certificate to prove you’ve completed the course. Digital as well as printed and framed certificates are available starting at around $30. 

Alison packs a lot of learning and earning potential into a free course you can complete in an afternoon or evening. 

Edit Republic’s Proofreading 101

Edit Republic is another site devoted to proofreading and editing courses. And like Editing Academy, they offer a free email course to get you started. 

Proofreading 101 isn’t just different in how you get the course—via email over 5 days—but also in that it includes a module on how to run a professional proofreading business. As one student, Casey B., put it in their testimonial :

It delved into the aspects of conducting yourself as a professional and dug into the nitty-gritty issue of money. Casey B

It’s all well and good to learn a skill that can increase your earning potential and offer you a way to work from home. It’s another to learn how to put that skill to use professionally. Proofreading 101 gives you both.

Proofreading Service’s Free Proofreading Course

This free course at Proofreading Service comes with a bit of a twist. First, they hire you as a proofreader, and then they train you to do the job.

The catch? You must have qualifications, education, or experience in at least one of the following academic fields:

• Biosciences
• Mathematics
• Engineering

PRS offers editing services to professionals and students for their journal articles, thesis papers, and dissertation presentations. Therefore, their proofreaders and editors must have a higher level of subject knowledge than your everyday professional proofreader. 

This makes a job with them, and the free course that comes with it, ideal for grad students and the new graduate, as well as professors and professionals looking for a second career or “side hustle”. 

Free-With-Trial-Membership Proofreading Courses

Many of the online learning marketplaces offer 7, 14, and even 30-day free trial memberships, during which time you can take any of their courses. 

This means that editing and proofreading courses from LinkedIn, for example, complete with their digital certificates, could be yours before you have to pay the LinkedIn Premium monthly fee.

And LinkedIn isn’t the only online learning marketplace with a similar offer. Let’s explore your other options for a free-with-trial-membership proofreading course now. 

SkillShare’s Writing and Editing Masterclass

The Writing and Editing Masterclass at SkillShare currently runs just under 3 hours. A free trial at SkillShare lasts 30 days. You could easily make time to prepare for your new career in 30 days, couldn’t you? 

A monthly membership to SkillShare costs less than $40/month currently. And you can cancel at any time, even before your free month’s trial is up. That makes the possibility of taking and completing the Writing and Editing Masterclass for free very real. It’s SkillShare’s highest-rated proofreading course and comes highly recommended by former students.

One drawback of SkillShare is that they don’t typically offer any type of certificate or other proof of course completion. They suggest posting your final project as proof you’ve completed and passed their courses.

All in all, though, a professional proofreading course you can get for nothing is still something to take advantage of. 

SkillShare’s Editing and Proofreading Masterclass

The second-highest rated SkillShare proofreading class is their “Editing and Proofreading Masterclass”. It’s about 10 minutes shy of 4 hours in length, with a final project that consists of proofreading and editing a page of text. 

The Editing and Proofreading Masterclass focuses more on grammar and punctuation than the Writing and Editing Masterclass, so it might be a good fit if you aren’t a native English speaker or if you feel the need to review and sharpen your English grammar skills. 

As Ashraf Tanvir puts it in his testimonial:

It’s a truly amazing experience to get to learn so much from a single course. Ashraf Tanvir

Since both classes could probably be completed within the 30-day free trial period, it might be a good idea to complete both. 

That way, you’ll be more confident that your skills are up-to-date, making you better prepared for your new proofreading career.

SkillShare’s Certification in Editing and Proofreading

We mentioned above that SkillShare doesn’t typically offer any type of certificates upon completion of its courses. But Prof. Krishna N. Sharma does just that in his Certification in Editing and Proofreading Course .

What Prof. Sharma offers is 84 minutes of video instruction in proofreading and editing business and technical writing, blogging, emails, copywriting, and content writing. 

And once you’ve completed your hands-on final projects, you will receive instructions on how to download your very own personalized certificate of completion.

LinkedIn’s Editing and Proofreading Made Easy

LinkedIn offers two editing and proofreading courses in their Premium LinkedIn Learning marketplace.

If you are unfamiliar with LinkedIn, here’s the process to access this course:

• Sign up for and create a LinkedIn profile. 
• Sign up for a free month’s trial of LinkedIn Premium. 
• Enroll in the Editing and Proofreading Made Easy course in the Learning section of LinkedIn Premium. 

If you aren’t already on LinkedIn as a prospective professional in need of either freelance clients or an employer, it’s a good idea to set up a profile on the platform. It is, after all, dedicated to forming networks among professionals. 

The Editing and Proofreading Made Easy course is a video course lasting about 40 minutes. Again, very easy to complete during a 30-day free trial to LinkedIn Premium. 

Here’s what one student, Merrie Lynn Eaker , has to say about the course:

Very comprehensive for such a short course. Merrie Lynn Eaker

LinkedIn Learning offers PDF certificates that can be placed on your LinkedIn profile, attached to a website, or even printed and framed. 

Another advantage of the LinkedIn courses is that they are all taught by professionals with experience in, and often still working in, the careers they are teaching. Learn from qualified professionals to become a qualified professional. 

LinkedIn’s Editing Mastery Course

Your free month’s trial at LinkedIn should give you plenty of time to also complete their Editing Mastery course. 

At just shy of 5 hours, it’s another video course offered by a professional editor and proofreader. It’s more in-depth than the Editing Made Easy course. It’s also perhaps more than a novice proofreader might need but might find useful later on. 

How in-depth? LinkedIn will award professionals 4.75 Continuing Education Units. By comparison, the Editing and Proofreading Made Easy course only awards .25 CEUs.

Again, you get a professional editor and journalist as an instructor. You will receive your certificate upon completion. And you will be better prepared and more confident in starting your new proofreading career. 

Coursera’s Writing and Editing: Revising Course

Coursera offers a 7-day free trial, and the fourth and final course in their Good With Words: Writing and Editing Specialization only takes 14 hours to complete.

So what happens if you can’t complete the Writing and Editing: Revising course in a week? Then there’s a membership fee of around $60 a month.

What makes this course different from the rest? It’s offered by the University of Michigan. That’s right. A full college-level course, complete with certificate upon completion, for less than $100. And completely free if you can get it done before the free trial expires.

There’s one more thing about this course that sets it apart. If you don’t want the certificate and only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course completely free of charge. Lots of options. Lots of learning. Not a lot of money to do so. 

Low-Cost Proofreading Courses

If you have a bit more than just time to invest in preparing for your new career in proofreading and editing, you might want to consider one of the courses in this section. We’ve selected courses from Udemy, SkillShare, and CreativeLive. None of them currently cost more than $200. Udemy often runs “sales” on their courses that can reduce the cost even more. It’s a small price to pay considering the lucrative career you could have upon completing your coursework. 

Udemy’s Proofread Like a Pro

This is Udemy’s best-selling proofreading course. It normally costs around $100 but can be found for as little as $15 on sale. 

Proofread Like a Pro is specifically designed to train you to become a professional proofreader. It contains modules on not just how to proofread documents, but also how to set yourself up in the proofreading business. 

It is a very practical course. One of the suggested requirements is that you have a printer handy to print out your exercise documents so you can get hands-on experience. 

Here’s what one very happy student, Joanna T. , had to say about Proofread Like a Pro: 

This course is amazing…The hands-on activities really help to cement what is taught in each lecture. Joanna T

Udemy’s Certification in Editing and Proofreading – Masterclass

One thing that sets the Certification in Editing and Proofreading Masterclass apart from other courses is that it doesn’t restrict itself to business documents. 

