9 Best Proofreading Courses in 2024 (Make $50/Hour)

Proofreading is an essential skill for anyone who wants to produce high-quality work in an online proofreading job or as a proofreader in a company setting.

With the best proofreading courses online, you’ll get step-by-step instructions that make learning easy and fun.

Plus, you can take online proofreading courses at your own pace – so you can fit them into your busy schedule.

We’ve done the research, and here are the 9 best proofreading classes that will teach you to spot errors in any document with ease.

You’ll also know how to correct writing errors quickly and efficiently and gain the confidence to start your own online business.

Get comfortable, and let’s take a closer look at each of these courses!

Quick Picks

You can learn how to become a proofreader, start your business, and so much more with just an hour or two of time!

Here are our top courses to develop your proofreading skills today:

• Best Course W/ FREE Workshop – Proofread Anywhere
• Best To Launch Your Business – Proofreading Launchpad
• Best SkillShare Course – Writing Editing Masterclass
• Best Price – Proofreading Power Basics
• Find Proofreading Jobs – FlexJobs

9 Best Proofreading Courses To Take in 2024

1. Proofread Anywhere

Proofread Anywhere is one of the best proofreading courses out there for anyone who wants to become a professional freelance proofreader.

It also has a FREE introductory workshop to give you a feel for becoming a freelance proofreader.

Proofread Anywhere covers all the essential topics, including grammar, punctuation, and style, and if you want the in-depth scoop, check out our Proofread Anywhere review.

You’ll learn grammar and writing skills to help you create a side hustle or second income as a freelance proofreader. 

You’ll also learn to use editing tools, such as Microsoft Word’s track changes feature.

You will be given different resources to help you learn, such as a course workbook, cheat sheets, and practice proofreading tests and quizzes.

These are handy for reinforcing the concepts that you have learned.

Overall, Proofread Anywhere is the best on my list of online proofreading courses that will teach you everything you need to know about proofreading.

It’s easy to follow, comprehensive, and perfect for busy individuals.

Not sure if you want to enroll in the course? Try their FREE Workshop for a great introduction to the course and the proofreading profession.

Features

Proofread Anywhere is packed full of features, making it the best online proofreading course. Some of the features include:

• 80+ lessons
• Grammar specific worksheets
• Student Workbook
• Module quizzes
• Bonus resource guides
• And additional resources

Topics

• Introduction to Proofreading
• Grammar Refresher
• Sentence Structure
• Recognizing spelling errors and word use
• Punctuation Principles
• Proofreading Practice
• And more

2. Proofreading Launchpad

Proofreading Launchpad is a great one-stop-shop to learn about starting your proofreading career with checklists and cheat sheets to use when you land clients.

Proofreading certification online training is for writers and editors who want to improve their editing abilities while avoiding mistakes in written documents- plus make way more money!

Ariel is a very successful freelance proofreader who went from making $500 a month to $4,000+ per month- and this is her first-ever course to divulge how she worked her way up from the bottom.

You learn everything from English grammar and proofreading basics to practice learning sheets, plus they’ll tell you what proofreading software you’ll use and guide you through the programs.

The programs are very important so that you can keep track of your work and correct writing errors and more with ease, plus your clients can see what you’ve done.

Then Ariel teaches you about landing a proofreading job among various platforms, how to pitch yourself confidently every time, and how to perform at 110% every time.

Features

• Lessons total almost 15 hours
• Courses are broken down into 3 steps: Become A Proficient Proofreader, Become A Client-Getting Machine, & Become A Well-Paid Professional
• Lifetime course access
• 6 months of access to the Launchpad membership
• Most students complete the lessons in 2 weeks and start building clients in their first month of business

Topics

• 9 Bonuses, including a toolkit for new proofreaders, a blueprint for doing your taxes, and more
• Grammar, Spelling, & Punctuation (correct writing errors)
• Methodology of Proofreading & Tools To Use
• How To Find Clients 
• Confident Proofreading Cheatsheet

3. Knowadays Proofreading Course

Knowadays offers 2 courses currently- for proofreading and editing. While the editing course is definitely a smart buy, today, we’re focusing on proofreading.

Their course is great for learning how to proofread confidently and ensure you can point out any spelling and grammar mistakes you find.

The main industries you’ll learn to proofread are print/online media and academia, so if you want to proofread blogs, newspapers, academic journals, etc., this course will help you get there.

It used to offer business and translation proofreading but recently changed, so if you want one of those to be a focus, you’ll want a different course.

You not only have course material to learn from, but Knowadadys also has tutors who can answer your questions and clarify lessons.

