Upward of expert-vetted badge is an award a type of badge you may have noticed on Upwork. But what does it mean? And how can you get it?
In this blog post, we shall try to explain everything in simple language: what the badge is, what it means to you, and how to earn it.
What Is the Expert-Vetted Badge?
The expert-vetted badge is a special tag given to the best freelancers on Upwork. It shows clients that you’re highly skilled and trusted. Only a small number of freelancers get this badge—about 1%. It tells clients that Upwork has checked your skills and that you’re one of the top experts.
With this badge, you can stand out and get better jobs.
Why the Expert-Vetted Badge Is Important
There are numerous ways in which getting an expert-vetted badge helps your freelancing life:
- More visibility: Clients can find you more easily.
- Higher pay: You can charge more for your work.
- Better jobs: You get invited to jobs that pay great.
- More trust: Clients feel safer hiring you.
It shows dedication and expertise in your work.
Upwork Badge Types
Upwork gives different badges to good freelancers. Each badge has its own level. Here are the main types:
- Rising Talent: For new freelancers who do well early on.
- Top Rated: For freelancers with good reviews and steady work.
- Top Rated Plus: For freelancers who succeed with big jobs.
- Expert-Vetted Badge: For the best of the best.
The expert-vetted badge is the highest level. It takes more effort to earn but brings bigger rewards. Many people go for the top rated plus Upwork badge first. But the expert-vetted badge is even better.
Who Can Get the Badge?
To get the badge, you must meet the Expert-Vetted Upwork criteria. Here’s what Upwork looks for:
- Good Work History: You must have done many jobs with good reviews.
- High Earnings: You should earn well on the platform.
- Real Identity: You must verify your ID with Upwork.
- Skills Check: You may need to do a video interview or take a skills test.
- Popular Skills: The badge is usually given to freelancers in tech, design, or marketing.
Meeting these rules doesn’t guarantee the badge. But it gives you a good chance to be selected.
How to Get the Expert-Vetted Badge
You can’t apply for the expert-vetted badge yourself. Upwork will invite you if you qualify. Here’s what you can do to give yourself a fighting chance at being invited:
1. Work in High-Demand Categories
Upwork gives this badge mostly in popular areas like:
- Web and software development
- Graphic design
- Digital Marketing
- Data analysis
If you work in one of these fields, your chances are better.
2. Make a Strong Profile
Your profile should look professional. Make sure:
- It is 100% complete
- You have a good photo
- You clearly explain your skills and experience
A strong profile makes a good first impression.
3. Get Great Feedback
Try to keep your Job Success Score high (above 90%). You also need:
- Happy clients who leave good reviews
- Steady work and completed projects
- Long-term or big contracts
This shows Upwork that you’re serious and skilled.
4. Watch for an Invitation
If you meet all the points, Upwork may send you an invitation. It will come through your messages or email. They may ask you to do a video call or test project. If you do well, you’ll get the expert-vetted badge.
Expert-Vetted Badge vs Other Badges
Let’s compare it with other badges:
Badge | What It Means | What You Get |
Rising Talent | New freelancer with early success | More job invites, faster growth |
Top Rated | Good reviews and steady work | More trust, Job Success boost |
Top Rated Plus | Long, successful jobs | Better jobs, premium invites |
Expert-Vetted | Top expert, fully checked by Upwork | Access to top clients and high pay |
The upwork expert vetted badge is the hardest to get—but the most valuable.
How to Keep the Badge
Once you have the expert-vetted badge, you must work hard to keep it. Here’s how:
- Do Great Work: Make sure clients are happy.
- Stay Professional: Be polite and meet deadlines.
- Keep Good Ratings: Don’t let your Job Success Score drop.
- Follow Rules: Don’t break Upwork’s terms.
If you slip, Upwork can remove your badge.
Is the Expert-Vetted Badge Worth It?
Yes! Many freelancers with an expert-vetted badge say it has helped them make more money and find better clients. It truly proves you are one of the greats. And many clients want to work only with top experts.
That’s why many people aim for the expert-vetted Upwork level once they have some experience.
Does It Cost Anything?
No, you don’t have to pay for the badge. Upwork gives it for free—if you qualify. But some people also use Upwork Premium tools like Freelancer Plus to get more insights and profile views. These are paid, but not required for the badge.
Final Words
The expert-vetted badge is a huge win for every freelancer on Upwork.You are reputed as one having the trust, skill, and capacity to handle the very best. Nothing worth having was ever easy, and it surely does take a lot of time and effort to attain it.
Put your best work into improving your profile and retaining good relations with your clients. It is going to be an invitation by Upwork one day that lets you earn that badge, which could very well be your ticket for making hundreds of dollars and getting the excellent gigs.
FAQs
1. How do I get the expert-vetted badge?
You must wait for Upwork to invite you. They look at your job history, skills, and feedback.
2. Can I apply for it directly?
The answer is no; Upwork evaluates freelancers based on performance.
3. Is the badge better than Top Rated Plus?
Yes. It’s more exclusive and given to fewer freelancers.
4. What is the waiting period before invitations for this kind of job are sent?
There’s no fixed time. Just keep working and doing well.
5. Will it help me earn more?
Yes! Freelancers with an expert-vetted badge usually get better jobs and higher pay.