Tutoring is a fulfilling and flexible career that allows you to make a real difference in learners’ lives. It is also an unregulated profession, which makes it even more important for tutors to take a responsible, professional approach to their work. Whether you’re passionate about a subject or driven to support others, becoming a qualified tutor is within your reach. Choosing to tutor as your ‘Plan A’ — not as a fallback, but as a purposeful and professional path — means committing to doing it right from the start. Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to build confidence, gain qualifications and grow your tutoring practice with purpose.
Step 1: Start with Tutor Training
A strong foundation is essential. Tutor training equips you with the techniques, knowledge and confidence to deliver excellent sessions from day one. Crucially, it also covers safeguarding — your responsibility to create a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment for every learner, especially children and vulnerable adults.
Look for courses that cover:
- Planning and delivering engaging, effective lessons
- Adapting to different learning styles and needs
- Providing clear explanations and constructive feedback
- Safeguarding and professional responsibilities
Recommended courses and qualifications offered by Qualified Tutor include:
- Foundations of Effective Tutoring
- Level 3 Award in Education and Training
- Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Online Tutoring
Training gives you practical strategies and helps you reflect on your approach — a key part of becoming a confident and trusted tutor. For deeper insight and encouragement, turn to Love Tutoring: Be the Tutor Your Student Needs by Julia Silver. This book guides tutors through the mindset, skills and reflection needed to create a ‘Plan A’ tutoring practice — one built intentionally around your values and ambitions, not as a fallback or side hustle.
Step 2: Gain Real-World Experience
Once you’ve completed training, hands-on experience is the next step. Working directly with learners develops your confidence and allows you to apply what you’ve learned. You can start by:
- Volunteering in schools, after-school clubs or community programmes
- Mentoring younger students or peers
- Supporting learners informally in your network
Practical experience deepens your understanding of how people learn and how you can help them thrive.
Step 3: Get Certified and Ready to Work
Becoming a recognised and trusted tutor often requires more than training and experience. Certification builds trust and demonstrates your commitment to professionalism. Essentials typically include:
- Enhanced DBS Check (UK) or equivalent local background check
- Safeguarding training (ongoing)
- Insurance to protect yourself and your clients if running your own tutoring business
If you are pursuing Qualified Tutor Certification, you will also need to:
- Agree to clear terms and conditions that set out your professional standards
- Collect and verify 5 client reviews to showcase your impact and consistency
These steps reassure clients and set you apart as a tutor working at a recognised standard of excellence.
Step 4: Join a Tutor Community
Tutoring can sometimes feel like a solo journey, but connecting with others brings huge value. Being part of a professional community offers:
- Peer support and shared experiences
- Tips and advice from experienced tutors
- Access to CPD opportunities and resources
The Qualified Tutor Community offers all of this and more. It is where tutors come together to connect, grow and find encouragement. Here, you’ll gain guidance on becoming certified, building your practice and continuing your development. Many tutors also turn to Love Tutoring: Be the Tutor Your Student Needs for further inspiration and practical strategies to meet challenges with confidence and clarity.
Step 5: Build Your Profile and Launch Your Tutoring Practice
With your training, experience and certifications in place, you’re ready to get started. Build your profile so potential clients can find and trust you:
- Create a clear, professional profile showcasing your expertise and approach
- List your services on tutoring platforms or create your own website or LinkedIn page
- Collect reviews and testimonials to build your reputation
You might start by working with friends, family or local contacts to build confidence and gather early feedback.
Step 6: Keep Learning and Growing
Safeguarding should remain a priority throughout your career. Continuing to refresh and develop your safeguarding knowledge is essential, especially when working with children and vulnerable learners.
Alongside safeguarding, staying up to date with best practice keeps your tutoring fresh and impactful. Commit to ongoing development by:
- Engaging in CPD through courses, webinars and conferences
- Seeking feedback from students and parents
- Reflecting on your sessions to identify areas for improvement
Adopting a ‘Plan A’ approach — one where tutoring is intentional, professional and aligned with your personal mission — helps you stay motivated and fulfilled in the long term.
Final Thoughts
Tutoring may be unregulated, but that makes it even more important for us to approach it responsibly and with intention.
Becoming a qualified tutor is not something to fall into — it is a choice to create a professional, thoughtful and responsible tutoring practice as your ‘Plan A’. By investing in training, gaining hands-on experience, connecting with a professional community and maintaining your commitment to safeguarding and development, you can build a rewarding career that makes a meaningful difference.
If you are ready to commit to this rewarding and responsible path, Explore courses like the Level 3 Award in Education and Training or join the Qualified Tutor Community to take your first step towards becoming the tutor your students need — not as a back-up plan, but as your ‘Plan A’.how to become a tutor