It also includes creative writing, copywriting, emails, blogging, and other content editing. This gives the student a broader education and therefore broader career opportunities than many other courses can offer. 

Another thing that sets the Certification in Editing and Proofreading Masterclass apart from its competition is that it is accredited by an organization other than Udemy. India’s Virtued Academy stands behind the course and its certificate. 

Udemy generally offers all this wonderful proofreading education for less than $90. On sale during one of their discount events, you can often find it for $10 to $15. A very small price to pay for quality career prep, don’t you think?

Udemy’s How to Become a Freelance Editor

Once you’ve got all that proofreading knowledge in your head, you’ll want to start putting it to use. 

That may be why many of Udemy’s proofreading students across their various course offerings take How to Become a Freelance Editor either concurrently with, or shortly after completing, those proofreading courses. 

While several of the courses we’ve featured have offered modules on starting your freelance proofreading career, How to Become a Freelance Editor focuses the entire course on that endeavor. 

Some of the very vital proofreading career skills included in this course are:

• How to launch your freelance proofreading and editing career
• How to effectively quote fees to prospective clients
• How to market your freelance proofreading and editing business
• Where to find employment/jobs in proofreading and editing

This course normally sells for around $80. Even when not discounted to $15 to $20, it’s still a bargain for all that you’ll learn to help launch your new proofreading business or career. 

CreativeLive’s Proofreading Your Own Work

If you’re coming to the proofreading world from the writing world, you may find Proofreading Your Own Work to be of some help in getting started.

It uses your own work as its practical examples and learning tools. A writer probably has plenty of that lying around, right? And since you’re intimately knowledgeable of it, it should make the class and its information very easy to understand and get excited about.

Another thing to get excited about is CreativeLive’s low price of less than $35. For a membership of less than $15 a month, you can access over 2,000 courses at CreativeLive, in case you want to improve or learn other skills. 

Shannon Lafreniere , a satisfied student, had this to say:

Heather did a great job at breaking down do’s and don’ts of all things proofreading . Shannon Lafreniere

One thing CreativeLive doesn’t do is offer any certificate or other proof of course completion. Proofreading Your Own Work might be a good starting point, though, for those testing the waters of the field of proofreading. 

Your Next Step

Where you go from here is up to you. Which course or courses appealed to you the most? What’s your budget? And we don’t just mean what’s in your wallet, but also how much time you have. These are all things to consider before taking that next step. Good luck in making these decisions—you’ll be on your way in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a professional proofreader earn.

According to Indeed , the average base yearly salary for a professional proofreader is $53,149. 

What kind of clients do proofreaders work with?

That depends on the proofreader. You can specialize in a particular industry niche or a particular type of writing. Many proofreaders are “generalists” working with a wide variety of clients and types of writing.

Do I need to be a grammar expert to be a proofreader?

Yes and no. You have to have a very good grasp of basic grammar rules. But no one ever knows all the rules, so knowing how to research to find the answers you need is more important than a head full of grammar do’s and don’t’s. Every good proofreader also has their favorite resource materials they can turn to when uncertain about the accuracy of something.

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Katrina McKinnon

I'm Katrina McKinnon, the author behind Small Revolution . With two decades of hands-on experience in online work, running eCommerce stores, web agency and job boards, I'm now on a mission to empower you to work from home and achieve work-life balance. My passion lies in crafting insightful, education content. I have taught thousands of students and employees how to write, do SEO, manage eCommerce stores and work as Virtual Assistants. Join our most popular course: SEO Article Masterclass

5 Best FREE Proofreading Courses Online with Certificate (2024)

Human Err a lot. It is something we are very good at:-). Writers are no exception to this rule. Hence, proofreading is important to ensure your content is factually, grammatically, logically, and technically correct. Whether you publish online or print some material, you need to ensure that you are delivering the quality that your clients are expecting.

With several Proofreading Courses readily accessible, learners find it difficult to select the best course to suit their needs.

Following is a handpicked list of the Top Online Proof Reading Courses & Certifications to gather knowledge about this subject. The list contains both open source (free) and commercial (paid) courses.

Best Online Proofreading Courses: Learn Copy Editing Free

1) online proofreading classes (skillshare).

Skillshare is a free online learning portal that offers many online proofreading classes. The course is designed for real-life usage. This online proofreading and editing course helps you achieve maximum proofreading accuracy.

Key Features:

• You can take this copy editing course from wherever you want.
• Tests and quizzes help you to remember your lessons and learning.
• You will get a course completion certificate to showcase your achievements.

Key Courses:

• Writing Editing Masterclass -Content Editing, Copyediting, and Proofreading.
• Helps you to find Correct Writing Errors: The Proofreading Guide.
• Create Pictures in Your Writing with Strong Nouns.
• Master Books Proofreading Skills, Punctuation, and Copyediting.
• Original Writer and Avoid Cliches.

Enroll Now >>

2) Kickstart a Freelance Editor & Proofreader Career on Upwork (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.4 | Duration: 2 hours on-demand video | Pricing: $24.99 | Certificate on Completion: Yes

Kickstart A Freelance editor & Proofread career on Upwork. It is an online learning course that discusses how to create a cover letter, bidding principles, and how much to bid to win job contracts in Upwork.

This copy editing course also covers insights, including the philosophy of editing that helps you preserve clients’ ideas and meanings and remove troubling “errors” from their writing. This Online Proofreading course offers more approaches and tips for editing and proofreading that may increase your client’s satisfaction.

Key topics:

• How you can create an effective bid proposal cover letter to attract clients.
• Learn how to win Upwork contracts.
• How you will get good ratings to improve your bidding chances.
• How you can speed up your online editing and proofreading career.
• 2 hours on-demand video
• Full lifetime access
• Access on mobile and TV

3) Proofreading Power Basics (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.3 | Duration: 1.5 hours on-demand video | Pricing: $24.99 | Certificate on Completion: Yes | Level: Intermediate

Proofreading Power Basics is an online course that offers practical application with hands-on exercises and quizzes to learn advanced proofreading skills.

This copy editing course introduces proofreading fundamentals for people who want to enhance their writing skills. This professional course also helps to develop an extra skill for people, like freelance writers and editors who want to expand their services.

An American English instructor taught this online learning class who focuses on American grammar, American spelling. To enroll in this copy editing class, you must have some intermediate grammar skills to complete this online proofreading and editing course. At the end of this copy editing course, you will be a fairly good writer to catch mistakes.

• 12 downloadable resources
• 1 practice test
• Learn the basics of proofreading.
• How to correct common proofreading errors.
• Use exercises to practice proofreading skills.
• Build proofreading confidence.
• Breaking into freelance proofreading.

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

Specs: Rating: 4.4 | Duration: 1-hour on-demand video | Pricing: $24.99 | Certificate on Completion: Yes | Level: Beginner | Prerequisite: Good command over the English language.

Writers often forget the importance of proofreading. This Course, “How to Find & Correct Writing Errors,” is designed for professional writers and editors of any genre who want to develop their proofreading skills.

This online proofreading and copy editing course explain how you can have the correct mindset to catch these errors. This course also provides unique techniques for making your proofreading work easier and more effective. This free online proofreading course is designed for anyone who wants to find and remove writing errors from documents.

• How to remove typos and spelling errors
• Learn about finding errors in design and graphics
• Helps you to ensure proofreading consistency
• How to work with professional proofreading symbols
• How you can develop the mindset to catch common and repetitive errors
• Learn some unique techniques to proofread easily

5) Udemy Proofreading Courses (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.5 | Duration: Self-paced

Udemy Proofreading is an online course that helps you learn from business, design, writing, editing, marketing courses, etc.

