Meet the top 1% of talent on Upwork
Freelancers with the Expert-Vetted badge access exclusive jobs with top Enterprise clients.
Get exclusive opportunities as Expert-Vetted talent
When you’re at the top of your field, you deserve to be noticed. Expert-Vetted talent earn more and have higher priority.
3.5x hourly pay
for those with the Expert-Vetted badge vs no talent badge, on average.
+106% rehire rate
for those with the Expert-Vetted badge vs no talent badge, on average.
100+ countries
access a global community of Expert-Vetted talent represented all over the globe.
*Upwork analysis completed June 13, 2024
Expert-Vetted talent badge and priority
Signal your excellence with a profile badge, show up in Expert-Vetted talent client searches, and be invited first to privately posted projects.
Talent Manager access
Gain access to a Talent Manager who can provide tips on optimizing your profile for clients you want and projects that earn.
Professional development
Network with a community of professionals, access complimentary coaching, and attend skill-specific workshops.
Real stories from Expert-Vetted talent
“Receiving the Expert-Vetted badge on Upwork has transformed my freelancing journey. It opened doors to enterprise clients, leading to a major long-term project.”
Liliana M.
Expert-Vetted
Total earnings
$100K+
Total jobs
57
Total hours
373
“The Expert-Vetted badge serves as that additional layer of credibility on my profile which helps me win more jobs and introduces me to more clients.”
Michael J.
Expert-Vetted
Total earnings
$600K+
Total jobs
66
Total hours
1,388
Application closes June 30, 2024
For a limited time, our Expert-Vetted talent program is open for applications instead of being exclusively invite-only. Apply using your Connects.
We’ll accept applications for individual freelancers in these categories until June 30, 2024 unless we close early due to volume.
Data Science & Analytics
Design & Creative
IT & Networking
Sales & Marketing
Web, Mobile & Software Development
Writing
Our unique career-first approach
We consider all experience
Your expertise matters more than your Upwork account age, so it doesn’t impact your application.
We pre-vet with people, not bots
An Upwork Talent Manager with field-specific knowledge guides our rigorous process, not automated sorting.
We expect and accept the best
Our clients expect quality talent, so we ensure only the top 1% make it through our pre-vetting process.
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What to expect
If you’re invited to apply for the Expert-Vetted badge, an Upwork Talent Manager will send you an invitation to start the pre-vetting process.
Complete the pre-vetting process
On your live call, you’ll speak with a Talent Manager about your area(s) of expertise, soft skills, and work experiences both on and off Upwork.
Receive your exclusive badge
If you’re accepted and complete requirements, you’ll be awarded your Expert-Vetted badge. Enterprise clients can find you by your badge or your showcased profile.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply to earn the Expert-Vetted badge?
While select freelancers may still be invited to apply for the Expert-Vetted badge, our public application window closed on June 30, 2024. Please visit this page to stay apprised of future program updates.
How long is the pre-vetting process?
If you’re invited to participate in the pre-vetting process, you can expect a decision on your application within approximately four to six weeks.
Limited-time opportunity
Showcase your expertise. Become Expert-Vetted.
Applications open until June 30, 2024
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