How to Become a Tutor

If you want to become a professional tutor but you’re not sure where to begin, here are 9 steps you can follow to get started.

1. Decide what subject or skill you want to teach

It’s important to choose a subject or skill that aligns with your qualifications, experience, and interests, as tutoring something you enjoy makes your work more rewarding.

You should also research the demand for tutors for various subjects or skills. Some tutoring niches that are in high demand include:

• STEM subjects: STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Physics, chemistry, and biology fall under this umbrella. Many students struggle with STEM subjects at school, so they’re a popular choice for tutoring.
• Language tutoring: You can help students become proficient in a foreign language by developing their speaking, listening, reading, or writing skills. Among non-anglophones, English is a particularly popular language to study (for obvious reasons).
• Music tutoring: The best way to learn to sing or play an instrument is to receive instruction in a one-on-one or small-group setting. People often hire music tutors for themselves or their children.
• SAT or ACT test prep: Students need to do well on these tests to get into colleges and universities, so it’s very common for parents to seek out tutors for help with studying.

2. Decide what type of tutoring you want to do

Regardless of the subject you pick, there are many different types of tutoring you can offer. Here are some examples:

• Academic tutoring: This usually refers to tutoring curriculum content, and it’s usually specific to a particular subject and grade level (e.g., math tutoring for a 6th grader). This type of tutoring is commonly sought by students who are struggling with the normal curriculum—sometimes because they’ve missed time at school, but sometimes because they just find a particular subject difficult.
• Test prep tutoring: As mentioned, this involves helping students prepare for standardized tests. It includes practicing test-taking strategies and reviewing material for the student’s test. Popular types of test prep tutoring include GRE or GMAT prep, as well as the SAT and ACT prep discussed above.
• Homework tutoring: This focuses on specific homework assignments or projects. The tutor helps the student complete assignments and better understand the concepts involved.
• Special needs tutoring: This is for students who have learning difficulties or disabilities or other unique needs (e.g., dyslexia, autism, or ADHD). Special needs tutors generally require special skills and training beyond what’s needed for normal tutoring.
• Enrichment tutoring: This type of tutoring provides additional instruction in a particular subject area beyond what’s covered in a traditional classroom setting with a focus on exploring advanced topics.
• Academic coaching: This is another type of academic tutoring that goes beyond teaching the content that’s in the curriculum. It also includes general skills that students need to learn, such as time management, organization, study skills, or problem-solving. Academic coaches can also help with setting academic and career goals, general learning strategies, and other types of help to put students on the path to academic success.
• Professional mentoring: This is also known as career mentoring. Usually, the mentee is a recent graduate or young professional (although they could also be a student or professional at a higher level), and the mentor is someone from the same field who has a lot of experience and can offer guidance, advice, and support.

We contacted McKenna Daut, a teacher and tutor with more than 10 years of classroom experience, who told us that her favorite tutoring style was enrichment tutoring.

“Because it’s less pressurized and has no deadlines, unlike homework or test prep tutoring, there’s more space for customizing the lesson to the student’s needs, which makes it easier to connect with them,” she told us.

Daut also mentioned that she enjoys teaching English as a second language, which gives her the opportunity to connect with her students and have exciting and dynamic conversations. “Some of my best sessions (which I teach online) happen when my student and I discover a mutual interest or experience,” she said.

If you’re not sure which subject and type of tutoring appeal to you yet, it’s okay to test out a few and specialize later—or to simply be a generalist. Daut has worked with students with special needs and tutored a wide range of ages, from preschoolers all the way to adults, which requires a versatile skill set.

3. Decide which ages or levels you want to tutor

To pick an age range and level, you should again consider your qualifications. Some age groups and levels may require specialized training or qualifications.

If you have previous experience, you should also consider which levels and ages you were best at tutoring or enjoyed the most. It’s important to take into account your own personality and teaching style.

“I love working with children, but some are more comfortable with adult learners,” said Daut. “Personally, I have a lot of experience working with preschool ages, so I find it easy to bring different play-based exercises into my tutoring sessions. I always have a ukulele, stuffed animals, fruit, or a bubble wand nearby.”

4. Decide where you want to work

There are several different places where you can find tutoring work:

• Tutoring companies: Many companies, such as Kumon and Sylvan Learning, hire tutors to work with students at tutoring centers (or online).
• Online tutoring platforms: Similarly, you can find work on tutoring websites, such as VIPKid. Online tutoring is convenient for both the tutor and student, offering a great deal of flexibility in terms of scheduling.
• Schools and universities: You can also be hired by a school or educational institution directly. This is a great way to get a steady stream of work, plus support (e.g., teaching materials and training). However, it also means you have to adhere to specific teaching methods and lesson plans.
• Independent tutoring: As an independent tutor, you work for yourself, which allows you to make your lessons more flexible and personalized. However, it requires more effort when it comes to recruiting clients.