You can develop new skills by achieving new goals and by learning from the extensive library of various courses created by expert instructors to teach various subjects available in Udemy.

This online course offers various types of online proofreading and editing courses that can be viewed on all devices connected to the Internet. You do not need any prequalification to take any of these online free copy editing courses.

• How to find vocabulary, typography, punctuation, and grammatical errors in your document.
• Learn the essential parts of proofreading and the basic techniques of proofreading.
• How to learn the importance of style and consistency and the difference between editing and proofreading.
• You will earn a course completion certificate at the end of the course to showcase your skills.
• How to Find & Correct Writing Errors?
• Proofreading Power Basics
• The Complete Proofreading Course: Editing and Proofreading
• Editing and Proofreading Course: Proofread Errors Like a Pro
• Proofreading: A MUST for Newbie Writers
• Basic of Proofreading
• Practical Tips on Proofreading Effectively.

6) Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest (Coursera)

Specs: Rating: 4.7 | Duration: Approx. 13 hours to complete | Pricing: Free | Certificate on Completion: Yes

Writing for Young Reader is an online proofreading course for curious students and aspiring authors who have a passion for writing content.

This free online proofreading course helps you to enhance your proofreading skill with a combination of video lectures, peer reviews, and guest appearances from many world-renowned authors.

At the end of this online free copy editing course, you will have ten to twelve extracts of writing which helps you to develop your portfolio.

• Your Writing Identity
• Genre, Form, and Audience
• Editing and Proofreading
• 100% online
• Flexible Learning Plan
• Approx. 13 hours to complete
• Languages: English, Arabic, French, etc

7) Becoming A Proofreader (Knowadays)

Knowadays provides online courses developed by experts to help learners build the confidence and skills they need to start a new, fulfilling career. Their courses have opened the doors for more than 6,000 learners seeking highly flexible work and extra income.

What makes them unique is their top graduates are offered guaranteed work with partner companies. For their two existing courses, Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor, they partnered with Proofed, a proofreading and editing services business.

Key Benefits and Features:

• Guaranteed Work with our partner company, Proofed, for all our graduates who pass our final assignment with a score of 80% or higher.
• Best-In-Class Courses written by PhD-level industry insiders with extensive work experience.
• Interactive and Visual Learning Experiences designed to engage the learner with interactive quizzes, real-life ‘Try It Yourself’ exercises and model answers, videos, tutorials, and webinars.
• One-On-One Tutor Support with industry experts with real-world experience and are there to help our learners succeed.
• Tutor-Graded Final Assignment with detailed feedback is provided on the learner’s strengths and areas for improvement, all linked to the relevant course content.
• CPD-accredited certificate showing their official classification that is globally recongnized.
• Post-Graduation Support via lifetime course access, one-on-one support calls with our tutor team even after graduation, and access to our private online community of graduates
• We offer a 7-day free trial so that future learners can see why a Knowadays course is a reliable choice.
• Knowadays offers a 14-day, no-questions-asked refund policy.

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❓ What will you learn in these proofreading classes online?

Here are some important things to learn from proofread classes online:

• It provides you all the basic skills which are possibly needed for proofreading.
• You will be aware of the step-by-step instructions to copyedit or proofread your text.
• Provides all the essential tips that help you to become a professional copyeditor or a proofreader with minimum practice.
• You will have the right knowledge of applying your newly acquired skills.
• It helps you with the tips to copyedit and proofread various types of writing, like blogs, articles, and fiction.
• Helps you learn how you get the right skill to start your own copyediting and proofreading business.
• Practice exercises will give you an idea of implementing your new skills.

⚡ Who should take up this proofreading training online?

All the above-proof reading courses are designed for everyone, irrespective of their background, education, and experience, so if you have copyediting and proofreading skills, then these courses will certainly help you to enhance your written communications.

🏅 How do you become a certified Proofreader?

• You can become a certified proofreader by gaining experience in writing and grammar.
• You can also complete a degree with a master’s in the English language.
• Take journalism courses, including copy editing and online editing.
• You can also learn from the wide range of available online free copy editing courses.

🚀 What are things to look for when proofreading?

Professional proofreaders look at the following things: typographical errors like grammatical mistakes, run-on sentences, punctuation marks, hard-to-read sentences, spelling mistakes, comma usage and splices, capitalization, tenses, structure, readability, and appropriateness for the audience.

❗ Do I get a Printable Certificate?

Yes, you will get a printable certificate in many courses. Some course providers will ship a hard copy of the certificate to your desired address.

💻 What if I miss a class?

All the classes are prerecorded and can be replayed later.

👉 How can I ask my doubts or questions?

Most courses have a forum that allows you to raise questions that are frequently answered by course authors.

Looking for new clients? Meet them on Reedsy

Create a free account to receive requests from authors.

Posted on Jan 08, 2021

The 8 Best Proofreading Courses for Editors and Writers

Knowing how to proofread is a critical skill in today’s media-saturated world. Even if you have no intention to become a proofreader , writing is a major part of our everyday lives. Of course, if you do want to be a proofreader or editor (or even a writer), learning how to perform a professional final check on a piece of text to ensure there are no errors or misspellings could make all the difference to your proofreading career. With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of the best proofreading courses available online. 

From in-depth programs to short overview courses available at various price points, there is bound to be something in this selection that is suited to your needs. 

For beginners and writers 

Maybe you’re a student who’s looking to secure those A*s or a freelance writer who just needs to make sure all your submissions are flawless. Maybe you’re considering proofreading as a career but do not have the time or money to invest in an extensive program. In other words, you’re probably looking for a shorter course that can give you an overview of the proofreading craft and get you running quickly.

If that’s the case, you may wish to consider the two courses below. They don’t go into specific details like collaborating on a digital document or managing the nitty-gritty of formatting a manuscript. Still, they do cover basic grammar mistakes and most major types of editing , and not just proofreading: enough to give you both a good introduction and the confidence to proofread your own texts.

Writing Editing Masterclass (Skillshare)  

🎯 Perfect for: someone looking for a course with low time commitment

💰 Cost: Lesson transcripts available for free. Sign up here . 

This proofreading course goes a little bit beyond just proofreading: the teacher (a professional writer and editor) provides an overview of writing structure, copyediting, and proofreading — all within three hours of lectures. If you’re signing up for a free 14-day trial of a premium Skillshare account, at the end of the program you get an optional test. For those hoping to learn the basics of proofreading but do not have a lot of time, this might be a suitable option for beginners as well as someone with some previous experience. 

How to Find & Correct Writing Errors (Udemy) 

🎯 Perfect for: self-editing writers

💰 Cost: $129.99. Sign up here .

Duncan Koerber — the instructor of this course — has experience working at newspapers and magazines. He’s also taught at university level and created content for several popular online editing courses, including this one on Udemy. It includes 19 lectures that you can watch in your own time, covering editing techniques and technical guidance regarding styles, spelling, and document formatting. So while it doesn’t provide a certificate, this Udemy course will equip you with the skills needed to proofread and spot mistakes in your own work without a hitch. 

Top tip: Udemy run occasional sales, so be sure to check their courses regularly!

For professional proofreaders and editors

Being a professional freelancer (as most proofreaders are) involves more than just the mastery of proofreading skills — it also means understanding the style used by each client, knowing how to market yourself, and managing your finances. Luckily, some courses cover these topics in addition to the hard skills of the trade, taught by experienced proofreaders themselves. Most of the ones we list below also offer completion certificates so you can verify your own expertise once you’ve ‘graduated’ and set yourself up for a successful proofreading career. 

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

Becoming a Proofreader (Knowadays) 

🎯 Perfect for: those who want a comprehensive understanding of proofreading

💰 Cost: $399 (you can also get a 7-day free trial). Sign up here . 

