A scope of work
in Microsoft Word.

A scope of work goes through rounds of review before it’s signed, so it suits Word: tables keep deliverables and milestones tidy, Track Changes shows what each side changed, and the final version exports cleanly to PDF. Section-by-section guidance is on the scope of work template page.

1. Download the Word (.docx) file and open it.
2. Fill in the project details and objectives, replacing every placeholder in brackets.
3. Complete the Deliverables table: one row per deliverable, with format and due date. Press Tab in the last cell to add a row.
4. Write the Out of scope and client responsibilities lists; these prevent most disputes.
5. Fill in the Milestones table and link each date to the input or approval it depends on.
6. Turn on Review → Track Changes and send it to the client for review.
7. Agree changes, accept them, then export a clean PDF for signature.

• Repeat table headers on long tables: select the header row, then Table Layout → Repeat Header Rows.
• Add a table of contents for long scopes (References → Table of Contents); it uses the template’s heading styles.
• Save it as a .dotx template once you’ve tailored it to your services.
• Use comments for open questions rather than placeholder text, so nothing unresolved slips into the signed version.

Project details

• Project: [Name]
• Client: [Company]
• Provider: [Your business]
• Reference: [SOW-001]
• Governing agreement: [Master service agreement dated … / terms attached]

1. Background and objectives

[Why the project exists and what success looks like.]

2. Scope of work

1. Discovery: [activities]
2. Design: [activities]
3. Build: [activities]
4. Testing and launch: [activities]

3. Deliverables

4. Out of scope

• [Copywriting and photography]
• [Domain, hosting and third-party subscriptions]
• [SEO beyond page titles and descriptions]
• [Ongoing maintenance after launch]

5. Assumptions and client responsibilities

• [Final copy and images for every page]
• [Access to the domain, hosting and booking system by invitation]
• [One approver for each design stage]

If these are late, dependent dates move by the same amount of time.

6. Milestones

7. Acceptance

The client’s named approver reviews each deliverable within [5] working days. Deliverables are accepted on written approval, or when the review period passes without material issues being raised.

8. Changes

Changes to scope, deliverables or timeline are agreed in writing, with the effect on fees and dates, before work begins.

9. Fees and payment

• Fee: [Amount and basis]
• Schedule: [Payment by milestone]
• Expenses: [At cost with approval / included]

10. Sign-off

• Client: [Name, title, signature, date]
• Provider: [Name, title, signature, date]

Key sections for a five-page website with online booking. Both companies are fictional.

Deliverables

Out of scope

• Copywriting and photography
• Domain, hosting and third-party subscriptions
• SEO beyond page titles and descriptions
• Ongoing maintenance after launch

Client responsibilities

• Final copy and images for every page
• Access to the domain, hosting and booking system by invitation
• One approver for each design stage

Fees

• Total: $7,150.00 excluding tax
• Schedule: Invoiced at the end of each phase: Discovery, Design, Build, Testing and launch

Content and launch dates

Launch dates assume the client supplies final content by the agreed date. If content is late, the launch date moves by the same amount of time.

The main project scope of work page has the full guide and every download.