6 Best FREE Proofreading Courses Online (2025)

Best Proofreading Courses

Human Err a lot. It is something we are very good at:-). Writers are no exception to this rule. Hence, proofreading is important to ensure your content is factually, grammatically, logically, and technically correct. Whether you publish online or print some material, you need to ensure that you are delivering the quality that your clients are expecting.

With several Proofreading Courses readily accessible, learners find it difficult to select the best course to suit their needs.

I have meticulously researched over 40 Best Free Proofreading Courses, spending more than 100 hours to provide a comprehensive list of free and paid options. This trusted and professional guide outlines each course’s features and pros and cons. My well-researched article may help you select the best course. Read the full article for detailed insights.

Best Online Proofreading Courses: Learn Copy Editing Free

Course Name Provider Duration Rating Key Topics Link
Editing and Proofreading Masterclass | Dominate Writing, Punctuation & Grammar Skillshare Self-placed How to achieve maximum accuracy for proofreading. Learn More
Kickstart a Freelance Editor & Proofreader Career Udemy 2 hours on-demand video. 4.4 How you can create an effective bid. Learn More
Proofreading Power Basics Udemy 1.5 hours on-demand video 4.3 Learn the basics of proofreading Learn More
How to Find & Correct Writing Errors: The Proofreading Guide Udemy 1-hour on-demand video 4.4 How to Find & Correct Writing Errors Learn More
Udemy Proofreading Courses Udemy Self-paced 4.5 Editing and Proofreading Learn More

1) Editing and Proofreading Masterclass (Skillshare)

Editing and Proofreading Masterclass is an in-depth course designed to help learners master the essential skills of proofreading, copyediting, and grammar correction. Whether you’re an aspiring editor, a writer aiming for precision, or a professional looking to refine your editing techniques, this course provides practical, real-world applications to improve the accuracy and clarity of your writing.

This course is structured for flexibility, allowing learners to access lessons from anywhere and progress at their own pace. It includes interactive exercises, quizzes, and hands-on assignments to reinforce key concepts. Upon successful completion, learners receive a certificate, validating their proofreading and copyediting expertise—an asset for freelance editors, students, and professionals seeking to enhance their writing skills.

OEditing and Proofreading Masterclass

What will You Learn?

  • Comprehensive Proofreading Framework: You will develop a solid understanding of proofreading principles, including error identification, grammar corrections, and syntax improvement for clear, polished writing.
  • Mastering Punctuation & Grammar: This course helps you get hands-on practice with punctuation rules, including correct usage of commas, semicolons, dashes, apostrophes, quotation marks, and more, ensuring your writing is grammatically sound.
  • Capitalization & Formatting Rules: I learned to understand capitalization guidelines and formatting principles to create well-structured and properly formatted content.
  • Professional Proofreading Strategies: You will develop advanced proofreading skills, punctuation mastery, and copyediting techniques essential for professional writing, ensuring your manuscripts meet high standards of accuracy and readability.

Pricing:

Free to Enroll

How to Enroll in the Editing and Proofreading Masterclass?

  • Step 1) Navigate to the Writing & Publishing category on the Skillshare website.
  • Step 2) Select the Editing and Proofreading Masterclass course.
  • Step 3) Sign up or log in to Skillshare and activate your free trial or subscription.
  • Step 4) Start the class, complete exercises, and apply proofreading techniques to enhance your writing skills.

Enroll Now >>


2) Kickstart a Freelance Editor & Proofreader Career on Upwork (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.4 | Duration: 2 hours on-demand video | Pricing: $24.99 | Certificate on Completion: Yes

Kickstart a Freelance Editor & Proofreader Career on Upwork offered me a great learning experience as a Freelance editor. I tested the lessons on cover letter writing and bidding tactics, and they were very helpful. In fact, it is an excellent resource for mastering contract-winning skills on Upwork. I advise anyone interested in freelance editing to try it.

This copy editing course also covers insights, including the philosophy of editing that helps you preserve clients’ ideas and meanings and remove troubling “errors” from their writing. This Online Proofreading course offers more approaches and tips for editing and proofreading that may increase your client’s satisfaction.