Proofreading and Copyediting 101 (Universal Class)

🎯 Perfect for: aspiring proofreaders on a budget 

💰 Cost: $80. Sign up here .  

If you’re looking for something a bit less costly, check out Universal Class. Their assessment-based proofreading classes comes with 14 lessons, each with a test that quizzes your knowledge of the module that you have to pass to move on. Proofreading and copyediting are both covered, giving you a more diverse range of skills, AND you get a certificate upon completion (always a plus when it comes to job hunting). All this for the price of $80, which is quite a good bargain for eager and serious learners.   

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

🎯 Perfect for: those based in the UK and are willing to invest in detailed training 

💰 Cost: Roughly $550 (£405). Sign up here .

If you’re ready to loosen your purse strings a little, you might want to check out The Publishing Training Center’s intensive proofreading course. Intended as a training program for professionals, it is assumed that students already have a good grasp of the english language, grammar and spelling included. Skipping past these basics, the syllabus instead focuses on the collaborative and technical elements of a proofreading job, explaining standard practices in the publishing business, and offering guidance in the form of a mentor. While the center is based in the UK, its knowledge through this program can be applied almost anywhere where English is the working language. 

Proofreading Camp (Scribendi and Inklyo) 

🎯 Perfect for: getting the expert, corporate take on what the industry looks for in proofreaders

💰 Cost: $199. Sign up here . 

Brought to you by the editors and managers at Scribendi, a service that employs many part-time editors , this boot camp program offers insight into what employers expect from a proofreader. From linguistic knowledge to digital competency, there is a lesson for every aspect of being a proofreader in this course. It’s in-depth, no doubt, and it requires a bit of time investment, but you’ll get a solid start to your career upon completing the program. 

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

🎯 Perfect for: those who want to know about freelance work 

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

Proofreading Power Basics (Udemy) 

🎯 Perfect for: learning about the technicalities of proofreading 

💰 Cost: $99.99. Sign up here . 

Understanding proofreading marks, choosing your approach to a document, noticing the little things like capitalization and numeration — these are some of the things you can expect from Proofreading Power Basics. As with many of these professional courses, make sure you come with a world-class understanding of grammar because there’s no talk of punctuation and homonyms here. As the name suggests, this is all about proofreading power and proficiency, and it’ll be suitable for learners looking to hone their professional skills and put it into practice right away. 

With these eight proofreading courses, you’ll have a good selection of choices regardless of your level of commitment, career goals, and budget. We hope you find the course that will bring you one step closer to being a successful freelancer .

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• How To Become A Freelancer

5 of the Best Free Proofreading Courses

• By  Mike Fisher
• Apr 15, 2024
• Freelance Tips
• Online Learning

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Are you currently searching for the best free proofreading course? Taking a quality proofreading course is an excellent investment in your career. However, we understand the challenge of finding the perfect one for you, especially if you’re searching for a free or low-cost option.

In today’s post, we’ll explore five of the best free online proofreading courses. We’ll discuss reasons for taking a proofreading course and whether they are worth the financial investment. By the end of the post, you’ll know some of your options to help you decide on your next steps.

What Does Proofreading Involve?

Before exploring a few free proofreading course options, we should explain the scope of proofreading for those unfamiliar with it. While there are different types of proofreading , they all involve:

• Fixing grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
• Correcting inconsistent spelling and incorrect capitalization
• Checking for extra spaces left in a document
• Making minor changes for clarity and concision
• Adapting vocabulary to suit the document type and purpose
• Ensuring a document follows a given style guide

Proofreaders working in certain niches may perform additional tasks. For example, an academic proofreader will make sure that sources are cited correctly using the relevant referencing style .

Who Are Free Proofreading Courses For?

Free proofreading courses are a good fit for inexperienced proofreaders or those wishing to dip their toes in the proofreading world. While proofreading might sound appealing, you might find that it isn’t for you once you get started. A free proofreading course is a good way to see if you enjoy proofreading before investing in paid training.

The 5 Best Free Proofreading Courses

Here’s our list of some of the best free proofreading courses. As we delve into each course, we’ll focus on the following:

• Course duration
• Learning support
• Certification

We have included completely free courses and courses that offer free trials.

1. Proofread Like a Pro

Proofread Like a Pro is a course provided by the popular skill-sharing platform, Udemy . In this course, you’ll learn what to look out for as you proofread documents, techniques to catch errors, and how to use professional proofreading symbols . You’ll also get advice on how to set your rates and find work as a proofreader.

The course includes six sections and 48 lectures, which can be completed in under two hours. Udemy allows users to try the platform for free for seven days. Some of the key course features include:

• Available on mobile and desktop devices
• 23 downloadable resources and 1.5 hours of on-demand video
• Online support from the course instructor, Dr. Clare Lynch, who has more than 20 years of experience in the editing industry
• A certification upon completion

2. An Introduction to Proofreading

An Introduction to Proofreading is available on Alison , which provides free access to over 5,000 online courses. In this course, you’ll learn proofreading best practices and how to identify common proofreading pitfalls.

This course is completely free, and you don’t have to sign up for a trial. It can be completed in under four hours. Students can purchase a certification of completion, provided they achieve a mark of 80% or higher in the final examination. Some of the key course features include:

• Available on mobile and desktop devices 
• A CPD-accredited certification you can add to your resume and online profiles
• Online support from the course instructor, usually via email

3. Proofreading 101

Proofreading 101 is a free course offered by Edit Republic . It was written by Phon Baillie, an experienced proofreader and editor with over 20 years of experience in the industry. When you sign up, you’ll receive free lessons over five days. Key features of the course include:

• Insights into the proofreading industry and why proofreading is in demand
• Tips on starting a profitable proofreading business or side hustle  
• Advice on how to focus your scope as a proofreader and find clients as a new freelancer

The only downside is that you don’t appear to receive a certificate upon completion. It might be worth emailing the instructor to inquire about certification and learner support, as these aspects aren’t covered on the webpage.

4. Editing and Proofreading Masterclass

Skillshare offers an Editing and Proofreading Masterclass , which can be completed in three or four hours. The course is taught by Nitay , an experienced proofreader and translator. You can try Skillshare for seven days before paying for a subscription.

In this course, you’ll learn how to proofread translations, spot common grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, clarify text, and fix poor syntax. One of the course modules also focuses on finding proofreading jobs through online job sites . The course even provides a guide to navigating Upwork, which can take out a lot of legwork if you wish to go down this route. Student support is usually provided via emailing the course instructor.

5. Proofreading Power Basics

Another Udemy proofreading course, Proofreading Power Basics takes 90 minutes to complete. This course is especially great for teachers, bloggers, freelance editors, and content creators. Some of its key features include:

• 15 downloadable resources and 1.5 hours of on-demand videos
• Certificate of completion
• One practice test
• Online support from the course instructor, who has a background in editing

This course isn’t designed for complete beginners – you must have intermediate grammar and writing skills before taking the course. The course provider also includes a disclaimer: the certification doesn’t qualify you to launch a proofreading business or certify you as a proofreader; it only certifies that you’ve completed the course.

Are Free Proofreading Courses Worth It?

Free proofreading courses are good if you want to gain basic proofreading skills . They’re also great if you aren’t sure proofreading is for you. However, there will be limitations to taking a free course, such as minimal resources and student support.

Here is a table showing some of the pros and cons of taking a free proofreading course:

If you decide to take a completely or partially free course, remember that you will be up against professionally accredited proofreaders. Your average client will most likely choose the fully trained and professionally accredited proofreader over the one that completed a free course. Some clients and publishers might even ask you to pass a test, such as proofreading a sample document. If your free course doesn’t provide the required knowledge, your lack of training will be exposed.

