Requirements

Essential Equipment:

• Computer: Desktop or laptop with at least 4GB RAM, modern processor (i5/Ryzen 5 or better recommended)
• Reliable Internet: Minimum 5Mbps connection, stable connection more important than raw speed
• Screen: Minimum 13" display (15" or larger recommended for detailed annotation tasks)
• Mouse: External mouse strongly recommended (trackpads inefficient for repetitive tasks)

Recommended Additional Equipment:

• Headphones: Required for audio transcription or evaluation tasks
• Dual Monitors: Significantly increases productivity for reference-heavy tasks
• Ergonomic Keyboard: Reduces strain during extended work sessions
• Microphone: Required for speech collection tasks (built-in laptop mics usually sufficient)

• Web Browsers: Chrome required (most platforms), Firefox as backup
• Browser Extensions: Some platforms require specific extensions for work tracking
• Storage Space: Minimum 10GB free space for platform tools and cached tasks
• Operating System: Windows 10/11, macOS 10.15+, or Linux (Ubuntu preferred)
• Power Backup: UPS or battery backup recommended in areas with unreliable electricity

Essential Skills:

• Language Proficiency: Native or near-native English for most tasks (C1/C2 level)
• Typing Speed: Minimum 40 WPM for efficient task completion
• Attention to Detail: Critical for maintaining high accuracy scores
• Basic Computer Literacy: File management, browser navigation, form completion
• Instruction Following: Ability to precisely follow detailed guidelines

Valuable Additional Skills:

• Additional Languages: Commands premium rates (especially Arabic, Japanese, Korean)
• Image Editing Basics: Helpful for annotation tasks (understanding of bounding boxes, segmentation)
• HTML Basics: Useful for understanding some task structures
• Time Management: Essential for maximizing earnings in task-based payment systems
• Basic Spreadsheet Skills: Helpful for tracking earnings and calculating effective hourly rates

Platform-Specific Qualifications:

• UHRS Assessment: Basic English, comprehension, and logical reasoning tests
• Appen Qualification: Platform-specific tests plus project-specific qualifications
• Scale AI Certification: Task-specific training and certification processes
• Toloka Skills: Entry exams for various task categories

Identity Verification Requirements:

• Government ID: Most platforms require ID verification
• Video Verification: Some platforms require video calls for identity confirmation
• Address Verification: Proof of address sometimes required (utility bill, bank statement)
• Phone Verification: Valid phone number for SMS verification

Tax Compliance:

• Self-Employment Status: Workers are typically classified as independent contractors
• Income Reporting: All earnings must be reported regardless of whether you receive a 1099 form (US)
• Quarterly Estimated Taxes: May be required if earning significant income (US)
• Expense Tracking: Keep records of work-related expenses for potential deductions

Contractual Requirements:

• NDAs: Most platforms require signing non-disclosure agreements
• Data Privacy Agreements: Compliance with handling sensitive information
• Terms of Service: Platform-specific rules governing work standards
• Non-Compete Clauses: Some projects restrict working on similar tasks for competitors

• PayPal Account: Most widely accepted payment method across platforms
• Payoneer Account: Required for some platforms, especially for international workers
• Bank Account: For direct deposits (primarily US-based workers)
• Currency Conversion: Be aware of conversion fees for non-USD payments
• Minimum Payout Thresholds: Ability to accumulate earnings until reaching platform-specific minimums