Expert Verification Process
How we vet professionals and award verified badges to ensure journalists connect with credible, qualified expert sources
Why Verification Matters
In an era of misinformation and unqualified commentary, journalists need to trust the experts they quote. SourceDeck's verification process ensures that every expert on our platform has been thoroughly vetted for credentials, experience, and professional standing.
Similar to verification systems on platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn, our verified badge signals that an expert has passed rigorous identity and credential checks. This protects journalists from citing unqualified sources and protects the integrity of editorial content.
Our Verification Standard:
Less than 15% of applicants receive verified badges on first submission. We maintain strict quality controls to ensure journalists can trust every verified expert in our network.
The Verification Process
Our multi-stage review process combines automated checks with human expert review. Every application goes through the following stages:
Identity Verification
We verify that you are who you claim to be through:
- Government-issued ID verification (for high-tier verification)
- Professional email domain confirmation (e.g., @company.com)
- LinkedIn profile cross-referencing and employment verification
- Public digital footprint analysis across professional networks
- Phone number verification via SMS or voice call
Credential & Expertise Review
We validate your professional qualifications and subject matter expertise:
- Academic credentials (degrees, certifications, professional licenses)
- Current employment and job title verification with employer
- Years of experience in claimed expertise areas
- Published work, research papers, or industry contributions
- Media appearance history and previous citations
- Professional memberships and industry affiliations
- Awards, recognitions, or notable achievements in your field
Background & Reputation Check
We conduct thorough background research to ensure credibility:
- Public records screening for professional misconduct or fraud
- Review of online reputation and professional standing
- Fact-checking of claimed credentials against official databases
- Detection of conflicts of interest or undisclosed affiliations
- Review of past media appearances for accuracy and professionalism
- Analysis of social media presence for red flags or misrepresentation
Expert Panel Review
Final human review by our expert vetting team:
- Manual review of all submitted documentation and evidence
- Assessment of communication skills and media readiness
- Evaluation of expertise depth and breadth in claimed topics
- Review of sample responses to journalist queries (when applicable)
- Final determination on verification status and badge tier
Verification Badge Criteria
To receive a verified badge, experts must meet all of the following requirements:
Authenticity
- ✓ Real identity verified with government-issued ID
- ✓ Active professional email and phone number
- ✓ Verifiable employment at claimed organization
- ✓ Consistent digital presence across platforms
Expertise
- ✓ Minimum 5 years professional experience in field
- ✓ Relevant academic credentials or equivalent expertise
- ✓ Demonstrated thought leadership or published work
- ✓ Recognition by peers or industry organizations
Credibility
- ✓ Clean background check with no professional misconduct
- ✓ No history of spreading misinformation
- ✓ No undisclosed conflicts of interest
- ✓ Positive professional reputation
Completeness
- ✓ Complete profile with professional bio
- ✓ Clear expertise areas and topics defined
- ✓ Supporting documentation provided
- ✓ Professional headshot and contact information
Benefits of Verification
Verified experts receive priority placement and enhanced visibility on our platform:
- Verified Badge Display: Prominent verification badge on your profile visible to all journalists
- Priority Ranking: Appear first in journalist search results and expert recommendations
- Exclusive Alerts: First access to high-profile journalist requests and media opportunities
- Trust Signal: Increased credibility and journalist confidence in your expertise
- Higher Response Rates: Verified experts receive 3-4x more journalist inquiries than unverified profiles
Ongoing Compliance & Badge Removal
Verification is not permanent. We continuously monitor verified experts to ensure ongoing compliance with our standards:
Annual Re-verification
- All verified experts must re-verify credentials annually
- Employment status, credentials, and expertise areas are re-checked
- Failure to complete re-verification results in badge removal
Grounds for Badge Suspension or Removal
- Misinformation: Providing false or misleading information to journalists
- Credential Fraud: Falsifying academic degrees, job titles, or professional experience
- Professional Misconduct: Ethical violations, legal issues, or industry sanctions
- Plagiarism: Claiming others' work or research as your own
- Conflicts of Interest: Undisclosed financial relationships or paid advocacy
- Poor Conduct: Harassment, discrimination, or unprofessional behavior toward journalists
- Inactive Profiles: No response to journalist requests for 6+ months
- Terms Violations: Breach of SourceDeck Terms of Service or platform policies
Note: Badge removal decisions may be appealed through our support team at verification@sourcedeck.io. We review all appeals within 7 business days.
Application Timeline
The verification process typically follows this timeline:
Expedited Review: High-profile experts with extensive credentials may qualify for expedited 48-hour review. Contact verification@sourcedeck.io for priority processing.
Get Verified Today
Ready to unlock priority access to journalist requests and establish yourself as a trusted expert source? Start your verification application today.
Questions about the verification process? Review our FAQ or reach out to our support team at hello@sourcedeck.io