When deciding on the best online proofreading course for you, ensure that the course provides practical exercises and a final examination, awards certification, and includes access to learning support. There are lots of paid online courses that are perfect for beginners !

Becoming a Proofreader

If you dream of working remotely as a freelance proofreader, we suggest our CPD-certified comprehensive course, Becoming A Proofreader . You’ll learn all the proofreading skills needed and can study at your own pace with no deadlines. Additionally, you’ll have access to our tutor support whenever you need it. We offer free lessons for this course, so you can start learning today!

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11 Free Proofreading Courses to Kickstart Your Career

Proofreading is an important step in any writing process, as it helps to ensure that the written work is free of errors and communicates the author’s message clearly. It is the process of carefully reviewing and correcting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. As such, it is important for anyone creating written content to learn proofreading techniques.

As the world of digital communications grows, so does the need for proper Proofreading. In today’s age, it is absolutely essential to be able to spot errors in written work before it is published. If you looking to learn to proofread,  then you are in the right place!

There are 11 amazing free online proofreading courses available in 2023 that will help you to improve your proofreading skills. These courses are interactive and will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an expert proofreader. So, why wait? Start exploring these free courses and start your journey of becoming an expert proofreader today!  

1. Editing and Proofreading Masterclass (Skillshare)

Level: Beginner

Certificate: Yes

Duration: 5 hours

Are you looking to become a professional freelance proofreader? This 5-hour proofreading course is designed to teach you the essential methods to proofread the translation, spot common grammar and punctuation errors, and clarify the text. You will learn how to correct poor syntax and punctuation, work with online job sites, and much more. After completing the course, you will have the skills and knowledge to make a real impact in the proofreading industry.

2. Introduction to Editing and Proofreading (Coursera)

Duration: 2 Hours

This course will provide the necessary tools and techniques to help you sharpen your writing skills and develop your own style. You will gain an understanding of the editing and proofreading process, as well as the fundamental principles of writing for a young audience. Through a combination of online lectures, readings, peer reviews, and guest appearances from celebrated children’s authors, you will gain a deeper insight into the craft. By the end of the course, you will have the ability to learn Proofreading and edit your own work, as well as provide constructive feedback on your peers’ work.

3. Writing and Editing Specialization (Coursera)

Certificate: Available

Duration: 5 months

This 5-month series of courses from Professor Barry targets the writing side of communication. Skills taught include how to arrange complex information in an understandable way, how to give and receive feedback, and how to hit deadlines. With the version of the course that earns a certificate, part of the proceeds will be donated to Ozone House, a shelter for homeless youth in Southeastern Michigan.

The course remains free for anyone who is simply auditing, but a certificate requires payment. This course is ideal for those seeking to advance their writing and editing skills that can help students kickstart their careers in proofreading.

4. Freelance Editor & Proofreader (Udemy)

Duration: 2 hours

With this course, you’ll gain sound bidding principles to win contracts, learn how to quickly gain good ratings to improve bidding chances, and discover simple editing philosophies and approaches to impress clients. It’ll also help you cultivate repeat clients for further business.

5. The Proofreading Guide (Udemy)

Duration: 1 hour

Proofreading is an important part of the writing and publishing process. This comprehensive course will teach you how to spot and remove embarrassing typos and spelling errors, find errors in design and graphics, use lists and guides to ensure proofreading consistency, and work comfortably with professional proofreading symbols.

With 1 hour of content, you’ll learn how to proofread like a pro and become a confident proofreader. Get your certificate on completion of this course and become an expert in Proofreading. For further knowledge and resources, also check out the list of 11 FREE Best Online Proofreading Courses In 2023 , and take your proofreading skills to the next level.

6. The Writer’s Toolkit (Skillshare)

Certificate: No

Duration: 40 minutes

The Writer’s Toolkit: 6 Steps to a Successful Writing Habit class offered by Skillshare is here to help. Led by acclaimed novelist Simon Van Booy, this 40-minute class offers a simple and fun process to get started with writing. The class will help you to optimize your space for your writing style, create a daily writing routine, and gather and act on inspiration. With these 6 essential steps, you will be able to create great writing and build the foundation needed to make your dreams a reality.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, this class is perfect for anyone looking to start or refine their writing skills.

7. Basics of Proofreading (Alison)

Duration: 2-3 Hours

This course is a great starting point for anyone who is interested in becoming a professional proofreader in 2023. It provides learners with the skills and knowledge needed to proofread both digital and printed material, ensuring error-free copy before publication. As proofreaders are a crucial part of the publishing team, this course can help you develop the confidence to spot mistakes that copy editors miss, and, with the help of 11 FREE Best Online Proofreading Courses , you can hone your skills to catch errors in your own writing.

8. Proofread Like a Pro (Udemy)

This course on Udemy can help you become a professional proofreader in just 2 hours. It covers all the basics of proofreading, such as using professional proofreading symbols, strategies to catch errors, what to look for when proofreading, and also how to find proofreading work. The course is designed for beginners and is accompanied by a certificate of completion. So, what are you waiting for? Get your copy now and start proofreading like a pro.

9. Become a Proofreader (knowadays)

Duration: 3 months

Are you looking to build your proofreading skills? The Becoming a Proofreader course is a 13-module program designed to guide you step-by-step. This course is perfect for beginners who want to become experts in the field. You will learn about common mistakes, working to style guides, and the nuances of proofreading all types of writing, from creative to business and academic. You’ll also get to complete practical tasks that will help you build your skills. Plus, you will receive a certificate of completion at the end.

10. Advanced Proofreading and Editing Techniques (Futurelearn)

Duration: 4 Weeks

Do you find it difficult to read, revise, and edit your own or others’ work? If yes, this four-week course is perfect for you. It will equip you with the skills to become a better reader, understand legal writing and other written work, as well as Learn Proofreading . You will learn how to choose more impactful words and sentence structures and revise more sensitively. With this course, you will gain deeper insights into the writing process and emerge as an effective writer.

11. Proofreading Power Basics (Udemy)

Certificate: Certificate of Completion

Duration: 4 hours

Proofreading Power Basics is an online class for those who want to master the fundamentals of Proofreading. It is ideal for teachers, writers, and editors who want to hone their grammar and writing skills. It provides practical applications with hands-on exercises and quizzes to help them develop their proofreading skills.

The need for proper Proofreading in the world of digital communications has increased, and learning proofreading techniques has become essential. These 11 amazing free online proofreading courses available in 2023 will help you improve your proofreading skills and become an expert in the field.

These courses range from 2-5 hours and cover topics such as editing, Proofreading, writing, and publishing. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer, these courses offer a wide range of tools and techniques to help you develop your skills and achieve your goals.

With interactive online lectures, peer reviews, and guest appearances from renowned writers, these courses provide a unique learning experience for anyone interested in Proofreading.

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11 Proofreading Courses Online In 2023 (Personal Experience!)

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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• Honest Proofread Anywhere Review: Personal Experience [2023]
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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.

• How Much Do Freelance Proofreaders Make + Success Tips!
• Training To Be A Proofreader: My Tips From Personal Experience [2023]
• 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.

• 15 FREE Proofreading Courses + Certification [2023]
• Court Reporter Proofreading – How To Get Started in 2023!
• How Much To Charge For Proofreading? A 2023 Guide
• Proofreading Academy vs Proofread Anywhere : Pros and Cons

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.

• Is Proofreading A Good Side Hustle? (Personal Experience!) 2023
• Does Proofreading Pay Well? (Yes! Get All The Scoop Here)
• 25 Best Proofreading Books in 2023 (Go From Beginner To Pro)

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 !

