Distance learning

Essential Proofreading: Editorial Skills 1

The only self-study course that takes you from complete beginner to qualified proofreader in one step. 
FORMAT

Distance learning

ACCESS

12 months

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Completion certificate
  • CIEP upgrade points
  • Personal tutor

ESTIMATED COMPLETION

6–8 months

PRICE

£290 + VAT

About the course

Who is it for?

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

Learning outcomes

On completing this course you’ll be able to:
  • Mark up on screen and on paper, and understand the differences between the two
  • Mark up on screen in Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word
  • Use and understand British Standards Institution symbols
  • Make informed decisions when marking up proofs – what to change and what to leave.

Key benefits

  • Convenient and flexible – study from home, in your own time, at your own pace
  • The support of a personal tutor at every stage of assessment
  • 30 self-check exercises to help you learn and practise
  • Receive a completion certificate graded with a pass, merit or distinction. 

Course contents

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


What you need to know

Personal tutor

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

Course materials

The materials are accessible online through the learning platform. There are six units, all of which contain self-check exercises. Four units contain longer assignments that will be marked by your personal tutor. 

Certificate

On successful completion, you will receive a certificate graded with a pass, merit or distinction. 

Software requirements 

You will need Adobe Reader DC (free version) and Microsoft Word (2010 or later) in order to complete the coursework.
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Access

You will have access to the course for 12 months from the date of your enrolment.

CIEP points

Passing this course is worth 10–20 points towards upgrading your CIEP membership. You can earn:
  • 10 points for a Pass
  • 15 for a Merit
  • 20 for a Distinction.

What our students say

Completing this course has made me more confident in my existing work. It has also given me the confidence to expand from working with private clients to approaching publishing houses to secure more work.

Lucy, Austriaus, Spain

I have gained so much understanding of how documents are put together, what is helpful for an author or reader, and how to communicate changes carefully and clearly. My tutor has been excellent. So thorough, clear, and kind in her marking.

Jemima, Chester, UK

What our students say

I've certainly learned a new skill and obtained a formal qualification. I'm trying to add some freelancing to my life, and having this certificate gives me both the confidence and qualification to jump into the market.

Lorenzo, Trondheim, Norway

The course material was broad and challenging. It has exposed me to the intricacies of proofreading across many genres. I feel more disciplined in reviewing material for my business and have gained valuable experience and the confidence to put myself forward in the field.

Cathy, Leamington Spa, UK

What our students say

I've learned how to use the latest software, which is essential for most proofreading nowadays. The detailed feedback, encouragement and discussions with my tutor were extremely helpful. This course has refreshed my knowledge of proofreading skills and given me the confidence to apply for proofreading work.

Keith, Cheltenham, UK

An excellent course. I have a better understanding of professional-level proofreading, a stronger grasp of punctuation/grammar and improved judgement with regard to editorial decision-making. I also know how to use a range of tools to mark up proofs.

Darren, Gravesend, UK

How to enrol and pay

Instalments

You can pay for the course upfront or in three instalments:
  • Instalment 1: £132 (inc. VAT)
  • Instalment 2: £108 (inc. VAT)
  • Instalment 3: £108 (inc. VAT)

The first instalment is payable at the point of enrolment. The next two instalments will be collected between the 20th and the last day of the month, for the next two months.

Money-back guarantee

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

Course completion

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

Special offers

LEARNING PACKAGE

The Proofreader Freelance Package

Enrol on Essential Proofreading and save 50% on Essential Grammar.

About the authors

Gillian Clarke

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

Margaret Aherne

Margaret Aherne worked for several decades as a proofreader, copy-editor, project manager and tutor/mentor for a wide range of publishing clients, as well as for bodies such as the Audit Commission. She is a founder member of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), now the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP).