Scope of work template: what is in, what is out, how it ends

A scope of work says exactly what you will do, what you will hand over and what is left out. Writing it down protects both sides from the vague request that grows. Copy the sections below, replace every [BRACKETED] item and attach the result to your proposal or agreement.

Section-by-section outline

1. Project overview One short paragraph: [YOUR NAME] will provide [SERVICE] to [CLIENT NAME] for [PROJECT NAME], starting [DATE].
2. Work included A numbered list of tasks, each specific enough to check: [TASK 1], [TASK 2], [TASK 3]. Prefer verbs and quantities, such as design [NUMBER] pages.
3. Deliverables For each item write the name, the format and the acceptance rule: [DELIVERABLE], as [FORMAT], accepted when [CRITERION].
4. Work not included List neighbouring tasks the client might expect: [EXCLUSION 1], [EXCLUSION 2]. Say they can be quoted separately.
5. Assumptions Conditions the scope depends on: [CLIENT SUPPLIES CONTENT BY DATE], [ACCESS TO ACCOUNTS], [NUMBER OF STAKEHOLDERS GIVING FEEDBACK].
6. Client responsibilities What you need and by when: [MATERIALS], [FEEDBACK WITHIN N WORKING DAYS], [ONE NAMED APPROVER].
7. Schedule Start [DATE]; milestones [MILESTONE AND DATE]; completion [DATE]. State that delays in client inputs move later dates by the same amount.
8. Revisions Include [NUMBER] rounds of revisions on each deliverable. A round means one consolidated set of comments sent within [NUMBER] days.
9. Change requests Work outside section 2 is handled as follows: the client describes it, you reply with [EXTRA TIME AND FEE], and work starts after written agreement.
10. Acceptance and sign-off The scope is complete when the deliverables in section 3 are handed over and the client confirms by [REPLY OR SIGNATURE] on [DATE].

Worked example (invented, for illustration)

Jo, a freelance web designer, writes the scope for a five-page site for a physiotherapy clinic. Work included: design and build the home, services, team, prices and contact pages in the clinic's existing colours, with a mobile layout.

Not included: writing the page text, taking photographs, booking software and hosting. The clinic supplies text and photos by 3 November and names one approver. Two revision rounds are included; each round is one email with all comments.

A request for a blog during the project goes through change requests: Jo describes the extra time, the clinic agrees in writing, and only then does the work start.

Checklist before you send

Every task can be checked as done or not done.
Each deliverable names its format and acceptance rule.
At least three likely misunderstandings appear under not included.
Client responsibilities carry dates.
The number and meaning of revision rounds are explicit.
Change requests have a written path.
The completion event is clear and has a date.
The scope matches your proposal and any agreement.
All [BRACKETS] are replaced.

A scope of work is not a contract by itself. If the project is large or risky, have your own agreement prepared for your situation and refer to this scope from it.

Proposal decks by profession

If you would rather start from a finished 12-slide deck written for your trade, see these:

Back to all proposal templates

Template only, not legal, tax or professional advice.