• 29 Best Proofreading Jobs Online No Experienced Required [2023 Update]
• How to Become a Proofreader in 8 Simple Steps
• How to Become an Online Proofreader with No Experience 
• 27 Best Online Proofreading Jobs Hiring Now

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

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

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SPOT COMMON ERRORS

Catch GRAMMATICAL ERRORS QUICKER

MArket Your Skills  To Help People

Gain momentum by:

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

3 Ways  Proofread Anywhere Delivers…

It's A Tested Process

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

Easy To Follow Proofreading Courses

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

We cover EVERYTHING

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

TAKE YOUR PICK

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

General Proofreading:

THEORY & PRACTICE

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

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

Transcript Proofreading:

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

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

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

Ashley, PA graduate and success story

** Results May Vary **

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

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

Choose The Right Course For You

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

Learn The Art Of Proofreading

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

Apply The Lessons

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

Start Freelance Proofreading and Learn Where Proofreaders Find Potential Prospects

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

Ready to Learn More?

Polish  your skills With Us… and Become The Expert!

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

Through a unique combination of:

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

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

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

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

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

maria arellano (from trustpilot)

Hear What Students Say About Our Training Courses

Click to play

Where should I start?

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

How long does it take to complete the course?

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

Does Proofread Anywhere help me get clients?

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

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

Want To Kickstart Your Proofreading Career?

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

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

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

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

Online Proofreader

Try our other writing services

Correct your document within 5 minutes

• Proofread on 100+ language issues
• Specialized in academic texts
• Corrections directly in your document

Instantly correct your entire document in minutes

Nobody's perfect all the time—and now, you don’t have to be!

There are times when you just want to write without worrying about every grammar or spelling convention. The online proofreader immediately finds all of your errors. This allows you to concentrate on the bigger picture. You’ll be 100% confident that your writing won’t affect your grade.

What does a proofreader do?

The proofreading process is your last chance to catch any errors in your writing before you submit it. A proofreader makes sure your spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors are reviewed and fixed. This can be done automatically by an AI-powered tool like the one at the top of this page or by a real human. Both options have their advantages, so pick the one that suits you most.

Fix mistakes that slip under your radar

✔ Fix problems with commonly confused words, like affect vs. effect, which vs. that and who vs. that.

✔ Catch words that sound similar but aren’t, like their vs. they’re, your vs. you’re.

✔ Check your punctuation to avoid errors with dashes and hyphens, commas, apostrophes, and more.

✔ Avoid sentence fragments, subject-verb agreement errors, and problems with parallelism.

How does the proofreader work?

The online proofreader.

It’s really straightforward. Just paste the text into the tool. All your errors will now be underlined in red. You can hover over these mistakes to see how they can be addressed. If you agree, just click on the button “Fix all errors,” and your mistakes will be fixed instantly! 

The professional proofreader

Upload your entire document first. Choose the pages you want proofread, the extra services you want to use, and the deadline. Then fill in some key details like your field of study so that we can find you the best proofreader. When you’re done, you pay for your order, and we make sure that your writing is checked by a proofreader. You’ll be contacted when the job is done!

Who should use this proofreader?

Avoid a bad grade and hand in your documents with absolute confidence.

Businesspeople

Look like a pro by writing error-free emails, reports, and more.

Ensure your work is clear and readable to increase the chance that it’ll get published.

Want your whole document checked and corrected in a matter of minutes?

Would you like to upload your entire document and check all your documents for 100+ language issues? Then Scribbr’s AI-powered proofreading is perfect for you.

With AI-powered proofreading, you can correct your text in no time.

• Upload document
• Wait briefly while all errors are corrected directly in your document
• Correct errors with one click

Proofread my document

Fantastic service!!

“Excellent review of a paper that was deciding my grade. I appreciate both the edits and the feedback to increase my knowledge of correct APA formatting and accurate citations. I needed the paper returned quickly, and the team worked hard to make sure I had what I needed. I just got my grade back, A+. I would 100% use this service again, it was worth every penny!!!!!!”

A proofreader for everyone

Don’t let typos and grammar keep you down. make your writing count, ask our team.

Want to contact us directly? No problem.  We  are always here for you.

• Email [email protected]
• Start live chat
• Call +1 (510) 822-8066
• WhatsApp +31 20 261 6040

Frequently asked questions

Our support team is here to help you daily via chat, WhatsApp, email, or phone between 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. CET.

Yes! Our personal statement editors can help you reduce your word count by up to 25%. You can choose to receive this feedback through direct edits or suggestions in comments – just select your choice when you upload your personal statement.

Our APA experts default to APA 7 for editing and formatting. For the Citation Editing Service you are able to choose between APA 6 and 7.

It is not necessary to reserve a time slot for your edit. As soon as your document is ready to be proofread, you can upload it at any time via our website . Based on your chosen deadline, our editor(s) will then proofread your document within 24 hours, 3 days, or 7 days.

If you are unsure about the availability of our services or are planning to upload a very large document (>13,000 words) with a 24 hour deadline, we recommend that you contact us beforehand via chat or email .

Scribbr is following the guidelines announced by the WHO (World Health Organization). As an online platform, all our services remain available, and we will continue to help students as usual.

Can I still place an order? Will my order be completed within the deadline? Yes, you can still place orders and orders will be delivered within the agreed upon deadline. Scribbr is an online platform – our proofreading & editing services are provided by editors working remotely from all over the world. This means Scribbr can guarantee that we will process your order with the same diligence and professionalism as always. The same holds true for our Plagiarism Checker .

Can I still contact customer support? Yes. Our support team is available from 09.00 to 23.00 CET and happy to answer any questions you might have!

Yes, if your document is longer than 20,000 words, you will get a sample of approximately 2,000 words. This sample edit gives you a first impression of the editor’s editing style and a chance to ask questions and give feedback.

How does the sample edit work?

You will receive the sample edit within 12 hours after placing your order. You then have 24 hours to let us know if you’re happy with the sample or if there’s something you would like the editor to do differently.

Read more about how the sample edit works

When you upload a large document (20,000+ words), we will ask your editor to send a sample edit of approximately 2,000 words as soon as possible. This sample edit gives you a first impression of your editor’s editing style and what you can expect from the service. You will receive it within 12 hours after uploading your order.

Why do we provide you with a sample edit?

We always aim to make you 100% happy, and Proofreading & Editing is a complex service. We want to make sure that our editing style meets your expectations before the editor improves your entire document.

Our editors are trained to follow Scribbr’s academic style . However, your preferences might deviate from our conventions. The sample edit gives you the chance to provide feedback – you can let us know if you’re happy with the sample or if there’s something you would like the editor to do differently.

Once your editor has completed your sample edit, you will receive a notification via email. You have 24 hours to reply to this email and provide us with feedback. If we receive your feedback in time, your editor will go the extra mile and adjust the edit according to your input.

What sort of feedback can you give?

Give us feedback that will help your editor meet your requirements. For example:

• “I am completely happy. The editor can continue editing like this.”
• “I forgot to mention that my school has the following rules for gendered pronouns.”
• “The editor changed the spelling of a technical term, but my professor spells it differently. Please keep the original spelling of this term.”

The  Structure  and Clarity Check can only be purchased in conjunction with Proofreading & Editing . Providing feedback on structure and clarity requires extensive knowledge of the text, which the editor acquires while proofreading and editing your text.

However, our Paper Formatting Service,   Citation Editing Service and Plagiarism Checker can be purchased separately.

Yes, Scribbr will proofread the summary in another language as well.

Who will proofread my summary?