Expert help can help guarantee you learn as you go and help you get more from their modules.

The best part about this course is that their partner, Proofed, will hire those who pass the course and get over 80% on the final test!

Landing a proofreading job right off the bat is a huge advantage over other courses because you learn and can potentially get right to work and make money.

Features

Knowadays offers plenty of material for their proofreading course, including: 

• 13 lessons to take at your leisure
• Practical tasks to learn
• 20 documents in the course
• Final test to qualify for Proofed job position

Topics

• 1: Introduction
• 2: Proofreading And Editing
• 3: The Basics Of Microsoft Word
• 4: Common Spelling Mistakes
• 5: Common Grammar Mistakes
• 6: Common Punctuation Mistakes
• 7: Other Common Errors
• 8: Proofreading In Practice: Style
• 9: Academic Proofreading
• 10: Academic Proofreading: Referencing And Citation
• 11: Creative Writing And The Publishing Industry
• 12: Proofreading Business Writing
• 13: Finding Work And The Final Assignment

4. Proofreading Your Own Work

Proofreading Your Own Work is a proofreading certification online course taught by Heather E Saunders.

Heather E Saunders is a professional proofreader and copy editor with over 15 years of experience.

The course is available on CreativeLive Classes and has 8 video lessons.

In this course, you’ll learn how to proofread your work like a pro. You’ll also get access to helpful resources.

The tips given make a big difference in essential proofreading skills when combined.

The teaching approach used in this course is practical and straightforward. Heather E Saunders covers all the topics in an easy way to understand.

Features

• 8 Video lessons in HD
• Over an hour of online proofreading classes
• Lifetime access- anywhere, anytime
• Streaming access on desktop and mobile browsers
• Download and offline access with class purchase
• 100% satisfaction guarantee

Topics

• Proofreading Tips
• How to Tighten Up Sentences
• Common Errors in Proofreading
• Fact-Checking Everything
• Reading your work like someone else
• Evaluating whether your article hits or misses the audience

5. Editing and Proofreading Masterclass (SkillShare)

Want access to a great course for launching your proofreading career? SkillShare has so many top-notch proofreading courses to nail your new gig.

I recommend the Editing and Proofreading Masterclass, and with SkillShare’s membership, you can get access to this course and more.

Editing and Proofreading Masterclass is an easy starter course to learn editing and proofreading.

Think of this class as your guide to grammar tips, proofreading tricks, and landing paying gigs when you launch your career. 

You’ll also get hands-on projects to practice what you learn and edit and proofread docs with real feedback. Practice makes improvement, after all!

Features

• Learn about editing and proofreading- 2 courses in 1!
• 64 lessons
• 11 practical projects

Topics

• Writing and publishing content
• Copy editing
• Proofreading
• Creative Writing
• Fictional and academic writing

6. The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading

Proofreading is an essential skill that can be learned by taking a course.

The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) offers multiple courses for freelance training, support, and networking events to help its members find work.

CIEP is based in the UK and offers membership to editors and proofreaders from all over the world.

The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading membership is available in four tiers:

• Entry-Level Membership — new proofreaders and editors with no experience
• Intermediate Membership — at least 100 hours of work experience
• Professional Membership — at least 500 hours of work experience
• Advanced Professional Membership — at least 1,500 hours of work experience

They offer courses are focused on an online education that can be taken with or without membership. CIEP members get a discount on the courses offered.

Features

• On-demand, 24/7 access
• Lifetime access
• Downloadable resources

Topics

The topics covered in these online proofreading classes vary depending on the course you choose.

Some of the topics that may be covered include:

• Proofreading basics
• Types of proofreading
• Editing for grammar
• Copy editing
• Style editing
• And more!

7. Editing And Proofreading Made Simple

Editing and Proofreading Made Simple is a LinkedIn course by Erin Rickard, a freelance copywriter, editor, proofreader, and professor.

By the time you finish this course, you will be able to improve and polish your writing with a few simple methods, plus pay more attention to detail.

This course will teach you the “five keys to effective editing.” These keys include checking your writing content for spelling, grammar, and formatting.

You’ll also learn how to use these rules in emails, blog posts, and more.

Apply what you learn to your work and the proofreading services you offer to others in this business that takes almost no money to start.

Features

• 1 project file
• 3 chapter quizzes
• Access on tablet and phone
• Certificate of completion
• Continuing Education Units available

Topics

• The 5 Keys to Editing and Proofreading
• Examples
• Frequent Mistakes

8. The Publishing Training Centre: What is Proofreading?

The Publishing Training Centre: What is Proofreading? is an online proofreading class by the Publishing Training Centre.

