> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pulsevoices.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pulsevoices.ai/finding-and-joining-projects.md).

# Finding and Joining Projects

You can reach a project in two ways: you find it yourself in **Explore**, or a research team invites you and it appears in your **Inbox** (we will also send you an email).

## Reading a project card

Before applying, open the project card and check the details:

* **Title, image, and overview** — what the study is about
* **Time commitment** — the estimated time the study takes, and whether it's a one-time or recurring effort
* **Start date** — when the study is expected to begin
* **Description** — what you'll actually do, including **compensation**: the description states what the study pays before you apply, and that is what the research team will actually pay out
* **Screening Requirements** — the steps you must complete before you're enrolled

Some projects also show the name of the company (workspace) running the study on the card; others choose to run unbranded, so you won't always see who the research is for.

{% hint style="info" %}
Use the card to confirm the study is a good fit *before* applying — we provide realistic time estimates and clear descriptions so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
{% endhint %}

## Applying to a project

1. Open the project from **Explore** (or from your **Inbox** if you received an invitation).
2. Review the details, then select **Apply to Project**. (If you were invited and the study isn't for you, you can choose **Decline** instead.)
3. If the project includes a **screener**, complete the screener application. Most projects include one.
4. If there's no screener, you may move directly into the next project stage.

## Enrollment status

After you apply, your project shows one of two statuses:

* **Enrollment Pending** — You've applied and are still in the application funnel: working through screening and verification steps, or waiting for the research team to review your application.
* **Enrolled** — You're in. The project is active for you, and its tasks appear as action items under **In Progress**.

You can see which of your projects are pending versus enrolled from the In Progress section (see [Your Dashboard](/your-dashboard.md#in-progress)).

## Screening and verification steps

Each project chooses its own requirements. Depending on the study, you may be asked to complete one or more of the following:

| Step                   | What it involves                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Screener survey**    | A short questionnaire that checks whether you match the study's criteria. Answer honestly — screeners exist to match you with studies where your feedback counts.                                                                                                                                                           |
| **ID verification**    | Photograph your government-issued ID and take a selfie from a few angles. **Persona**, an industry-standard identity verification partner, runs this verification. Once you complete this, many future studies won't ask again. See [About ID verification](#about-id-verification).                                        |
| **Face verification**  | A quick biometric face scan using your camera. It confirms a human is operating your device and that you are a unique user not associated with another account. You scan when you sign up for the project, and you may be asked to re-verify with each submission. See [About face verification](#about-face-verification). |
| **Phone verification** | Enter your phone number and confirm a one-time code sent by text message.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| **Location check**     | Confirms your current location or permanent address matches the study's target region.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| **Document signature** | Review and digitally sign documents such as consent forms or NDAs through the integrated e-signature system.                                                                                                                                                                                                                |

You can view your pending verification steps from within the project page — complete them all so the research team can approve your enrollment.

{% hint style="warning" %}
The research team reviews some steps manually, so a delay may occur between finishing your screener and learning whether you're enrolled. We will notify you by email when your status changes.
{% endhint %}

### About ID verification

<details>

<summary>Is it safe to upload my ID?</summary>

**Persona**, an industry-standard identity verification service, handles verification in partnership with Pulse Labs. For how we handle your data, see the [Pulse Labs Privacy Center](https://github.com/pulselabs-ai/Documentation/tree/main/privacy-center/README.md).

</details>

<details>

<summary>What if I don't live in the US?</summary>

We accept IDs from any country where we run — or have run — studies, and we are always expanding the list.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why is my verification pending?</summary>

A pending status means our team must manually review your submission. We will notify you when we finish the review.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why was my ID rejected?</summary>

We reject an ID when automatic or manual review finds it ineligible or fraudulent. This is generally a **final decision**.

</details>

### About face verification

Face verification is a quick biometric face scan that confirms you're a real, unique person and that your account isn't associated with another one. It keeps the panel trustworthy for research teams and protects your account from duplicates.

When a project assigns face verification as a step:

1. Select **Continue** to begin.
2. Review the information screen explaining what the verification does.
3. **Agree to the verification consent** before starting.
4. **Allow camera access** when your browser or device prompts you.
5. Follow the on-screen guidance to complete the face scan.

The result is saved to your account so research teams can see that you're verified. On a project with face verification enabled, expect to verify more than once: you complete the scan when you sign up for the project, and you may be required to re-verify your face **with each submission** you make. The Pulse Labs team may also occasionally ask you to re-verify later.

#### If face verification fails

* **Check camera permissions first.** A blocked camera is the most common cause of failure. Make sure your browser or device has granted camera access to the app, then retry.
* **Retry the scan.** You can attempt the verification again — good lighting and a plain background help.
* If you're still stuck, contact support (see [Support](/messages-and-support.md)).

{% hint style="warning" %}
Face verification doesn't replace **government-ID verification** — they are separate steps, and some projects assign both before you can enroll.
{% endhint %}

## Ongoing account checks

Beyond project-level verification, Pulse Labs also runs **passive device and network checks** in the background to keep the panel trustworthy — for example, monitoring signals like VPN, proxy, or Tor usage, or identifying when the same device appears across multiple accounts.

If a face verification or these device and network signals flag your account, our team manually reviews it. We will usually ask you to complete a **government-ID verification through Persona** to unlock your account.

## Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>Are screeners paid?</summary>

No — screeners are short qualification steps, not paid tasks. Compensation applies to the study itself once you're enrolled. See [Payments](/payments.md).

</details>

<details>

<summary>I completed a screener but didn't get into the study. Why?</summary>

A screener invitation doesn't guarantee enrollment. Research teams select participants from the pool of people who qualify, and a project may fill before we can enroll every eligible person.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How long will it take to hear back after a screener?</summary>

Timing varies by project. Some screeners and verification steps require manual review, so a delay may occur. You'll receive an email when your enrollment status changes.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How many studies can I take?</summary>

There's normally no limit — apply to as many studies as you qualify for. The exception is an **exclusive study**: while enrolled, that may be the only study you can take.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Is this a full-time job?</summary>

No. Pulse Voices provides paid research participation, not employment. Studies offer occasional opportunities and you shouldn't treat them as a replacement for regular income.

</details>

## Tips for getting selected

* **Complete your profile.** Research teams search for participants by demographics, devices, household, and AI usage. Empty fields mean you miss out on potential matches. See [Profile and Settings](/profile-and-settings.md).
* **Answer screeners accurately.** Inconsistent answers across studies can affect your eligibility.
* **Respond to invitations promptly.** Studies often fill on a first-qualified basis.