How to Become a Jeopardy Contestant

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: November 16, 2021

Originally premiering in 1964 with Art Fleming as host, "Jeopardy!" has become famous for its format of giving contestants answers to which they must come up with the correct questions. The modern version that is currently hosted by Mayim Bialik/Ken Jennings, premiering in 1984, has expanded the show's popularity to make it the second most popular syndicated game show after "Wheel of Fortune." This level of popularity has led many people to apply to become "Jeopardy!" contestants, hoping to join the ranks of Ken Jennings, Brad Rutter, and other champions. Becoming a contestant doesn't just take know-how, however; it also takes a fair amount of luck.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Determining if You’re Eligible

1
Meet the show's eligibility requirements. "Jeopardy!" has its regular game, as well as several tournaments and special weeks throughout the year. To compete as a contestant, you must meet these requirements.
- For the regular "Jeopardy!" game, you must be at least 18 years of age and not have appeared on any other game show or reality show (including dating and relationship shows) in the past year, 2 such shows in the past 5 years, or 3 such shows within the last 10 years.
- For the "Jeopardy!" Kids' Week, you must be between 10 and 12 years of age.
- For the "Jeopardy!" Teen Tournament, you must be between 13 and 17 years of age.
- For the "Jeopardy!" College Tournament, you must be a full-time undergraduate student who has yet to earn your first bachelor's degree.
- You can be a Canadian citizen.^{[1]
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2
Make sure you don’t work for a banned company. You may not be eligible to appear on Jeopardy! if you work for or have worked for one of the following companies:
- Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. or Sony Pictures Television Inc.
- Quadra Productions Inc.
- CBS Television Distribution
- Any of the prize suppliers for Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune.^{[2]
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3
Decide which test to take. There are two different tests you can take to determine your eligibility for Jeopardy! One is the traditional adult test most contestants have to take, the other is a college student only test offered during the sporadic college challenges for the show.
- You may only take the test designed for college students once per season and only if you are currently a student.
- If you meet all the eligibility requirements for both the student and adult test you may take each one within a 12-month period.^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Taking the Online Test

1
Apply to take the online test. The adult test is usually given every year. If you took the test last year, you are still allowed to take this year’s test unless you meet any of the following exceptions:
- If you took a special Jeopardy! test given in your local market within the past 12 months. These tests are not given at any regular frequency but the show reserves the right to conduct testing at specific locations to increase their contestant pool when needed.
- If you attended an “in-person” audition within the last 18 months.
- Taking the online test while you are ineligible could lead to disqualification.^{[4]
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2
Create a MyJeopardy Profile. In order to register to take the online test, you will need an official profile on Jeopardy!’s website. Most of your communication throughout testing will be conducted through this portal.
- You will only need to provide a username, e-mail address, zip code and date of birth to register.
- Make sure to use an active e-mail account as they will contact you via e-mail regarding testing dates.
3
Check for scheduled testing dates. The online test is only given once per year and the dates are not flexible. You must take the test at the prescribed times or you will be disqualified.
- Check your MyJeopardy account regularly for updates in the testing schedule.
- If you missed the test date for this year, you will need to wait until they announce a new test date and time.
4
Make sure your computer can handle the test. In order to take the online test, you will need to be on a computer that meets the technical requirements.
- The test is compatible with mobile or tablet devices, but it is not recommended that you use them.
- You will need a high-speed internet connection.
- You will need a screen resolution that meets or exceeds 1024x768.
- You will need the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Internet Explorer is not compatible with the test.^{[5]
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5
Take the test. Once you are registered to take the test and have reached the date and time, it’s time to show them how smart you are.
- It is recommended that you take the test in your own time zone, however you are permitted to take it during the testing period for an alternate timezone if that better suits your schedule.
- The test will take only about ten minutes and cannot be restarted.^{[6]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Being Selected to the Pool of Contestants

1
Wait to hear from a Jeopardy contestant coordinator. If you are selected for an audition, a contestant coordinator will call you to set up a time.
- They have extremely limited audition availability, so contestants that performed well in the online test are placed in a pool and chosen randomly.
- People who do well on the online test are kept in the audition pool for 18 months.^{[7]
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2
Do great at your audition. If you passed the online and are selected from the contestant pool for an audition, you will need to conduct an screen test that approximates what it might be like to appear on the actual show. This audition involves taking a new test and playing a mock version of the game itself.
- The new test will have 50 clues that are different from those you saw in the online test.
- You will play a mock version of Jeopardy to assess your ability to play the game.
- You must perform well on the second test and the mock game in order to be considered for the contestant pool.
3
Ace your interview. After you play the game at your audition, you will be interviewed to see how well you can conduct yourself on camera. When you receive your notification of the audition, you will be provided a card to complete and return that provides subjects for them to interview you about.
- Refine your stories so you can recite them quickly and easily. Focus on the material you suggested in the form you returned to Jeopardy prior to the audition.
- Think of some fun facts about yourself and be prepared to say them confidently when asked.
- You don’t have to have a spectacular novelty to be selected, but you will need to be able to present your story well.^{[8]
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4
Get placed in the contestant pool. If you pass your audition, there is still no guarantee that you will be chosen to appear on Jeopardy! All of that hard work has put you in position to be chosen next, but you still may never get the call. There is still a bit more luck involved in being chosen.
- You will be placed in a contestant pool for 18 months, during which time you may be contacted to come on to the show.
- If you are not contacted to appear on the show by the time the next testing period begins, you are eligible to start the process over again.^{[9]
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Community Q&A

Question

Do you have special books to study to prepare yourself for the game?

Community Answer

There are no specific books designed to help you prepare yourself for Jeopardy, but brushing up on things like states and capitals, U.S. Presidents and Shakespearean literature are all advised.
Question

Are there financial requirements?

Community Answer

There are no costs associated with taking any of the tests, but you are responsible for any transportation, lodging, meals, and incidental expenses you incur during the audition process and as a contestant on the show.
Question

What time is the test?

Community Answer

The test is scheduled at different dates and times every year. Check your MyJeopardy account often to stay apprised on when the next one is scheduled.

Warnings

Although the tests and auditions are free, you are responsible for any transportation, lodging, meals, and incidental expenses you incur during the audition process and as a contestant on the show.

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It is possible for more contestants to qualify for auditions than there are audition slots available. In such cases, invitations may be issued randomly until all slots are filled.

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Qualifying to appear as a contestant does not guarantee your appearance on "Jeopardy!" The show qualifies more people to appear as contestants than it actually uses because people do get sick, have accidents, or even chicken out after qualifying. Also, with the removal of the 5-game limit for returning champions, the possibility exists of another champion appearing on as many shows as Ken Jennings, who was not defeated until his 75th appearance.

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Arrive early to the audition site, as the test begins promptly at the start time and latecomers are not allowed. You may also not bring a guest to the test site with you.

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