If your document contains a summary in a different language, we will send this part to another editor who is a native speaker of that language. The editor will check your summary, applying our standard Proofreading & Editing service.

If you ordered any additional services, such as the Structure Check or Clarity Check, the editor will not apply them to your summary. This is because the summary is a translation of your abstract – you already receive Structure and Clarity feedback on the text in the original language. Therefore, when proofreading your summary, the editor will focus on making sure your language and style is correct.

How does it work?

We will create a new assignment within your order and send you a confirmation email. This also means that you will receive a separate email/SMS notification from us when the editor has finished proofreading your summary. Once your summary is proofread, you can download it via your Scribbr account and read the editor’s feedback.

Yes, we can provide a certificate of proofreading.

As soon as the editor delivers the edit, you can email us at [email protected] to request a certificate.

Please indicate the following in your email:

• Your order number
• Your full name
• The title of your work

We will create a PDF certificate and email it to you as soon as possible.

Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents . We proofread:

• PhD dissertations
• Research proposals
• Personal statements
• Admission essays
• Motivation letters
• Reflection papers
• Journal articles
• Capstone projects

Yes, when you accept all changes and delete all comments your document is ready to be handed in.

How to accept all changes:

• Word for Mac 2011

How to remove all comments:

When you’ve finished this, others will no longer be able to see the changes made by the editor.

• Read your last version one last time to make sure everything is the way you want it.
• Save your document as a .pdf file to come across more professional and to ensure the format of your document doesn’t change.

Yes, in the order process you can indicate your preference for American, British, or Australian English .

If you don’t choose one, your editor will follow the style of English you currently use. If your editor has any questions about this, we will contact you.

Yes, you can upload your thesis in sections.

We try our best to ensure that the same editor checks all the different sections of your thesis. When you upload a new file, our system recognizes you as a returning customer, and we immediately contact the editor who helped you before.

However, we cannot guarantee that the same editor will be available. Your chances are higher if

• You send us your text as soon as possible and
• You can be flexible about the deadline.

Please note that the shorter your deadline is, the bigger the risk that your previous editor is not available.

If your previous editor isn’t available, then we will inform you immediately and look for another qualified editor. Fear not! Every Scribbr editor follows the  Scribbr Improvement Model  and will deliver high-quality work.

However, every editor has a slightly different editing style, so you may notice small inconsistencies in editing choices. As with every proofreading order, be sure to carefully review your editor’s changes and suggestions as you finalize your text to ensure that everything is as you want it.

The fastest turnaround time is 12 hours.

You can upload your document at any time and choose between three deadlines:

At Scribbr, we promise to make every customer 100% happy with the service we offer. Our philosophy: Your complaint is always justified – no denial, no doubts.

Our customer support team is here to find the solution that helps you the most, whether that’s a free new edit or a refund for the service.

Every Scribbr order comes with our award-winning Proofreading & Editing service , which combines two important stages of the revision process.

For a more comprehensive edit, you can add a Structure Check or Clarity Check to your order. With these building blocks, you can customize the kind of feedback you receive.

You might be familiar with a different set of editing terms. To help you understand what you can expect at Scribbr, we created this table:

View an example

Scribbr not only specializes in proofreading and editing texts in English , but also in several other languages . This way, we help out students from all over the world.

As a global academic writing proofreading service, we work with professional editors  – all native speakers – who edit in the following languages :

This way, you can also have your academic writing proofread and edited in your second language!

Please note that we do not offer Finnish proofreading, but students can still upload English papers on scribbr.fi .

Yes, regardless of the deadline you choose, our editors can proofread your document during weekends and holidays.

Example: If you select the 12-hour service on Saturday, you will receive your edited document back within 12 hours on Sunday.

The footnotes are not automatically included in the word count.

If you want the language errors in your footnotes to be corrected by the editor, you can indicate this in step 3 of the upload process . The words in the footnotes are then automatically added to the total word count.

Need help with your references?

• If you use the APA reference style, you can use our free APA Citation Generator or the articles about APA in our Knowledge Base.
• If you’d like us to check your references for consistency, you can use our Citation Editing Service .

To keep our prices competitive, we do not offer a free trial edit. However, if your document is longer than 30,000 words, we are happy to provide you with a sample edit of 2,000 words to ensure you are satisfied with the editor’s editing style.

Rest assured, our customers are very satisfied with our proofreading services. We’re proud that they have rated us with an excellent 4.7 on Trustpilot. In the unlikely event that you have a less positive experience, we’ll solve that with our 100% happiness guarantee !

After your thesis has been edited , you will receive an email with a link to download the edited document.

The editor has made changes to your document using ‘ Track Changes ’ in Word.  This means that you only have to accept or ignore the changes that are made in the text one by one.

It is also possible to accept all changes at once. However, we strongly advise you not to do so for the following reasons:

• You can learn much by looking at what mistakes you have made.
• The editors do not only change the text, they also place comments when sentences or sometimes even entire paragraphs are unclear. We therefore advise you to read through these comments and take into account your editor’s tips and suggestions.
• Because of the many changes, sometimes there may be double spaces, double periods, or other minor mistakes in a sentence. Checking the changes one by one, you can easily detect these minor errors.

We have written a manual in which we explain step by step how ‘Track Changes’ works.

Check out an example

Our editors are very experienced and will do their utmost to correct all errors in your thesis .

However, with our current rates, an editor can only check your thesis once. This may cause an editor to overlook an error. We can therefore not guarantee that your thesis is 100% error free after you have had your thesis edited.

The editor uses ‘Track Changes’ in Word when editing your thesis.

Don’t know how this works? Then read the following guide  in which we explain step by step how ‘Track Changes’ works.

No, we do not provide you with a clean copy. You will always receive a file edited with tracked changes .

We do this for two main reasons:

• In most papers, there are sentences that the editor cannot edit without additional information from the author. In these cases, your editor will provide guidance but leave you to implement the feedback. If we were to simply accept the changes for you, then these issues would be left unaddressed.
• We believe students should be accountable for their work. Our editors can correct language errors and coach you to be a better writer. However, the end product belongs to you and should reflect your ideas and decisions.

All Scribbr editors are language experts with interests in different subject areas.

You can indicate your field of study when you upload your document . We’ll make sure that the editor who proofreads your work is familiar with your discipline and its specialist vocabulary.

These are the fields of study you can choose from, and examples of the main subjects in each field:

• Business and Management: Business Administration, Hotel Management, Accountancy, Marketing
• Economics: Business Economics, Econometrics, Finance
• IT and Engineering: ICT, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Industrial Design, Electrical Engineering
• Natural and Life Sciences: Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Chemistry
• Geography, Agriculture and Environment: Ecology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Studies, Urban Planning
• Health and Medical Sciences: Medicine, Obstetrics, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Dentistry
• Arts and Humanities: Philosophy, History, Literature, Cultural Studies, Theology
• Law and Policy: Law, Political Science, Public Policy, Human Rights
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Communication Sciences

Editors don’t have to be experts in the content of your paper, but they do know how to present it in the best way possible! Our goal is to improve your writing and give you feedback on the readability, structure, logic, and clarity of your text. We know from experience that the most effective editors are specialists in language and academic writing.

We’ve carefully selected and trained all of our editors to proofread theses and other academic documents. Once they’re qualified, we continue to carefully monitor their work to make sure we always deliver the highest quality .

4 Free Online Sign Language Courses With Certificates

Published: Apr 16, 2024, 4:55pm

Key Takeaways

• Learning ASL may provide professional advantages in many fields, including social services, healthcare and communications.
• Most free online ASL courses cover the basics, while more advanced studies and certificates typically come at a premium.
• Along with formal online ASL courses, you can learn the language through videos, ASL community groups, or apps and games.

