Proofreading Course (Self-Paced) | Graduate School USA

This course includes

12 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution
Credits: 1.2 CEUs

This Course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instructions, take Proofreading.

Avoid professional embarrassment by improving your proofreading skills. Packed with exercises, checklists, and tips, this course familiarizes you with standard proofreading marks and terms; various methods of proofreading; and punctuation, capitalization, and abbreviation rules. Begins with a diagnostic pre-test to benchmark your current proofreading skill and measure growth by course end.

Full Tuition

$1,049
Due before the class starts

This course includes

12 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution
Credits: 1.2 CEUs

Learning Experience Highlights

Training from government‑experienced instructors

Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.

Specialized for government & DoD

Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.

The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student

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Real-world solutions

Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.

125+ departments & agencies served

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100% Online. Start Anytime

24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
Participate in GSUSA online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.

Earn a Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!

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Sample credential for completion of Proofreading Course (Self-Paced)

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Proofreading Course (Self-Paced) Curriculum

What You'll Learn at a Glance

Recognize and correct errors in grammar and language mechanics.
Recognize and correct errors in content and consistency.
Recognize and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and style.
Recognize and correct errors in plain language and clear, concise writing.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Module 1: Proofreading Strategies

Define proofreading and understand its role in the editing process
Identify essential tools and resources for proofreading
Learn the multi-step Proofreader’s Process for reviewing documents
Transition from traditional proofreading marks to modern digital editing tools

Module 2: Step One – Clarity and Language

Explore the legislative history of the Plain Writing Act from 1942 to present
Identify big-picture issues such as clarity, purpose, and organization
Apply the Plain Writing Act of 2010 to government documents
Eliminate wordiness, redundancy, and complex phrasing
Practice simplifying language and rewriting for plain communication

Module 3: Step Two – Accuracy

Check data, numbers, lists, and formatting for factual correctness
Use specific techniques for proofreading charts, addresses, and citations
Identify inconsistencies and logical errors in content

Module 4: Step Three – Style and Grammar

Use style manuals and create style sheets for consistency in formatting
Correct grammar issues related to verbs, voice, modifiers, and parallelism
Practice applying active voice, strong verbs, and correct subject-verb agreement

Module 5: Step Four – Punctuation, Spelling, and Numbers

Correct errors in commas, semicolons, apostrophes, and quotation use
Identify and fix commonly confused words and misspellings
Apply federal rules for number usage, hyphenation, and capitalization
Use proofreading checklists and standard proofreading marks

Group Training

Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.

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Installments
	10% non-refundable deposit
$1,049.00	Total You Pay