How to become Proofreader
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- specialist courses run by professional bodies and private training organisations
University
You may find it useful to have a degree in:
- English
- publishing
- journalism
- digital media
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
Apprenticeship
You can apply to do a Publishing Professional Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship to get into this role.
This usually takes around 2 years to complete.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
Work
You could start as an editorial assistant then move into proofreading.
If you have a degree or expertise in a particular subject, you could use it to develop a proofreading specialism. For example, if you have a technical or scientific degree you could proofread scientific textbooks or journals.
Volunteering
Volunteering will help you get a better understanding of the job and is a good way to make contacts in the publishing industry.
You could volunteer to:
- proofread documents for family or people you work or study with
- write or proofread for student magazines or publications
- proofread for small businesses
- work on charity publications, websites or social media
Other Routes
Doing professional courses can improve your skills and your chances of finding work. You can find short courses through the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading and The Publishing Training Centre.
More Information
Career tips
Experience working in publishing or journalism could help you to find jobs.
There's a lot of competition for work and many publishing companies do not advertise vacancies. Jobs are filled through word of mouth or recommendation.
You could develop a portfolio of paid or unpaid work you've done to show your skills to employers.
Further information
You can find out more about proofreading careers from the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.