More than a half-million people use American Sign Language (ASL) in the U.S., according to research published in the journal “ Sign Language Studies ,” making ASL the nation’s third most common language. The ability to share a language with such an extensive community can come with personal and professional benefits.

Thanks to online learning, you can learn ASL whenever and wherever you want. You can find virtual ASL courses to fit your schedule and needs, whether you want to learn for personal use or work. Many ASL educators even offer free online sign language courses with certificates of completion to satisfy professional or continuing education requirements.

In this article, we’ll explore the best free and low-cost ASL courses and what other study options you might consider.

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Why Should You Learn Sign Language?

ASL emerged in the U.S. in 1817 with the milestone opening of the American School for the Deaf in Connecticut. One of over 200 sign languages around the world, ASL stands as its own distinct language with its own rules, regional accents and slang. As a visual language, ASL uses facial expressions and hand and body movements to convey meaning.

Learning ASL can bring you closer to the Deaf community around you. You might pursue ASL classes to communicate better with a family member or a neighbor, or maybe you see the professional advantages ASL can bring.

Any industry and occupation that deals with the general public needs professionals who know ASL, including the healthcare, social services and communications sectors. These fields offer specialized opportunities for ASL users, and most public-facing positions can be improved with an understanding of ASL.

ASL courses can also satisfy professional development requirements for employers and certifications. To be eligible, classes typically need to qualify as continuing education units (CEUs) and award a certificate of completion. This type of formal documentation can demonstrate your commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning.

Degree Finder

Free online sign language courses with certificates.

Consider these courses to start building a foundation in ASL.

Certificate Title: ASL 1-4 Program Length: Self-paced Certificate Overview: Start ASL offers a complete four-level ASL course package that meets the standards laid out by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and California World Language Standards. The program includes more than 250 lessons in ASL vocabulary, grammar and syntax, plus quizzes and exams.

You can access an interactive classroom, instructor feedback, and a learning community throughout the course. Once you finish each level, you receive a certificate of completion. Start ASL offers its ASL 1 course for free, but you must pay for a membership to access ASL 2 through 4.

Gallaudet University

Certificate Title: ASL Connect Program Length: Self-paced Certificate Overview: Since 1864, Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., has been a global leader in education for the deaf and signing community. Gallaudet’s ASL Connect allows learners to explore a broad range of ASL lessons for free.

In addition to its free introductory lessons, Gallaudet offers paid courses and non-degree credits for ASL 1 through 6. These courses run through asynchronous or synchronous eight-week or 15-week classes. They all feature live virtual language sessions with instructors.

For educators, Gallaudet also offers a post-bachelor’s certificate in ASL & English bilingual early childhood deaf education: birth to age 5.

Sign Language 101

Certificate Title: Learn ASL Online Program Length: Self-paced Certificate Overview: Sign Language 101 provides free access to beginner lessons covering ASL basics. Sign Language 101 offers paid standalone courses and workbooks for more advanced learners. Students can save time and money by purchasing course bundles as well.

Each course holds accreditation from the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), and each one leads to a certificate of completion. You can access these courses online anytime, and they may qualify as CEUs.

American Sign Language University (ASLU)

Certificate Title: ASL 1-4 Program Length: Self-paced Certificate Overview: Since 1987, ASLU has provided ASL instruction and resources to students across the country. Over the years, the platform has expanded and now includes free study materials and lessons, including ASL 1 through 4 self-study courses and example quizzes. You can also access the ASLU dictionary and fingerspelling charts for free.

As an ASLU student, you can watch the video lessons at any time and study with practice sheets, activities and quizzes. However, if you want to receive certificates of completion, the actual course quizzes and the final exam, you must pursue the tuition-based ASLU courses.

Low-Cost Online Sign Language Courses With Certificates

Your options for free courses might be limited; check out these low-cost options as well.

Certificate Title: Learn and Master Sign Language Cost: $39.99 Program Length: Self-paced Certificate Overview: Udemy ‘s ASL course package includes over 47 hours of on-demand videos and interactive lessons. The course covers ASL basics and advanced subjects, with over 2,000 words, fingerspelling tutorials and question-forming assistance. The training explores commonly used words, phrases and dialogue in topics like food, travel and sports.

After purchasing the course, you gain access to quizzes, practice exercises and community support. The self-paced course offers mobile and TV access, along with a certificate of completion.

Certificate Title: The Complete American Sign Language Course Online (ASL Masterclass) Cost: $59.99 Program Length: Self-paced Certificate Overview: Registering for Cudoo ‘s complete ASL course online gives you lifetime access to over 100 hours of educational content. The course includes ASL 1 through 3, ASL for babies and toddlers, scuba diving hand signals, and an ASL e-book. Upon completion, you receive a certificate of completion. The training qualifies for CEUs at nearly 200 colleges and universities.

Students can access learning materials, lesson videos and practice exercises from the learner dashboard anytime. Cudoo also offers a 14-day money-back guarantee.

ASL Meredith

Certificate Title: American Sign Language Made Simple Cost: $199 Program Length: Self-paced Certificate Overview: This course by ASL Meredith allows students to learn conversational vocabulary and grammar on their own time with pre-recorded lectures. Learners can finish the content in about six weeks. The one-time fee offers access to over 50 lessons, quizzes and practice assignments, plus a certificate of completion.

You can also access Meredith’s YouTube videos for free, which cover a wide range of ASL basics and lessons.

Other Ways To Learn Sign Language for Free

Formal courses aren’t the only way to learn ASL. In fact, if you don’t need to show a certificate of completion to your employer, you might find options that better suit your learning style or interests.

Below, we list some of the many ways to learn sign language for free:

• ASL Nook : A hub for free online videos that teach casual and natural ASL words and phrases.
• Discover Sign Language : A free six-week course covering the basics of ASL for members of the San Francisco Public Library.
• Signing Savvy : A free ASL resource page featuring a dictionary, tutorials and printables. Tutoring is available for a fee.
• Free Apps: Various apps, including Sign School, Lingvano, ASL App and the ASL Fingerspelling App, use mobile devices and gamification to make the language more accessible.
• YouTube Videos: Learners can pick up ASL for free thanks to YouTube channels such as Learn ASL in 31 Days.
• Alison: Alison courses cover a range of ASL topics and levels, and each results in a certificate of completion.
• Local Community Groups: You may find free ASL classes at Community Centers for the Deaf or speech and hearing centers.
• Language Exchange Communities: Converse with people from around the world and learn a different language at the same time.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Free Online Sign Language Courses With Certificates of Completion

Can i learn sign language online for free.

You can learn sign language for free online through structured courses and standalone lessons. You can also study on your own by watching YouTube videos or using free ASL apps and games.

What app teaches ASL for free?

You can use several free ASL apps to learn the language, such as the ASL App or Lingvano. These apps use interactive lessons to teach basic and conversational ASL from your computer or mobile device.

How long does it take to learn ASL?

It can take years to become fluent in ASL, but getting a general understanding of the language might not take very long at all. According to the National Association of the Deaf, many ASL learners pick the language up in about a year, but that depends on how much they study and how fast they learn.

Where is the best place to learn sign language?

The best place to learn sign language depends on your needs and learning style. If you need a free online sign language course with a certificate, you might consider Start ASL, as they provide a free ASL 1 course and certificate to get you started on your language journey.

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For nearly a decade, Doug Wintemute has specialized in helping students and professionals make sound education and career decisions. In addition to Forbes Advisor, his work has been featured on many online publications, including ZDNet, Bankrate and NurseJournal.