Training by format

Distance Learning


Build core editorial skills online, at your own pace, with personal tutor support 
The IoP’s distance learning courses aim to equip you for a role as a qualified proofreader or copy-editor, either working in-house or freelance. Courses include extensive exercises and assessed assignments, covering all aspects of the work and challenges you may face in the real world, so that you will feel confident and competent when you come to apply what you have learned.

Over the 12−18 months of study, each student has the support of a personal tutor. 

Essential Proofreading and Essential Copy-Editing are fully assessed and lead to the award of a certificate of achievement from the IoP
The IoP is a recognised training and certification body within the publishing industry. You also receive Chartered Institute of Editing & Proofreading (CIEP) upgrade points on passing the course, depending on your final grade. 

Frequently asked questions

Can anyone enrol on a distance-learning course?

Yes. There are no entry qualifications and you can live anywhere in the world to study an IoP course. You can enrol any time of year, there are no set joining dates or terms, as you work at your own pace. For all courses, it will help if you have:
  • an eye for detail
  • a good concentration span
  • a firm grasp of colloquial English, along with English grammar, spelling and punctuation
  • good general knowledge and a willingness to learn.


Essential Copy-Editing is designed for those who have a working knowledge and experience of proofreading, as well as an understanding of the publishing process. It follows on from Essential Proofreading and should be studied afterwards. Essential Grammar can be studied at any stage or level.

How do the grades and pass rates work? 

For Tutor-Guided, assessed courses, the different pass marks denote the following:
  • Pass – you are suited to the profession but need further experience before applying for paid work.
  • Merit – you show an aptitude for editorial work and could apply for paid work.
  • Distinction – you have reached a very high standard and should feel confident about applying for paid work.


Pass rates vary from course to course. For the Certificate of Achievement to have value, students must be rigorously assessed, so a pass cannot be guaranteed. However, your tutor will work with you throughout the course to ensure that you fulfil your potential, and pass rates are generally high. 

Do I need any special equipment or software?

Courses are accessed through an online learning platform, and most work is completed on-screen, so you will need access to a computer. Marked assignments are submitted by email to the IoP. The correct email address to use will be part of the specific submission guidelines included with each course.

You do not need any other special software, other than the usual word-processing programs that you use for editing, reading and writing. You may find it helpful to print and read or check your work. Where any additional software is required, the IoP will suggest free versions that you can use. 

How soon can I start working as a freelancer?

Course enrolments are for 12 or 18 months. These are in-depth, complex courses which require dedicated study. Students must also take into account the administration time for the processing and marking of assignments. Our maximum turnaround for this process is 4 weeks.
  • For Essential Proofreading, average completion time is around 6–8 months.
  • For Essential Copy-Editing, average completion time is around 12 months.


Completion of one of our self-study courses does not guarantee immediate freelance or in-house work; however, as a graduate of one of our courses we are confident that your CV will be viewed more seriously by employers within the publishing industry. It takes time and effort to become an established freelance editorial professional, but it can be a very rewarding career. Your tutor will give you advice on this during the course.

Are these courses only for freelancers?

No – anyone can study them, whether working in-house for a publisher in an editorial or other role, studying another subject elsewhere, working as a freelancer or in a different industry or trade all together. These courses are popular with career changers, and those who want to earn some extra money or go freelance with a recognised qualification.

How long do I have to study the course?

You have differing access from when you buy the course to complete it.

  • For Essential Proofreading, you have 12 months from the date of purchase.
  • For Essential Copy-Editing, you have 18 months from the date of purchase.
  • For Essential Grammar, you have 12 months from the date of purchase.