McKenna Daut told us that she likes working with online platforms, as they take off much of the pressure of marketing yourself. “You build up your profile and they connect you with learners that match your interests, are satisfied with your [previous] classroom experience, etc,” she told us.

She added that “Tutoring online has allowed me a flexible lifestyle. While the work can be slightly less consistent in terms of clientele, the ability to work from anywhere in the world is a major highlight for me.”

Daut has worked with several English-tutoring companies, including VIPKid and Cambly.

“These sites were recommended to me by a friend,” she said. “I was particularly drawn to the fact that they had the curriculum included in the program. All I had to do was review the material and add supplemental information where it felt appropriate.” This has greatly streamlined her lesson-planning process.

5. Decide how much to charge

Setting your rates as a tutor can be challenging. It’s hard (but very important) to find the right balance between attracting clients and valuing your time and expertise.

In Daut’s experience, typical rates can range anywhere from $10–$26 per hour. If you have specialized knowledge or a high level of education, you may be able to charge higher rates.

It’s a good idea to have clear policies in place regarding payment, cancellation, and rescheduling, and to communicate those policies to your clients.

Setting and advertising your rates

Daut told us that pricing was one of the things she struggled with most when she got into tutoring. It was hard to make her work sustainable while remaining accessible to her students.

She said that “Starting with a lower rate and gradually increasing it over time can help you attract clients and build your reputation as a tutor.”

“I was initially offering classes at $12 until I built up quite a few reviews from clients,” she said. “Then I slowly increased my pay. Every two months or so, I increased my price by around $2, eventually settling at $24 per hour.”

She didn’t deliberately plan this increase structure, but she found that after a year, she was confident about doubling her starting pay. “I had built relationships with my clients and a good reputation on the platform thanks to positive reviews and website interactions,” she said. “Now, I pretty much always start my pay rate at $21.50—a happy medium. I feel this is deserved because of my experience and clients’ willingness to pay.”

6. Make sure you’re qualified (and brush up on your knowledge)

Some tutoring work requires special credentials. For instance, academic tutoring jobs may require a degree in the subject in question. For test prep tutoring, clients may want proof that you’ve taken the test yourself and received a high score.

Of course, even if you don’t need any formal qualifications, you should still pay attention to your actual knowledge and skills. Make sure to stay up to date with the current trends in the subject or field you’re tutoring in.

If you’re a bit rusty, there are many free online resources that can help you brush up on your chosen subject. For example, Khan Academy and Coursera both offer free courses and study guides on a wide range of topics.

7. Improve your tutoring skills

There are several key tutoring skills that you should work on.

First of all, do your best to establish a strong rapport with your students. Take the time to understand their learning styles and what they hope to achieve. Be patient and flexible and tailor your teaching methods to suit their needs.

It’s also important to be prepared and organized for each session, with a clear lesson plan and relevant materials.

Here again, there are also plenty of online resources, including lectures, podcasts, and articles, which you can use to learn how to support your students’ goals.

For example, check out:

• TES
• Khan Academy
• Dave’s ESL Cafe (for English tutors)
• TED-Ed
• Cult of Pedagogy

Two of Daut’s favorite resources are Linguahouse and English Current, which she said “both have ample resources for English teachers.” She also named several YouTube channels and podcasts she’s a fan of, including Crash Course and Tutor Talk.

There are also many tutoring certificates you can get to hone your skills. We’ll describe these in more detail below.

8. Consider joining a tutoring association

There are several associations in the US that help professionals who work as tutors by providing some or all of the following:

• Training courses
• Certifications
• Opportunities to attend conferences and other events
• Other networking opportunities

Professional associations for tutors include:

• National Tutoring Association (NTA): This is a nonprofit organization for all types of tutoring professionals in the US.
• Association for the Coaching and Tutoring Profession (ACTP): This is a US association with a focus on academic coaching and tutoring, although it does also welcome other types of tutors. Its mission is “to provide a communication platform linking academic coaches, tutors, peer coaches, program coordinators, and administrators who are committed to the development of the independent learner and holistic student.”
• College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA): This is a US organization for tutoring professionals and other educators working in higher education. Their mission is “to provide a forum for the interchange of ideas, methods, and information to improve student learning and to facilitate the professional growth of its members.”
• Association of Colleges for Tutoring and Learning Assistance (ACTLA): The major aim of this organization is to improve tutorial programs and related services in US colleges (although it was originally just for California).

