Last Updated on December, 2024
Are you looking for courses that will help you boost your proofreading skills? In today’s digital age, precise and error-free communication is paramount.
Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just dipping your toes into the world of writing, mastering the art of proofreading is a game-changer.
Our article explores the best online proofreading courses designed to elevate your editing skills and boost your confidence in creating flawless content.
You can be sure that these are the best online proofreading courses, covering everything from grammar nuances to punctuation precision.
Whether you aim to edit your professional documents or enter the proofreading industry, our curated list ensures you find the perfect online proofreading course to polish your writing prowess.
Let’s get into it!
Contents
7 of the Best Online Proofreading Courses
Here is our list of the top online proofreading courses hand-picked for you. One of these proofreading courses is sure to fit your goals and aspirations.
1. Becoming a Proofreader
Platform: Knowadays.
Course Length: Around 50 hours (4-5 weeks at 10 hours per week).
Standard Price: $499.
Level: All levels.
Knowadays, previously recognized as Proofreading Academy, offers accessible and comprehensive online proofreading and editing courses. Their courses cater to beginners and seasoned proofreaders, providing one-on-one guidance from skilled tutors and a wealth of resources.
Knowadays also stands out with a high TrustPilot rating and numerous student success stories, making it a top choice.
The courses are CPD-certified, delivering essential proofreading techniques and guidance on navigating the challenging freelance proofreading business landscape.
The Becoming A Proofreader course encompasses 13 modules made up of short tutorial videos, downloadable study materials, quizzes, assessments, and a final assignment.
The online course ensures interactive learning with on-demand webinars and invaluable resources such as checklists and style guides.
Students engage with topics like refining proofreading skills, exploring the fundamentals of Microsoft Word, and addressing common spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Furthermore, the course extends its reach to academic realms, offering insights into proofreading academic documents, referencing, and proper citations.
The curriculum delves into creative writing and its connection to the publishing industry. Knowadays guides learners through proofreading business writing as well.
The program also encompasses the processes of line and comprehensive editing, touching upon business, creative, and academic writing styles. Additionally, participants gain valuable knowledge on the practicalities of finding a proofreading job.
Pros
Cons
Overview: This online proofreader course is designed to equip you with the skills needed to become a certified proofreader. With enrollment, you gain lifetime access to the program and continuous tutor support throughout your proofreading journey. While the guaranteed work is a notable perk, it’s important to note that eligibility for this opportunity also requires completing Knowadays’ “Becoming An Editor” course. You will then stand a chance to get a job at their partner company, Proofed.
2. General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™
Platform: Proofread Anywhere.
Course Length: It takes a minimum of one month to complete.
Standard Price: The Ignite price is $497, while the Ignite Plus price is $597.
Level: All levels.
For those seeking an online course brimming with valuable insights for freelance proofreading, consider exploring Proofread Anywhere.
Positioned as one of the best online proofreading courses, it caters to digital nomads and individuals at all proficiency levels.
Participation in the free introductory proofreader workshop is a prerequisite to enrolling in this online course, General Proofreading: Theory and Practice.
This proofreader course offers practical guidance on identifying common writing mistakes, securing clients, and clarifying prevalent proofreading mistakes– a valuable resource for those committed to earning as professional proofreaders.
Moreover, Proofread Anywhere generously provides students with various resources and worksheets. These materials prove invaluable in boosting the confidence of budding proofreaders, offering substantial support to those commencing their journey in this field.
The General Proofreading: Theory and Practice course encompasses 10 online training modules, over 80 lessons, 23 grammar-specific worksheets, module quizzes, a vocabulary quiz, short tutorial videos, and three case studies.
Additionally, the participants gain access to a supportive community of fellow freelance proofreaders through the course’s private Facebook group.
The General Proofreading: Theory and Practice curriculum includes a grammar refresher, sentence structure, spelling, and word use. Punctuation principles are emphasized, along with diverse proofreading methods and hands-on practice.
The course explores types of proofreading, transitioning into the business aspect with insights on freelance proofreading business, finding your own clients, and marketing basics.
