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Proofreading Essentials

About This Course

Proofreading is a skill used to identify and correct errors in writing. Proofreaders typically fix errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting and consistency, and proofreading is one of the last steps before a piece of writing is published.

In this course, you’ll learn how to proofread a variety of print and digital materials and how to use traditional proofreader’s marks as well as digital markup techniques. We’ll cover the basics of grammar and punctuation and how to tackle specific grammar, style, and design and formatting issues. You’ll also learn about proofing against copy and cold proofreading (proofing without copy).

Designed For

Anyone seeking to develop or improve their proofreading skills.

See Requirements

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What You’ll Learn

  • What proofreading is and how it differs from editing

  • Where proofreading fits in the overall publication process

  • Why, when and how to make changes to a document

  • How to proof for design issues, including image quality and placement

  • Employment opportunities in the proofreading field

Get Hands-On Experience

  • Apply editorial style sheets and checklists

  • Use standard proofreading markup and procedures to proofread print documents

  • Use special features of Adobe Reader for digital proofreading

Career Stats

19%

Projected growth in U.S. demand for proofreading skills (2025–27)

11%

Projected growth in U.S. demand for style guides skills (2025-27)

Source: Lightcast. Learn about career stats data.

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Earn a Digital Badge

After successfully completing this course, you can claim a digital achievement badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges.


This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.

Course Sessions

Online Asynchronous

October 2026
Dates Oct 5 - Nov 21
Location Online
Instructor Christy Karras
Cost $995
Register Starting Jul 8, 2026
Course Note

This course is offered 100% online and runs from October 5, 2026, to November 21, 2026.

Noncredit Course

You'll earn 3.5 continuing education units (CEUs) for successfully completing this course.