About CIEP training courses

We provide training in the core skills of proofreading and copyediting, and in other aspects of the profession. Our courses are provided online, unless otherwise stated on the individual course page. Download our free advice sheet PDF by selecting the image.

Free advice on training courses for proofreading and editingThe benefits of learning online include:

  • no travel or accommodation costs
  • you can study at your own pace, at a time to suit you, wherever you are
  • you will have immediate access to learning materials and exercises in an electronic format
  • one-to-one interaction with your tutor
  • you can interact with other students via the course forum
  • for assessed courses, the tutor will mark three of your assignments and provide detailed feedback.

Explore the varieties of training we offer:

Curriculum

The CIEP has developed a curriculum for professional development, which outlines the range of skills and knowledge that editors and proofreaders use in their professional life. Use the curriculum to help you find the gaps in your skills and knowledge, and some suggestions for helping you to develop.

Certification

The CIEP does not offer a 'formal' qualification or accreditation: no such thing exists for proofreading or copyediting. But clients in general and traditional publishers in particular look favourably on any CV that includes CIEP training. Students receive a certificate on the successful completion of any CIEP course. For assessed courses, if you pass the course, your completion certificate will be marked as ‘Passed’/‘Passed with merit’/‘Passed with distinction’. If not, your certificate will be marked as ‘Completed’.

Where to start?

'I have some experience/a qualification that I think would be relevant to a proofreading career and I am good at spelling and grammar. Can I just take Proofreading 2: Headway or must I start with Proofreading 1: Introduction?'

Proofreading (and copyediting) involve a good deal more than spotting grammatical and spelling errors. It is detailed, technical work that needs close concentration, and this is not everyone's cup of tea. If you do not have any professional experience of proofreading, we recommend that you start with Proofreading (or Copyediting) 1: Introduction, as this course is designed to not only teach the basics of proofreading but also to help answer the question of whether proofreading and/or copyediting  is for you. Even if you have some experience, you may not have covered all the different elements that could be involved in the role. Starting with the 'Introduction' course will ensure that you fill in any gaps you may have.

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