This course is designed for people who want to learn about the basics of becoming a proofreader online and want a proofreading job ASAP.

The goal of this Publishing Training Center course is to teach you what proofreading means for four different industries:

• Book and journal publishers
• Other organizations may or may not be publishers but have information or messages to convey
• Independent writers
• Students

The course is divided into two parts that teach the general proofreading process and how to begin your path to becoming a skilled proofreader.

The first portion of the course will teach students about proofreading. The second stage is a hands-on exercise to assess your skills in proofreading.

Features

• Optimized for desktop and laptop devices and not tablets and smartphones
• Need a PDF reader to view some of the materials
• Will receive a completion certificate from PTC
• Was last updated in 2021
• You have eight months of access to the course

Topics

The course description does not give a list of the course topics. It does give a list of what you will learn by the end of the course:

• Understand how proofreading fits into the publishing process
• Under what the scope of work involved in a proofreader career is
• Have first-hand experience with a proofreading exercise

9. Proofreading Power Basics

 

Proofreading Power Basics is an online course that helps you learn the practical side of proofreading.

It offers hands-on exercises and quizzes to help you master the fundamentals of proofreading, such as the symbols proofreaders use.

This online course will help you understand what proofreading is and how to become a successful proofreader in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step manner. 

The Copy Editing course teaches proofreading fundamentals to individuals who want to improve their writing skills.

The Proofreading Power Basics course covers the ins and outs of setting up your own profitable freelance proofreading business. 

Features

• 1.5 hours on-demand video
• 13 articles
• 15 downloadable resources
• 1 practice test
• Full lifetime access
• Access on mobile and TV
• Certificate of completion

Topics

If you are looking for topics on learning grammar, punctuation, etc., you won’t find it in this course- it just does an assessment and moves into other proofreading topics.

The topics for the course materials include:

• Proofreader Expectations
• Grammar Assessment
• Proofreading Tips
• Proofreading Strategies
• Proofreading Marks
• And more

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I learn in online proofreading courses?

Proofreading courses are designed to teach people essential proofreading skills to efficiently and accurately spot and correct errors in written documents.

Each course varies, but most will teach you the basics of proofreading, such as grammar, punctuation, and other writing skills like tracking changes in Microsoft Word.

Some courses teach more specialized skills, such as proofreading medical documents or legal contracts.

Some provide step-by-step instructions and can be taken at your own pace, making them a perfect option for busy individuals.

Others also teach you how to start a freelance business – which is an excellent one to start as it’s basically a recession-proof business because proofreaders are always in demand.

SAVVY TIP: Make sure to read the course description carefully to see what topics are covered- if you want reviews on grammar, you need to make sure you’re purchasing a course with that in mind.

Are proofreading courses worth the money?

A proofreading course can be an excellent investment to make a successful proofreading career and earn more money each month.

However, if you’re looking to do some occasional proofreading for friends or family, you may not need a course.

As a professional freelance proofreader, you’re more likely to stand out with courses and certifications on your resume.

A free course may not be as comprehensive with the skills taught as paid courses, but it’s a great place to start before you think about buying courses.

How long does a proofreading course take to complete?

The proofreading and editing courses can vary in length, but most are self-paced and can be completed at your own convenience.

Some videos can be 1 – 2 hours in total, but you can go slow, take your time, and rewatch as often as needed- much better than a typical college class, and usually a cheaper price tag too!

If you’re worried about time, look at the course description to get an idea of how long the course might take you to complete and block out time in your schedule to see how much you can fit in feasibly.

Dedicating an hour or 2 to strengthening your skills with proofreading courses and bulking up your resume credentials is essential for becoming a successful proofreader.

Where can I find proofreading jobs?

If you’re new to proofreading and need help finding proofreading jobs, I suggest starting with FlexJobs.

It’s the best job site for freelancers and lists proofreading, editing, bookkeeping, and many other jobs.

You can set up a profile, choose your rates, apply for jobs, and connect with potential clients.

Final Thoughts

Proofreading can be a challenging but rewarding task.

These are some of the best online proofreading courses and should give you the high-income skills and knowledge you need to start proofreading professionally.

Whether you’re looking to improve your writing skills or start your own side hustle with a freelance proofreading career, these courses have something for everyone.

If you’re looking for an easy way to get started as a proofreader and learn about creating your busy, we highly recommend the free workshop from Proofread Anywhere.

Plus, they do have a great proofreading course to develop all the skills you need!

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best online proofreading courses available online.

Don’t forget to bookmark this page so that you can come back and find more courses to improve your proofreading skills!

So what are you waiting for? Get started on your proofreading journey today!