Search courses 👉
Professional Training
5.0 (100 Reviews)

Proofreading and Editing (QLS Level 4)

Length
80 hours
Price
296.70 GBP
Next course start
Flexible - You choose when you begin See details
Course delivery
Self-Paced Online
Length
80 hours
Price
296.70 GBP
Next course start
Flexible - You choose when you begin See details
Course delivery
Self-Paced Online
Leave your details so the provider can get in touch

Course description

Proofreading and editing course (QLS Level 4)

Many leading corporations including British Gas, John Lewis, Lloyds Bank, the NHS and Virgin Media, use this accredited online proofreading and copy editing course to train their staff. And many individuals testify that it is effective and great value for money.

You will learn the practical proofreading and editorial skills needed to become a certified, professional proofreader and copy editor.

This accredited proofreading and copy editing course has been running since 2003, and has a proven track record in helping people find work, launch freelance businesses and use their new skills in the workplace.

Proofreading course key features:

  • Certification: Quality Licence Scheme certificate of achievement.
  • Endorsed by: The Quality Licence Scheme.
  • Accredited by: CPD | EADL.
  • Government registered?: Yes. UKRLP number: 10008168.
  • Available to: UK and international learners.
  • Tutor support: Unlimited support from an expert.
  • Tutor marked assignments: 11 practical, tutor marked assignments.
  • Post-course help? Yes - expert proofreading careers advice when you finish.

Successful proofreading course graduate Tom Pritchard, who secured regular proofreading work whilst studying the course, told us he thought his tutors were “clear and supportive”.

Another successful graduate, Felicity Yau, has established herself as a successful freelance proofreader and copy editor. She is the latest of a number of learners who have gone on to successful freelance careers. 

Our comprehensive proofreading and editing course will teach you how to:

  • Proofread and copy edit documents, either in print or onscreen.
  • Apply style guides and BSI proofreading symbols.
  • Make written content easier to read.
  • Set up a freelance business and find paid work.

You can join the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) as an entry level member.

This accredited proofreading online course is ideal for:

  • Beginners.
  • People who want to start a freelance business.
  • Staff training and development.
  • People who want to find proofreading and copy editing work.
  • Proofreaders and copy editors who want an endorsed award to attract more clients.
  • Website and blog owners who need to check their own content.
  • Writers who need to produce error-free copy.

We have a proven track record in helping our proofreading and editing learners find work, set up as successful freelancers and learn new skills to use in the workplace. 

There is an unprecedented demand for skilled proofreaders and copy editors.

Each year, companies and organisations produce millions of documents and webpages that contain errors and inaccuracies. This affects their reputations.

They need certified proofreaders and copy editors to work on:

  • Reports, letters, and business documents.
  • Webpages.
  • Books.
  • Commercial copy and brochures.
  • Newspapers and magazines.

Our proofreading course covers all these areas and others. See course subjects

You will study in our Online Learning Area, which is accessible from a computer or a mobile app. This means the course is flexible, and gives you the chance to tackle practical, real-world proofreading and editing tasks at home, at work or on the go.

You will also benefit from unlimited tutor support every step of the way, including personalised feedback on every assignment.

Successful proofreading course graduate Peter Fullagar told us “The tutor support makes the course outstanding. Excellent feedback given in a timely manner. The course content went beyond what I was expecting.” Read his review

As a certified proofreader and copy editor, you could be:

  • Raising the quality of your organisation’s content.
  • Working in a specialised area, such as legal or academic publishing.
  • Running a freelance business.

If you have a keen eye for detail, becoming a proofreader and copy editor is a great way to earn good money.

Upcoming start dates

1 start date available

Flexible - You choose when you begin

  • Self-Paced Online
  • Online
  • English

Suitability - Who should attend?

Our Proofreading course is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. We've worked with:

  • beginners wanting to become professional proofreaders / editors
  • people who need to work accurately, as part of their job roles
  • businesses of all sizes
  • website and blog owners who need to check their own content
  • freelance writers who need to produce error free copy
  • individuals who want to proofread as a hobbie
  • existing proofreaders / editors looking to refresh or upgrade their current skills

What will I need?:

  • access to a computer, tablet or similar device
  • W-Fi, 4G, or broadband
  • Microsoft Word software, or equivalent: OpenOffice, iWork pages
  • an email account

* This course is also suitable for Apple Mac users.

Outcome / Qualification etc.

Proofreading course certifications

Our proofreading and editing course has been independently endorsed under the Quality Licence Scheme  So at the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from The Quality Licence Scheme and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the Units the learner has completed as part of the course).

In addition, you will receive the accredited CMP level 4 diploma in proofreading and editing, which is recognised in the UK and beyond. It proves you are a certified proofreader and editor.

These certifications will enable you to apply for proofreading and editing jobs, find freelance work, or use your new skills in the workplace.

Training Course Content

Proofreading and copy editing course subjects

This vocational proofreading course covers every aspect of proofreading and copy editing. It is one of the most comprehensive and up to date courses on the market, covering current topics (including AI) that are vital to a proofreader and copy editor’s role.

