Starting a Consulting Business - Free Online Short Course

Explore the financial foundations of independent consulting before committing money or leaving employment. This free Level 1 short course introduces the building blocks of a consulting business, separates personal and business expenses, and explains how costs and income goals inform a base hourly rate.

The programme from Oxford Home Study Centre, is delivered online, takes approximately 20 hours and has no formal entry requirements. It provides a planning framework rather than legal, tax or financial advice, professional accreditation, or a promise that a consultancy will succeed.

What You Will Learn

By completing the course, learners should be able to distinguish personal and business expenditure, explain why not every working hour can be billed, and outline a basic method for translating costs and goals into a provisional rate. The course does not cover every aspect of contracts, tax, data protection, insurance or sector regulation.

Who Is This Course For?

Professionals considering independent consulting
Beginners exploring self-employment
Freelancers reviewing the financial basis of their rates
Learners seeking a short introduction before taking broader business study

Continue Your Business Learning

Compare business studies courses, explore the wider collection of free business management courses, or develop complementary knowledge through online marketing courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course free?

Yes. Study access and assessments are free. Optional certificates are paid products.

Will the course tell me exactly what to charge?

No. It introduces a base-rate calculation. Actual pricing also depends on value, scope, risk, demand, competition and contract terms.

Does completing it make me a certified consultant?

No. It is an introductory learning course and does not confer professional consultant status.

By the end of this course the learner will be able to:

Define the term “consultants” and explain their role in today’s business world
Identify consulting opportunities
Starting an Online Business

Free Study and Optional Certification

You can enrol on How to Start a Consulting Business (Short Course), access the online learning materials and complete the course without paying a course fee. Certification is optional and available separately after successful completion.

You may choose to purchase:

QLS-endorsed Certificate of Achievement
CPD-accredited certificate issued by the CPD Standards Office as a record of continuing professional development

You may order either certificate individually or purchase both for the same completed course. Choosing one certificate does not require you to purchase the other.

Each option has its own price. The total payable may vary depending on the certificates selected, course level, format and delivery option. Check our current certificate options and prices before ordering.

Certification is optional and is not required to access the learning materials or complete the course.

Course Content

Topics Covered in the Course

This course covers the following topics:

Business Building Blocks

Identify the basic elements of a consulting offer, including the problem addressed, intended client, service scope, delivery method and resources required.

Estimating Personal Expenses

Review essential personal outgoings so that an income target reflects realistic household needs rather than an arbitrary figure.

Projecting Business Expenses

Consider likely operating costs such as software, equipment, insurance, marketing, professional advice and unpaid administrative time.

Setting Income Targets

Bring personal needs and business costs together to establish a reasoned target while allowing for tax, non-billable time and uncertainty.

Setting Your Base Hourly Rate

Explore how available billable hours and income requirements can inform a starting rate, which should then be tested against value, market and project considerations.

How It Works

Build your knowledge through clear and accessible online learning.

Complete the assignments and achieve the required marks.

Choose an optional certificate after completing the course.

Why Choose a Certificate?

An optional certificate provides a clear record of successful course completion. Add it to your learning portfolio and share it where relevant.

Completing the course and its assessments shows your commitment to developing subject knowledge through focused, independent learning.

Use your new knowledge to support further study, workplace development or personal goals. A certificate records completion but does not guarantee employment or professional status.