Access two hours of on-demand videos and a detailed article with lifetime availability on mobile and TV devices. This comprehensive package ensures continuous learning and flexibility, enabling users to engage with content anytime, anywhere. Maximize convenience and knowledge retention through versatile access options tailored to individual needs.

Kickstart a Freelance Editor & Proofreader Career on Upwork

What will You Learn?

  • Effective Bid Proposal: You will learn to create an effective bid proposal cover letter that attracts clients, enhancing your chances of securing valuable projects successfully.
  • Winning Upwork Contracts: This module helps you win Upwork contracts by teaching essential strategies and techniques to stand out among competitors effectively.
  • Improving Ratings: I learned how to get good ratings to improve my bidding chances, boosting my reputation and attracting more clients on Upwork.
  • Speeding Up Career: You will discover methods to speed up your online editing and proofreading career, allowing you to achieve success and growth more efficiently.
  • Building Strong Portfolio: You will develop a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and experience, making you more attractive to potential clients and increasing your job opportunities.
  • Client Communication Skills: This feature teaches effective client communication skills, ensuring you can manage client relationships professionally and secure repeat business successfully.

Pricing:

Price: $4.64 

How to Enroll in the Kickstart a Freelance Editor Course?

  • Step 1) Visit the Kickstart a Freelance Editor course page on Udemy.
  • Step 2) Click the “Buy Now” button or “Add to Cart” option to proceed with payment.
  • Step 3) Sign up or log in to your Udemy account and complete the purchase.
  • Step 4) Begin the course and practice your proofreading skills.

Enroll Now >>


3) Proofreading Power Basics (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.3 | Duration: 1.5 hours on-demand video | Pricing: $24.99 | Certificate on Completion: Yes | Level: Intermediate

Proofreading Power Basics is an online course that provides practical application through exercises and quizzes to teach advanced proofreading skills. In my opinion, this copy editing course introduces proofreading fundamentals for people who want to enhance their writing skills. It offered me the chance to develop an extra skill to expand my services as an editor.

An American English instructor taught this online learning class who focuses on American grammar, American spelling. To enroll in this copy editing class, you must have some intermediate grammar skills to complete this online proofreading and editing course. At the end of this copy editing course, you will be a fairly good writer to catch mistakes.

Gain comprehensive learning with eight detailed articles and twelve downloadable resources tailored for diverse needs. Enhance skills through a dedicated practice test, all available with lifetime access. Seamlessly continue your education on both mobile devices and TV, ensuring flexibility and convenience in your learning journey.

Proofreading Power Basics

What will You Learn?

  • Proofreading Basics: You will learn the basics of proofreading, covering fundamental techniques and essential skills needed to review and refine written content effectively, ensuring accuracy and clarity in your work.
  • Correcting Errors: This module teaches how to correct common proofreading errors, providing strategies to identify and fix mistakes accurately and efficiently, which is one of the most effective ways to enhance your documents.
  • Practice Exercises: I utilized exercises to practice my proofreading skills, enhancing my ability to spot errors and improve my attention to detail through repetitive and targeted practice sessions.
  • Building Confidence: You will build proofreading confidence through guided lessons and practical applications, ensuring you approach tasks with assurance and competence, making you perfect for handling various proofreading challenges.
  • Freelance Proofreading: This section covers breaking into freelance proofreading, offering solutions to start your career and attract clients successfully, providing you with the essential tools needed to thrive independently.
  • Time Management Skills: You will develop time management skills tailored for proofreading, allowing you to handle multiple projects efficiently and meet deadlines consistently without compromising quality.

Pricing:

Price: $4.64 

How to Enroll in the Proofreading Power Basics Course?

  • Step 1) Visit the Proofreading Power Basics course page on Udemy.
  • Step 2) Click the “Buy Now” button or “Add to Cart” option to proceed with payment.
  • Step 3) Sign up or log in to your Udemy account and complete the purchase.
  • Step 4) Begin the course and practice your proofreading skills through the lessons and exercises provided.

Enroll Now >>


4) How to Find & Correct Writing Errors: The Proofreading Guide (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.4 | Duration: 1-hour on-demand video | Pricing: $24.99 | Certificate on Completion: Yes | Level: Beginner | Prerequisite: Good command over the English language.

