Q&A for How to Become a Tutor

This depends on the subject and your students’ expectations. If there is a large gap in ability between yourself and your student, you may be able to get away with tutoring a subject you are not an expert in. For example, I am not particularly amazing at math but I would feel comfortable tutoring a 4th grader in arithmetic. However, I would not feel comfortable teaching a college student calculus. Just be honest with yourself and your students about how well versed you are in a given subject and let them decide whether they feel you are an appropriately educated tutor.

Yes, you can. Ask the parent if they are struggling with a certain topic, such as switching letters in the alphabet.

Yes, because you don't have to be certified. Try tutoring students anywhere from 4th grade to 7th grade.

No, in most areas, you do not need a license or certificate to be a tutor.

As long as you have the knowledge, age doesn't matter. But some websites that let tutors to sign up say the teacher needs to be at least 18. At school though, being the same age as your peers is often fine.

No. As long as you have the skill and brains to teach someone, you'll do fine.

Many sites don't require formal training or experience, you just advertise yourself and try to get a client. If you're new, I would suggest you only take one person on to begin with to see how you do.

Care.com is another great way to get some extra work with reputable customers.

First of all, you need to teach them to identify each letter and its sound. Then, transition to simple words, then sentences, and finally, easy books. Be patient with them. Help them choose books that they will like and that are at their level of learning.

Honestly none. That said, you do have to know a lot about the different subjects and then you can actually go ahead and tutor the kid.

Not at all. Age doesn't matter, it is about you sharing knowledge that you were also once taught.

You can, but only for students who are younger than you, and most students that young probably aren't going to need a tutor just yet. However, theoretically you can be a tutor at 10 if you can find clients.

You absolutely can. I'm 13, in 8th grade, and tutoring Pre-K to 5th graders. I would definitely recommend you stick to tutoring kids who are younger than you, though. Older kids might not take you seriously, even if you're very advanced in the subject.

You can be a tutor at any age, but depending on how much you know about a certain subject, levels can vary. I would choose whichever level you are most comfortable with. For example, if you're a math tutor who is more comfortable with lower level math than things like calculus, you might want to consider focusing your teaching on younger teenagers (11-13).

Sure, you can tutor at any age as long as you know the subject matter you're tutoring in really well and can explain it to others well.

Yes, you can be a tutor at any age, provided you know what you're doing. Plenty of older adults supplement their income this way.

It depends on how old you are, what your qualifications are, and how experienced you are.

Any age, really. Obviously, you should always aim to tutor the year below and should be fully confident in that specific subject. Many people will want an older tutor with more experience, but they come with cost, so many other people will be happy with a younger, less expensive tutor.

None. You don't have to have a degree to tutor someone, only the knowledge of the subject you're tutoring.

Sure. Volunteer to tutor Spanish and get experience tutoring. That valuable experience will allow you to tutor for money as you get older.

Yes, you can always tutor people at your grade level or below, as long as you know the material really well and can teach it effectively.

Yes, it is. As long as you're knowledgeable in said subject, you're good!

If the family member is struggling with a certain topic and you are considered in that area, you should tutor that family member. Since you are familiar with the person, I suggest at around $15 per hour.

My advice would be to teach people aged 6-10, because you need them to feel that you're in charge (so they don't mess around), and you need to be knowledgeable about what they are learning in school.

Ask your peers and family friends who know people who may be in need of a tutor. You should be skilled in at least one area so that you could keep tutoring your client. As long as you balance your school life and work-life as well as other activities, you are capable of tutoring while you are still in school.

No. Licenses are not required in any state except Washington.

Yes, you can definitely start tutoring at 13. I'd recommend working with primary school kids first, at least until you get a feel for teaching, then you can move up to kids a little closer to your own age.

Most people charge $10-$20 an hour, but since you are a professional, you might consider choosing prices at the higher end of the spectrum.

Tutoring involves a lot of academic and life guidance, so at 13 you still need a lot of life experiences to make an impact on someone else's life in your tutoring.

If you are mature yes. But you must know some of the kids may not understand, so it is very important not to lose patience.