> 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/getting-started.md).

# Getting Started

Before you can see your dashboard, you'll accept the Terms and Conditions. After that one required step, you can set up your profile and start browsing studies.

## Step 1: Accept the Terms and Conditions

When you first log in, you'll see the Terms and Conditions screen.

1. **Read through the terms.** You may need to scroll down before the acceptance controls become available.
2. **Enter your name** if the form asks for it.
3. **Accept all required items.** The system lists required terms at the top; you can't proceed without accepting them. One or more items lower down may be optional (for example, marketing communications).

{% hint style="info" %}
You only do this once. If the terms change in the future, we may ask you to review and accept them again.
{% endhint %}

## Step 2: Set up your profile

Once you've accepted the terms, you'll land on your dashboard. You can start browsing projects right away, but we strongly recommend completing your profile first — it makes you eligible and searchable for more studies, and we require it before we can pay you. See [Profile and Settings](/profile-and-settings.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
**Identity verification happens at the project level.** You don't verify your identity when you create your account — instead, individual projects assign verification steps (such as face verification, ID checks, or phone verification) as part of their screening requirements. See [Finding and Joining Projects](/finding-and-joining-projects.md#screening-and-verification-steps).
{% endhint %}

## Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>Do I have to accept every item on the Terms screen?</summary>

You must accept all **required** terms — the system lists them at the top, and you can't proceed without them. Items lower down may be optional, such as marketing communications; you can decline those and still participate.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will I need to verify my identity?</summary>

Not when you create your account. Verification happens per project: depending on the study, you may be asked to complete face verification, government-ID verification, phone verification, or a location check before you can enroll. See [Screening and verification steps](/finding-and-joining-projects.md#screening-and-verification-steps).

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will I ever see the Terms and Conditions screen again?</summary>

Only if the terms change. If they do, we may ask you to review and accept the updated terms before you continue using the platform.

</details>