Pros
Cons
Overview: General Proofreading: Theory and Practice is one of the most comprehensive proofreading courses available. It equips you with general proofreading skills and guides you in establishing an online business and self-marketing. It’s a worthy investment for anyone aspiring to learn the essentials of becoming a successful freelance proofreader.
3. Proofreading Power Basics
Platform: Udemy.
Course Length: 33 lectures (1 hour and 24 minutes).
Standard Price: $64.99.
Level: Beginner.
If you want a short proofreading course with a strong foundation, check out Proofreading Power Basics on Udemy. Complete with quizzes and practical exercises, it’s an ideal choice for beginners aiming to boost their confidence in proofreading.
The instructor, Ashan R. Hampton, has worked as an English educator for many years and holds a 4.0 GPA for her doctoral candidacy in the Leadership for Higher Education program at Capella University.
She is also a published author of several proofreading books.
It’s important to note that Proofreading Power Basics doesn’t delve into finding freelance work. However, this course offers valuable content if you focus on honing your proofreading skills.
With 12 learning modules, 33 lectures, concise video tutorials, and various exercises, quizzes, and downloadable resources, this online course provides a well-rounded learning experience.
It covers critical topics such as proofreader expectations, grammar assessment, proofreading and editing techniques, strategies, marks, capitalization, numbers, error hotspots, and style guides.
It provides a comprehensive exploration of essential elements to becoming a professional proofreader.
Pros
Cons
Overview: Proofreading Power Basics is a simple beginner proofreading online course that is your stepping stone to becoming a professional proofreader.
4. Editing and Proofreading Masterclass | Dominate Writing, Punctuation & Grammar
Platform: Skillshare.
Course Length: 64 lessons (3 hours and 48 minutes).
Standard Price: 1-month free trial, after which there is a monthly subscription of $32.
Level: Beginner.
Skillshare, a platform offering many online courses for freelancers, hosts the Editing and Proofreading Masterclass– a standout among their other proofreading courses.
Tailored for beginners, this proofreading and editing course is an ideal crash course for both proofreading and editing.
The instructor, Nitay, is an English and Hebrew translator, proofreader, and transcriptionist who has several years of experience in the industry.
The course delivers straightforward insights into proper grammar, proofreading hacks, and job-finding strategies. It provides a practical approach to kickstart your proofreading journey.
The course imparts knowledge and encourages application through four projects, offering a hands-on way to enhance your proofreading and editorial skills.
With 64 lessons and 4 projects, and the unique combination of editing and proofreading in one, this masterclass is a valuable resource for those looking to improve their proofreading and editorial skills.
The curriculum covers niches and job opportunities, universal proofreading symbols, keyboard shortcuts, and English Autocorrect software. The course guides learners in effective proofreading with Microsoft Word, offering seven tips for improvement.
Punctuation skills, fixing passive voice and misplaced modifiers, and proofreading texts for academic, web, and print media contexts are also addressed, making this masterclass a comprehensive resource for honing your proofreading proficiency.
Pros
Cons
Overview: A brief online course that covers the basics of proofreading. While you wouldn’t receive a certificate after completing the course, it is free if you meet it within a month during the free trial.
5. Grammar and Punctuation
Platform: Coursera (offered by the University of California, Irvine).
Course Length: Approx. 17 hours.
Standard Price: Free.
Level: All levels.
The Grammar and Punctuation course, presented on Coursera by the University of California, Irvine, stands out as one of the best online proofreading courses.
Focused primarily on grammar and punctuation, the course offers a wealth of quizzes and hands-on exercises, providing an excellent opportunity to refresh and improve language skills.
While the course mainly concentrates on grammar and punctuation, it doesn’t extensively cover efficient proofreading methods or client acquisition strategies. Nevertheless, it remains one of the best courses on proofreading available online.
The course features four learning modules, 14 video lessons, 26 readings, 16 quizzes, and practice course exercises, covering essential topics such as verb tenses and conjunctions and constructing compound and complex sentences.
The online course further explores commas, parallel structure, and achieving sentence variety.