Each of the above organizations has its own focus and mission. Some are more into supporting individual tutors, while others focus on promoting high-quality tutoring services and setting standards for the industry.

Although joining an association can be helpful, it isn’t necessary to be a successful tutor. Daut said that “I am not personally associated with any tutoring associations and do not see it as a necessity for someone who is interested in joining this field as an educator.”

However, she went on to say that joining an organization for tutors (not necessarily a professional association) can be a great way to get resources. “I would recommend looking for tutoring Facebook groups,” she said. “You may be able to find a group dedicated to the school or company that you tutor for or the subject that you’re teaching.”

9. Look for clients

To find tutoring clients, you can try the following approaches:

• Use social media: Promote your tutoring career on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Daut suggests “joining local community groups on Facebook and posting about your services there.”
• Word of mouth: Let friends and family know about your tutoring services and ask them to spread the word. You can also ask clients to give referrals or leave reviews.
• Business cards: Print business cards with your contact information and the services you offer and distribute them in places like libraries or community centers. You can also hand them out to people you think might be interested (e.g., at networking events).
• Tutoring websites: Sign up with tutoring websites where you can create a profile and connect with potential clients.

The tutoring field is less heavily regulated than teaching, and tutors generally don’t need to be licensed.

That said, certain qualifications can still be helpful for attracting clients and demonstrating your expertise, and certain companies might require them.

Tutoring certifications

This table shows some of the options available for tutors who want to get certified.

(Note that a “certification” is different from a “certificate”; a certification shows that you’ve passed an exam, whereas a certificate simply shows that you’ve completed some type of course or educational program. Certifications usually carry a bit more weight in the industry.)

Again, certifications aren’t always necessary to get into tutoring, but they definitely make you more marketable and make it easier to land clients in the future.

ESL tutoring certificate programs

If you’re interested in teaching English as a second language, there are several very useful qualifications you can get. Companies will often require you to have one of these before they’ll consider you for a job:

• Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA)

How to choose which certifications to get

Daut advised that “When you decide what credentials to get, I would suggest that you first decide what clientele and subject you’ll focus on as a tutor and then research the certifications you’ll need. Start by sitting down and considering the viewpoint of the students you are seeking. What qualifications would they expect to see in their future educator?”

In her opinion, ESL teaching certificates, such as TEFL, are the most valuable ones. “If you are looking to teach English, you’ll need a TEFL certification,” she said. “It’s highly recognized internationally and shows that you have received proper training, and it can help you stand out in a crowded tutoring market.”

Daut received her TEFL certificate from the International Open Academy, which she settled on after reading recommendations online.

Be aware that if you’re mainly interested in tutoring adults, a CELTA certification can be more valuable than a TEFL, since it’s meant for people who want to specialize in that area (as the name suggests).

Do you need a college degree to be a tutor?

You don’t need a four-year degree to become a tutor (although some companies or platforms might require one).

That said, having a degree in education, psychology, or the subject area you plan to teach can certainly help you. In particular, a degree in education provides tutors with a solid foundation in teaching methodology and classroom management.

Daut said that she doesn’t feel that the tutoring she does with young children requires a degree. “I think passion, interest, and care can ensure someone is a great tutor.”

She clarified that a degree can be a significant asset. It boosts your profile, makes clients trust you, and can be necessary for applying to some websites. However, she doesn’t recommend going through the laborious (and often expensive) process of getting a degree just to become a tutor.

Other types of training for tutors

There are other types of training that can be helpful for tutoring, including:

• Professional development: In addition to the certifications we’ve already mentioned, there are many other training materials you can use to develop professionally in the field of tutoring. These are available from tutoring associations and other sources. Check out Ed2Go, Coursera, and FutureLearn.
• Technology training: This is particularly relevant to tutors who work online, some of whom may need help using video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom or Google Meet).
• Training to work with students who have learning disabilities: The National Institute for Learning Development (NILD) is an organization that helps students with learning disabilities and offers training for educators who work with these students. The National Association of Special Education Teachers is a similar organization that offers professional development courses.
• Subject-specific courses: For example, you could take a course focusing on how to teach English as a foreign language (in addition to the TEFL, CELTA, and TESOL certificates we’ve already mentioned) or how to teach another language to non-native speakers.
• First-aid and CPR: These may sometimes be required for working in schools or for coaching or tutoring certain types of sports or other physical activities.

What skills do tutors need?