How to Find & Correct Writing Errors course is made for professional writers and editors in any genre who want to build their proofreading skills. During my analysis, I saw that the course emphasizes the importance of proofreading clearly. I recommend it to anyone looking to improve their writing.

This online proofreading and copy editing course explain how you can have the correct mindset to catch these errors. This course also provides unique techniques for making your proofreading work easier and more effective. This free online proofreading course is designed for anyone who wants to find and remove writing errors from documents.

Receive lifetime access to three in-depth articles, accessible on both mobile devices and televisions. This ensures continuous availability of essential content, providing flexibility and convenience for users to engage with information anytime and anywhere.

How to Find & Correct Writing Errors: The Proofreading Guide

What will You Learn?

  • Removing Typos: You will learn how to remove typos and spelling errors effectively, utilizing proven methods to ensure your documents are accurate and professional.
  • Error Detection in Design: This module covers finding errors in design and graphics, providing strategies to identify and correct visual mistakes efficiently.
  • Proofreading Consistency: You will ensure proofreading consistency through standardized techniques, making your reviews reliable and thorough for all types of content.
  • Professional Symbols: I worked with professional proofreading symbols, mastering their usage to communicate corrections clearly and effectively in my editing process.
  • Developing Error Mindset: This section teaches how to develop the mindset to catch common and repetitive errors, enhancing your ability to maintain high-quality proofreading standards.
  • Unique Proofreading Techniques: Learn some unique techniques to proofread easily, allowing you to streamline your workflow and increase your editing efficiency.

Pricing:

Price: $4.64

How to Enroll in the Ultimate Guide to Proofreading Course?

  • Step 1) Head over to the Ultimate Guide to Proofreading course page on Udemy.
  • Step 2) Click the “Buy Now” or “Add to Cart” button to proceed with the payment process.
  • Step 3) Log in or sign up for a Udemy account, then complete the purchase.
  • Step 4) Start learning by accessing the course materials and improving your proofreading skills.

Enroll Now >>


5) Udemy Proofreading Courses (Udemy)

Specs: Rating: 4.5 | Duration: Self-paced

Udemy Proofreading Courses is an online course that helps you learn from business, design, writing, editing, and marketing. I recommend it as an ideal way to develop new skills by setting new goals and learning from Udemy’s large library of courses created by skilled instructors.

This online course offers various types of online proofreading and editing courses that can be viewed on all devices connected to the Internet. You do not need any prequalification to take any of these online free copy editing courses.

Discover methods to identify vocabulary, typography, punctuation, and grammatical errors in documents. Gain comprehensive knowledge of essential proofreading components and basic techniques. Appreciate the significance of style and consistency, and understand the distinction between editing and proofreading. Upon completing the course, receive a certificate to validate and demonstrate your skills.

Udemy Proofreading Courses

What will You Learn?

  • Correcting Writing Errors: You will learn how to find and correct writing errors effectively, utilizing strategies that ensure your documents are clear and professional.
  • Proofreading Fundamentals: This module covers the basics of proofreading, providing essential skills and techniques needed to review and enhance your written content accurately.
  • Complete Proofreading Course: I completed the comprehensive proofreading course, which included both editing and proofreading skills essential for high-quality written work.
  • Professional Proofreading: You will master professional proofreading methods, enabling you to proofread errors like a pro and deliver impeccable documents consistently.
  • Essential for Newbies: This section emphasizes why proofreading is a must for newbie writers, offering solutions to build strong foundational skills in writing accuracy.
  • Basic Proofreading Skills: Learn the basics of proofreading, including key techniques and best practices required to effectively review and improve your written materials.
  • Effective Proofreading Tips: Discover practical tips on proofreading effectively, allowing you to streamline your editing process and enhance the quality of your work efficiently.

Pricing:

Price: $4.64

How to Enroll in a Proofreading Course on Udemy?

  • Step 1) Visit the Proofreading Topic page on Udemy.
  • Step 2) Browse the list of courses and select the one that best matches your needs by clicking on it.
  • Step 3) Click the “Buy Now” or “Add to Cart” button, then log in or create an account if required.
  • Step 4) Complete the payment process to gain access to the course and begin your learning journey.