Proofreading course Lesson 01: The basics

  • What the proofreader does.
  • The proofreader’s personal qualities.
  • Proofreading terminology.
  • The publishing process.
  • Document control. Processes and techniques for keeping track of documents when several people / versions / locations are involved. (New topic)

Proofreading course Lesson 02: Applying style

  • What a style guide is used for.
  • How to use a style guide.
  • Applying different styles to printed and online documents. (New topic)
  • Coordinating editorial style with brand and visual style rules. (New topic)

Proofreading course Lesson 03: Spelling and grammar

  • Where to find reliable spelling and grammar facilities.
  • Explain the need for accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation when proofreading and editing.
  • Apply spelling, grammar and punctuation rules to a range of exercises.
  • Spotting and correcting spelling and grammar errors.

Proofreading course Lesson 04: Proofreading onscreen

  • What a copy editor does.
  • Levels of editing.
  • The client’s brief.
  • Editing with the reader in mind.
  • Proofreading and editing using Adobe Reader annotations and sticky notes. (New topic)
  • Proofreading and editing using Mac Pages, Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer, Apache, OpenOffice Writer, Zoho Writer or WPS Office Writer. (New topic)
  • Working with others using MS Teams. (New topic)
  • How to proofread webpages. (New topic)
  • How to proofread text in a Content Management System. (New topic)
  • How to proofread metadata. (New topic)
  • How to proofread alt text. (New topic)
  • How to proofread transcribed text using Otter.ai. (New topic)
  • How to proofread text that has been translated from another language. (New topic)

Proofreading course Lesson 05: Proofreading on paper

  • Proofreading on paper BSI symbols.
  • Proofreading methods and techniques.
  • Compiling and presenting a query list.
  • Marking up copy clearly and accurately.

Proofreading course Lesson 06: Copy-editing basics

  • What a copy editor does.
  • Levels of editing.
  • The client’s brief.
  • Editing with the reader in mind.
  • Editing different tones and registers
  • Proofreading and editing these: (New topics)
    • Title pages.
    • Contents pages.
    • Lists of illustrations.
    • XML tags.

Proofreading course Lesson 07: Copy editing - use of language

  • Learn summarising techniques.
  • Editing techniques that make text fluent, plain and simple to read.
  • Identifying and replacing clichés and inappropriate material.
  • Editing copy for multicultural and global audiences.
  • Copy editing in a ‘woke’ world. (New topic)

Proofreading course Lesson 08: Checking accuracy and facts

  • Analyse words and phrases for accurate meaning.
  • Identify and correct factual errors.
  • Reliable fact checking in a fake news world. (New topic)
  • Dealing with misleading promotional copy. (New topic)

Proofreading course Lesson 09: Legal checks

After studying this Lesson, you will be able to discuss how the following laws affect copy editors and apply them to a range of real world situations:

  • Copyright law.
  • Trademark law.
  • Defamation law.
  • Data protection law.

Proofreading course Lesson 10: (Optional): Academic editing

This Lesson concentrates on editing academic and fictional documents.

It is optional, so you may skip it and go on to Lesson 11, if you wish.

Proofreading course Lesson 11: Finding work

  • How to boost your speed and efficiency.
  • How to negotiate fees and tie up the details of proofreading and copy editing jobs.
  • How to find proofreading and editing work.
  • How to build your own freelance business.

Expenses

Proofreading course payment Options

The price of this course is £549.50 (incl. VAT). This fee can either be paid in full, or over four interest free monthly payments of £137.37

You can pay using one of the following options:

  • Online credit or debit card payment
  • PayPal / Pay later / pay in 3
  • Bank transfer (online banking)
  • Employer invoice  (purchase order)

Get Inspired! Watch the Video

Customer Outreach Award 2019

customer-outreach-badge-2019

We believe that it should be easy for you to find and compare training courses. 

Our Customer Outreach Award is presented to trusted providers who are excellent at responding to enquiries, making your search quicker, more efficient and easier, too.

Request info

Contact form

Fill out your details to find out more about Proofreading and Editing (QLS Level 4).

  Contact the provider

  Get more information

  Register your interest


reCAPTCHA logo This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Reviews

Average rating 5

Based on 100 reviews.
Reviews are published according to our review policy.
Write a review!
Holly
5/5
14 Aug 2024
Excellent course

Excellent proofreading and editing course. Great personalised feedback from my mentor. I learnt a lot and highly recommend this course!

Alisha M.
5/5
14 Aug 2024
So glad I did this course!

I signed up to do the proofreading and editing course after looking at many courses online. I'm so glad I chose this course and to study with the College of Media and Publishing...

Show more
Joseph P.
5/5
29 Nov 2022
An efficient way to learn!

CMP utilizes a clear, straightforward learning approach. This, however, does not compromise quality as the feedback is genuine and thorough, and the course tutors make themselve...

Show more
College of Media and Publishing
St John's House
St John's House
PO19 1UH Chichester West Sussex

College of Media and Publishing

Delivering proven results since 2003 Welcome to the College of Media and Publishing. We’re so pleased you found us! There are significant advantages by studying at a genuine online college that is fully accredited, quality endorsed and is registered by...

Read more and show all courses with this provider

Ads