How to Become a Jeopardy! Contestant

Have you ever dreamed of standing on the Jeopardy! stage, buzzer in hand, answering clues with confidence and charisma? Getting on the iconic quiz show is a challenge in itself—requiring preparation, persistence, and a bit of luck. Here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to become a real Jeopardy! contestant.

Step 1: Take the Online Anytime Test

Every aspiring Jeopardy! contestant begins their journey with the Jeopardy! Anytime Test. This is a 50-question quiz administered online at jeopardy.com/be-on-j. It’s available throughout the year and is the first screening stage for adult contestants.

The test covers a wide range of general knowledge categories, including history, literature, science, pop culture, and wordplay. You have 15 seconds to answer each question, and there’s no score or feedback provided after completion.

Tip: Prepare by watching the show regularly, reviewing past clues on J! Archive, and practicing speed recall under time constraints.

Step 2: Wait to Be Contacted

Passing the online test does not guarantee an audition. Jeopardy! uses the test to build a pool of qualified candidates and then selects a subset for the next step. If you’re chosen, you’ll receive an email inviting you to a virtual audition. This could come days, weeks, or even months after your test.

Because Jeopardy! receives thousands of test-takers annually, even those with perfect scores may not be selected immediately—or at all. Persistence is key: you can retake the test once per year.

Step 3: Attend the Audition (Virtual or In-Person)

If selected, you’ll be invited to a formal audition. As of recent years, most auditions have taken place over Zoom. The session typically lasts about 90 minutes and includes:

  • A 50-question timed test (different from the one you took online)
  • A short personality interview
  • A mock game segment with other auditionees, using a virtual buzzer

This stage allows producers to evaluate not just your trivia ability, but your camera presence, clarity of speech, personality, and energy. They want contestants who are both smart and watchable on television.

Tip: Speak clearly, smile, and show enthusiasm. Producers are looking for well-rounded contestants who represent the show's brand.

Step 4: Enter the Contestant Pool

After the audition, you may be placed into the official contestant pool. If selected, you’ll receive an email congratulating you and letting you know that you may be called to tape an episode within the next 18 months. That’s right—you’re now eligible, but not guaranteed, to appear on the show.

During this window, you must remain eligible (see below), be responsive to communication, and be available to travel to the Jeopardy! studio in Culver City, California, typically on short notice (sometimes just a few weeks ahead).

Step 5: Getting the Call

If you’re selected to tape, a Jeopardy! contestant coordinator will reach out with available taping dates. Once you confirm, you’ll be sent an extensive contestant packet that includes rules, gameplay guidelines, legal disclosures, and travel details.

Pro tip: Jeopardy! does not pay for contestant travel, but second and third place players do receive consolation prizes ($2,000 and $1,000 respectively).

Step 6: Prepare for the Show

Once you have a taping date, it’s game on. You’ll want to prepare both mentally and practically:

  • Review past categories and formats at J! Archive
  • Practice wagering strategy, especially for Final Jeopardy
  • Train using a makeshift buzzer (a pen or clicker) to develop timing
  • Plan your wardrobe – bright solid colors work best on camera
  • Know the rules: You must phrase responses in the form of a question, and you can’t buzz in until the host finishes reading the clue

The night before taping, most contestants stay at a designated hotel nearby. Jeopardy! tapes five episodes in one day—meaning you might be called first... or last. Be ready to spend the full day at the studio.

Step 7: Game Day

On taping day, you’ll arrive at the Sony Pictures Studios early in the morning. You’ll meet the contestant coordinators, sign final paperwork, get makeup done, and rehearse on stage. Contestants are randomly selected for each game, and returning champions continue taping consecutive episodes until they lose or finish the day.

It’s a long day filled with adrenaline and excitement. After taping, you’ll receive your payment by mail—about 120 days later—and be asked to keep your results confidential until your episode airs.

Eligibility Rules

To become a Jeopardy! contestant, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old (college and teen tournaments excluded)
  • Be a legal resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Not be a current employee or immediate family member of Sony, Jeopardy! Productions, or affiliates
  • Not have previously appeared on Jeopardy! (unless invited for a tournament)

Conclusion

Becoming a Jeopardy! contestant is a dream come true for trivia lovers, and while the process is competitive, it's also rewarding. With persistence, preparation, and a bit of buzzer luck, you can make it all the way to the Jeopardy! stage. Whether you're chasing a one-day win or hoping for a Ken Jennings–level streak, the journey begins with a single test. So study up, stay curious, and take your shot—you just might be the next champion.