Enroll Now >>


6) Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest (Coursera)

Specs: Rating: 4.7 | Duration: Approx. 13 hours to complete | Pricing: Free | Certificate on Completion: Yes

Online proofreading course Writing for Young Readers is an online proofreading course for curious students and aspiring authors passionate about writing. I particularly appreciate how it is an excellent way to improve your proofreading skills through video lectures, peer reviews, and guest talks by world-renowned authors.

At the end of this online free copy editing course, you will have ten to twelve extracts of writing which helps you to develop your portfolio. The program is entirely online, enabling access anytime and anywhere.

It features a flexible learning plan adaptable to individual schedules, requiring approximately 13 hours to complete. Available in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, and French, it caters to diverse linguistic needs, enhancing accessibility and user experience.

Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest

What will You Learn?

  • Writing Identity: You will discover your unique writing identity, helping you define your style and voice to create authentic and compelling content.
  • Genre, Form, Audience: This module covers understanding genre, form, and audience, allowing you to tailor your writing to meet specific reader expectations effectively.
  • Structure: Learn how to structure your writing, ensuring a logical flow and coherence that enhances the readability and impact of your work.
  • Editing and Proofreading: I mastered editing and proofreading techniques, which enabled me to refine my documents with precision and professionalism.
  • Publishing: You will explore publishing options, providing essential knowledge to successfully publish and distribute your written work to a broader audience.

Pricing:

Price: Free to Enroll

How to Enroll in the Writing for Young Readers Course?

  • Step 1) Head over to the Writing for Young Readers course page on Coursera.
  • Step 2) Click the “Enroll for Free” button and sign up or log in to your Coursera account.
  • Step 3) Choose your learning preference: audit for free or subscribe for certification.
  • Step 4) Start your journey into writing for young readers by exploring the course content and exercises.

Enroll Now >>

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How Did We Choose Best FREE Proofreading Courses?

Choose Right Proofreading Course

At Guru99, we are committed to credibility, focusing on accurate, relevant, and objective information. We have researched over 40 top free proofreading courses, dedicating more than 100 hours to compile a comprehensive list of free and paid options. Check out below important factors. Our rigorous content creation and review process ensure informative and reliable resources, making top-quality training accessible to all learners without any cost.

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses cover essential proofreading skills needed for accuracy.
  • Expert Instructors: Instruction led by experienced professionals in the field.
  • User Reviews: Highly rated by learners for effectiveness and ease of use.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible online, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
  • Practical Exercises: Includes hands-on activities to apply proofreading techniques.

Verdict:

In this overview, I shared insights into top-rated proofreading courses designed to improve your content editing abilities. To help you decide, I have listed my recommendations.

FAQ

Here are some important things to learn from proofread classes online:

  • It provides you all the basic skills which are possibly needed for proofreading.
  • You will be aware of the step-by-step instructions to copyedit or proofread your text.
  • Provides all the essential tips that help you to become a professional copyeditor or a proofreader with minimum practice.
  • You will have the right knowledge of applying your newly acquired skills.
  • It helps you with the tips to copyedit and proofread various types of writing, like blogs, articles, and fiction.
  • Helps you learn how you get the right skill to start your own copyediting and proofreading business.
  • Practice exercises will give you an idea of implementing your new skills.

All the above-proof reading courses are designed for everyone, irrespective of their background, education, and experience, so if you have copyediting and proofreading skills, then these courses will certainly help you to enhance your written communications.

  • You can become a certified proofreader by gaining experience in writing and grammar.
  • You can also complete a degree with a master’s in the English language.
  • Take journalism courses, including copy editing and online editing.
  • You can also learn from the wide range of available online free copy editing courses.

Professional proofreaders look at the following things: typographical errors like grammatical mistakes, run-on sentences, punctuation marks, hard-to-read sentences, spelling mistakes, comma usage and splices, capitalization, tenses, structure, readability, and appropriateness for the audience.

Yes, you will get a printable certificate in many courses. Some course providers will ship a hard copy of the certificate to your desired address.

All the classes are prerecorded and can be replayed later.

Most courses have a forum that allows you to raise questions that are frequently answered by course authors.