What is the most important question to ask a tutor?

Ask how they would start with a student at your level and goal. The answer shows whether they listened, whether they have taught similar students and whether they plan lessons or improvise.

Should I ask a tutor for references?

You can. Reviews from other students are a good start; for longer commitments, asking whether a previous student or parent could share their experience is reasonable. A confident tutor will not mind the question.

Is it rude to ask a tutor about their rate and cancellation policy?

No. Rates, packages, payment timing and cancellation rules are practical details both sides should agree on before the first lesson. On WantATutor each tutor's hourly rate is shown on their profile.

How long should a first conversation with a tutor take?

Ten to fifteen minutes by message or call is usually enough to cover goals, approach and logistics. Many tutors also offer a short first lesson so you can judge the fit directly.

What are red flags when talking to a tutor?

Promises of guaranteed grades or scores, no questions about the student's level, vague answers about how lessons work, pressure to pay for a large package upfront, and unclear policies are all reasons to keep looking.

Guide for students and parents

Questions to ask a tutor before you hire

Updated November 10, 2026 · WantATutor

Short answer

Before you hire a tutor, ask about their experience with students at your level, how they would plan the first lessons, how they track progress, which materials and tools they use, and the practical details: schedule, rate, payment and cancellation. Good answers are specific to your goal; vague answers or guaranteed results are warning signs.

When you need a tutor, a short conversation before the first lesson saves time and money. These questions work for any subject and level, from an elementary reading tutor to an IELTS or ACT tutor. You don't need to ask all of them; pick the ones that matter for your situation and ask every tutor you're considering the same set, so you can compare.

Experience and fit

How long have you been tutoring this subject? Listen for experience at your level, not just in total.
Have you worked with students like me (or my child)? Age, grade, course and goal matter more than a long CV.
Do you know this exact course, curriculum or exam? For example a specific AP course, GCSE board or test format.
What is your background? Teaching experience, degree, or recent study of the subject can all be relevant.

Approach and lesson plan

How would you start with me? A good tutor mentions finding out what you already know before teaching.
What does a typical lesson look like? Explanation, practice, review: ask how the time is split.
Do you give homework or practice between lessons? Progress usually depends on it.
What materials do you use? Your school materials, official exam papers, their own worksheets.
How do you adapt if something isn't working? The answer shows flexibility.

Progress and communication

How will we know it's working? Look for concrete measures: quiz results, practice test scores, fewer repeated mistakes.
How often will you update me? Especially important for parents of younger students.
How many lessons do you think I'll need? An honest tutor gives a range and explains what it depends on, without guaranteeing a result.

Online lessons

Which video tool do you use? And do you use a shared whiteboard or document?
What should I have ready? Camera, headset, a pen and paper, a tablet for writing.
Which time zone are you in? Agree lesson times clearly if you are in different countries.

Logistics, rates and policies

What is your rate, and does it change for longer lessons or exam prep?
How and when do I pay? On WantATutor you pay the tutor directly; there is no commission.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
How often should we meet, and for how long?
Do you offer a short first lesson? It is the simplest way to judge the fit.

What good answers sound like

Good answers are specific: they mention your level, your goal and a plan for the first few lessons. Be careful with guaranteed grades or scores, pressure to buy a large package before any lesson, or a tutor who asks nothing about you. For a fuller checklist, read how to choose a tutor; for budgeting, see how much a tutor costs.

Ready to ask?

Browse tutor profiles and message two or three tutors with your questions, or post a free request and let tutors who teach your subject reply with their rate. New to this? Start with how to find a tutor.