Pros
Cons
Overview: This online course on proofreading serves as an excellent free alternative to the other expensive online courses. It helps kickstart your journey into becoming a freelance proofreader.
6. Essential Proofreading: Editorial Skills One
Platform: The Publishing Training Centre.
Course Length: At least 50 hours.
Standard Price: £395 ($499)
Level: All levels.
The Publishing Training Centre offers some of the best courses for the publishing industry and broader business community, created by professionals in the field.
You don’t need any prerequisites, but they recommend completing their Essential Grammar class.
This class emphasizes attention to detail, concentration, a solid understanding of conversational English, and proficiency in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Participants will also need Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
The content of this Essential Proofreading course spans six units, with reading materials, exercises, and assignments that include real-life examples.
The main topics cover proofreading techniques, best practices, distinguishing between proofreading vs. editing, working with PDFs, engaging with publishers, and understanding BSI symbols.
Each student is assigned a personal tutor who provides one-on-one support throughout the course and up to three months after completion, offering feedback on four assignments.
A certificate of completion is awarded by The Publishing Training Centre Board, indicating a grade of “pass,” “merit,” or “distinction.” Moreover, when joining the Essential Proofreading course, participants can access two complimentary e-learning modules.
These modules include “Proofreading PDFs: A Complete Guide for Editors” and “A Copy-Editor’s Guide to Working with Authors,” along with introductions to marketing and publishing.
Upon course completion, participants receive a training manual, “Successful Editorial Freelancing,” to assist in career planning and progression.
Additionally, graduates are featured in The Publishing Training Centre Freelance Finder, increasing visibility for potential opportunities for professional proofreading.
Pros
Cons
Overview: This proofreading and editor course is ideal if you aim to join a publishing company, prefer outgoing guidance from personal tutor support, and seek training from a reputable publishing company.
7. CIEP Proofreading Suite of Courses
Platform: Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.
Course Length: All three courses combined take at least 50 hours to complete.
Standard Price: Proofreading 1: £180 ($227) / CIEP Members: £110 ($139), Proofreading 2: £320 ($404) / CIEP Members: £195 ($246) & Proofreading 3: £320 ($404) / CIEP Members: £195 ($246).
Level: Proofreading 1: Beginner, Proofreading 2: Intermediate & Proofreading 3: Advanced.
The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) offers proofreading and editing courses for publishing professionals.
They recommend a three-course series:
The course content includes reading materials, exercises, and assignments. Proofreading 1 has 6 units, and 2 and 3 have 6 and 8 units, respectively.
The main topics covered include errors, proofreading strategies, proofreading vs. proof-editing, proofreading methods (such as working with Microsoft Word and using PDF markup tools), handling complicated documents, and understanding BSI symbols.
For Proofreading 1, you receive a Certificate of Completion. For Proofreading 2, if you complete the course (without passing), you receive a Certificate of Completion.
If you pass, you get a certificate indicating “merit” or “distinction” based on your performance in the final assessment. The same certificate structure applies to Proofreading 3.
Additionally, a tutor is available for one hour of support per course. Any extra tutoring can be purchased if needed. For Proofreading 1, the tutor grades your work.
In Proofreading 2, the tutor grades and provides feedback on three assignments; the third is the final assignment. The same applies to Proofreading 3.
Pros
Cons
Overview: These courses are the perfect choice if you aim to pursue a career in a publishing company, seek training from a renowned publishing company, and are open to investing in a higher-priced educational option.
What to Look for in an Online Proofreading Course?
When selecting an online proofreading course, consider the following key aspects:
Things to Keep in Mind About Low-Cost Proofreading Courses
When considering low-cost proofreading courses, it’s essential to keep several factors in mind to make an informed decision:
Other course categories you might like:
FAQs
Final Note
Whether you’re a beginner or seeking advanced training, these courses offer flexible learning, expert guidance, and valuable certifications.
Investing in such classes not only refines your proofreading abilities but also boosts your credibility, making them worthwhile choices for anyone aspiring to become an effective proofreader.
Happy learning!
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