To be a good tutor, you need a variety of skills, including:

• Content knowledge or expertise: This is an obvious requirement. If you’re teaching a specific academic subject, you’ll need to know a lot about it. If you’re teaching a language, you’ll need to be relatively fluent in it, and so on.
• Communication skills: Tutors need great communication skills to convey ideas to students and to build a rapport with them.
• Adaptability: You’ll need to be able to change your approach on the fly to meet the needs of different learners. Your clients may surprise you by failing to prepare for the lesson or simply having an off day, for instance, and you’ll need to be able to deal with that.
• Patience: Tutors need to be very patient to accommodate learners who are struggling or need points explained more than once.
• Listening skills: Active listening (where you have to understand what someone is saying and respond to it as opposed to simply letting them speak) is a particularly good skill for tutors. This allows you to work out what issues students are having and offer them feedback on their strengths and weaknesses.
• Time management: As a tutor, you should be able to plan and manage your time during lessons to make sure that you include the most important material that your students need to cover.
• Creativity: Especially for tutors working with young learners, it’s important to be creative and resourceful so that you can find new and interesting ideas and methods for your classes. This will help to engage your students and make learning more fun for them.

Daut told us that she adopts a client-centered mentality—in other words, she asks questions about her learners’ goals and adapts the lessons to them as individuals.

“This could mean either getting information about their interests and hobbies or recognizing what style of lesson plan seems the most accessible for them,” she said. “For example, some people may respond really well when asked to read and discuss an article, whereas others enjoy interactive game-style structured classrooms.”

Daut often opens by trying several approaches until she feels out what the student seems to find most engaging. Of course, it’s also an option to simply ask.

“It’s always very easy to ask the client what they like and invite them to help structure the way in which your lesson time will be approached.”

What tools do tutors need?

Tutors may need different tools, depending on the type of tutoring they offer. This may include specialized tools or software, such as programming software for computer science tutoring or language learning apps for language tutors.

“When I tutor online,” Daut said, “I need a computer, webcam, and a reliable internet connection. In addition, I have flashcards, little toys, and a whiteboard by my side to support the lesson.”

Tutoring has upsides and downsides, and it’s important to consider both before you decide whether this line of work is a good option for you.

Pros of tutoring

The advantages of tutoring are:

• Flexibility: Tutoring often gives you flexibility in terms of scheduling—especially if you’re working for yourself. You’re also generally free to experiment with the approach you want to use in lessons, and you can choose from a wide variety of subjects and students, depending on what you want to teach and to whom.
• Customizable lessons: Because tutors work with students one-on-one or in small groups, they can take a more personalized approach compared with other types of teaching. With classroom teaching, for instance, you’re often more restricted in terms of the curriculum you have to follow.
• Less stress than teaching: Teaching jobs can be stressful—especially if you’re working in a school or university. Tutoring is generally more relaxed, partly because there’s not as much bureaucracy. Classroom management is also often easier. This means you can focus more on actually helping your students learn.
• Personal interaction: Tutoring is very social, which will be a pro for many people (although some people prefer to work alone, in which case tutoring might not be a good career for them).
• Potentially good pay: Very popular private tutors can charge high rates for their services if they’re in high demand.

Cons of tutoring

However, tutoring also has downsides:

• Self-promotion is time-consuming: Especially in the beginning (and especially if you work for yourself instead of tutoring through a platform), you need to constantly market yourself to find new tutoring clients
• Working awkward hours: If you’re tutoring kids, they’re likely to be at school during the daytime. If you’re tutoring adults, they’ll often spend that time at work. This means you’re likely to get more work during evenings and weekends (and with kids, you may also get a rush during school holidays). This means the work can be irregular.
• Cancellations or no-shows from clients: This can be particularly frustrating if you don’t have a policy in place for cancellations and no-shows. Sometimes you’ll plan a lesson and make space in your schedule for a client who never shows up.
• Difficult students: If your focus is on students who need extra help at school, you’re more likely to encounter this issue, but no type of tutoring is completely free from this.
• Difficult parents: Particularly if you’re teaching high-achieving kids, you may also encounter difficult parents who push their children too hard. These parents may put a lot of pressure on you to make sure that their son or daughter is getting top grades.

Despite the occasional stress, Daut told us that she’s happy she became a teacher and tutor.

“I’m grateful to have found this way to connect with learners and exercise my teaching capacities while also maintaining the freedom to build curriculums, adopt a learner-directed approach, and work from anywhere via online tutoring platforms,” she said.

She also reiterated that she appreciates being able to set her own schedule and work from home.

Ultimately, while tutoring isn’t always idyllic, Daut told us that it’s a job where you can be assured that you’ll be rewarded for the energy you put in.