Civil service exam prep classes

Job seekers, graduates and career changers who prefer face-to-face study, and sometimes colleges or community groups booking sessions.

Per-person fee for a course of classes, plus optional mock test days and one-to-one top-up sessions. Small groups at a fixed price per course make income predictable.

• Teaching and managing a group
• Strong numerical, verbal and writing ability
• Planning courses and timetables
• Local marketing

• Room hire costs can eat your margin if classes are half full, so set a minimum number of bookings per course
• Public liability insurance, and check whether the venue requires its own cover
• Recruitment test formats change, so keep material current and avoid promising a job or a pass
• Make clear you are independent and not linked to the Civil Service, and check copyright on any materials you use
• Check UK GDPR duties for storing student details, and whether you need a DBS check if you teach under-18s

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on room hire, printed materials, insurance and local marketing. Room costs can eat your margin if classes are half full, so set a minimum number of bookings per course.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on class size, how many courses you run and any one-to-one sessions you add. The estimates assume at least about 8 hours a week, including preparation.

Check whether the venue needs its own insurance on top of public liability cover. Keep material current, don't promise a job or a pass, make clear you are independent of the Civil Service, and check copyright, UK GDPR duties and DBS needs if you teach under-18s.