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Be on J! Contestant FAQs

Ready to take the Jeopardy! Test? Go for it

BECOME A CONTESTANT

WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO BECOME A CONTESTANT?

First, you must take and pass the Jeopardy! Test. If you pass the test and meet the minimum eligibility requirements, you will be placed into a random selection process for an invitation to an audition. Assuming you perform well at the audition, you will be placed into the contestant pool and could be invited to compete up to 18 months from your audition date. Making it to an audition is not a guarantee of being invited to compete on the show.

The same process applies to teens and college students, with each test specific to the next scheduled tournament only.

To learn more about the process, see our other Be A Contestant FAQs:

WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?

Applicants must meet the following requirements to meet basic eligibility:

  • Must be over 18 (except for the Teen Tournament).
  • For the Teen Tournament, must be between the ages of 13 and 17 at the time of taping.

Anytime Test

What is the Jeopardy! Anytime Test?

Like the recent Jeopardy! Tests in January, the Jeopardy! Anytime Test is an entry point for anyone who wants to compete on Jeopardy! But now, it’s available to you at any time that is convenient for you. Passing the 50-question test is the first round of qualification. The format of the Anytime Test is the same as that of the scheduled Jeopardy! Test that is offered every year. See more about the Jeopardy! Test.

What’s the difference between the Anytime Test and the scheduled Jeopardy! Test?

The differences between the Anytime Test and the scheduled Jeopardy! Test are as follows:

  • The Anytime Test is available to take at any time, while scheduled Jeopardy! Test events are held periodically on a specified date and time, and users must be registered in advance.  

  • The Anytime Test can begin as soon as you complete login and registration, whereas registration for the scheduled Jeopardy! Test must be completed at least an hour before the test’s start time. 

For both the Jeopardy! Test and the Anytime Test, applicants may only submit one test per year. Multiple attempts could result in disqualification.

There is no difference in format between the scheduled Jeopardy! Test and the Anytime Test.

Can I take the Anytime Test if I took the scheduled Jeopardy! Test?

Yes! Taking the Anytime Test is an additional chance to qualify to be on Jeopardy!, even for those who have already taken a scheduled Jeopardy! Test.

Can I take the Anytime Test more than once?

You are able to submit one Anytime Test per one-year period, and you have a limited number of attempts to submit a test during the test-taking period. If another Anytime Test period arises, you can submit one if it has been more than 365 days since the last time you submitted an Anytime Test.

If a scheduled Jeopardy! Test occurs within that one-year period, you may take that test as well.

Will everyone get the same clues and categories in the Anytime Test?

All categories and clues will be pulled from a large database of material. Users should expect a balanced assortment of Jeopardy! topics in the Anytime Test, but the clues will be delivered in random order.

What happens if I start the Anytime Test and can’t finish it at that time?

If you start the Anytime Test and close the test window in the middle of the test, it will not be considered a test submission and your answers will not be saved. However, if you’ve already completed the registration form, you will not need to re-register when you return to take the test.  You may try to take and submit the test another time, but you only have a limited number of attempts. You may not be given the same set of questions when you return to take the test.

AFTER THE TEST

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY TEST RESULTS?

Jeopardy! never reveals test scores. Only passing scores are submitted to be considered for an audition.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO BE CONTACTED AFTER THE TEST?

You will receive a confirmation that your test has been submitted within 24 hours of taking the test.

If you pass the test and qualify for an audition, the Jeopardy! contestant department may contact you at any time within one year of your test. Those who do not pass the test will not be contacted. NOTE: Look for emails regarding auditions to come from the “spe.sony.com” domain, not from “jeopardy.com,” and update your spam filters accordingly.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE AUDITION?

Audition space is limited. A random selection of applicants who have passed the online test will be employed, and invitations will be sent out until all available spots are filled.

HOW WILL I KNOW I’VE BEEN INVITED TO AN AUDITION?

The Jeopardy! contestant department will reach out via email if you are selected for an audition. Within the email, a link will be provided for you to select an audition date and time.

How can I make sure I receive your emails after taking the Anytime Test?

Please add Jeopardy_contestants@spe.sony.com and Jeopardy_contestant_search@spe.sony.com to your Address Book or Contacts to ensure you receive updates in your inbox.

How to Update your Contacts:

AUDITION

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IF I’M SELECTED TO AUDITION?

Auditions are currently taking place in two parts via video conference. In the first round, qualifiers will take a 50-question “in-person” online test (in the same format as the Jeopardy! Test). You may be contacted anytime within a year of taking this test (if you pass and are randomly selected) to participate in the gameplay audition round.

In the audition, contestant coordinators will lead the group through a brief game-playing tutorial. After the tutorial, everyone will take turns playing a mock version of the game in groups of three. At the end of the mock game, each applicant will be asked to tell a little bit about themselves: likes, dislikes, career, family, hobbies, etc. The audition will last approximately one hour. (Note that you must submit your signed application at least one day before your audition date.)

Reliable internet access and a computer webcam or front-facing camera on your phone or tablet are required for the audition. You will receive an email with a Zoom video conference link approximately 30 minutes prior to the audition, which you should join at the appointed time. We suggest using a laptop for the audition, but you can also use a phone or tablet (note that you will need the Zoom app installed on your phone or tablet if you plan on using either of those).

I’M IN THE ACTIVE POOL OF CONTESTANTS, BUT I HAVE CHANGED MY ADDRESS AND/OR PHONE NUMBER. WHAT DO I DO?

If you have participated in an audition within the last 18 months, you may send us new contact information at jeopardy_contestants@spe.sony.com, and we will update your information in our files. (Please use this email address for contestant department communication only. For all other inquiries, fill out our contact form.) You should also update your information in your MyJeopardy! profile.

HOW WILL I KNOW I’VE BEEN SELECTED TO COMPETE ON JEOPARDY!?

If you pass the test and do well at your audition, you will be placed in a pool of potential contestants for 18 months after your audition date. Being in the pool does not guarantee that you will be invited to appear on the show. If you are selected to compete on the show, our contestant coordinators will contact you with full details. Prospective contestants are usually notified about a month in advance of their tape date.

HOW DO I APPLY TO BE IN A TOURNAMENT?

All tests and auditions for teens and college students are tournament-specific. There are no separate tests or auditions for the Teachers Tournament. Teachers go through the adult contestant test and audition selection process and – depending on eligibility – may be invited to compete on either the regular show or in the Teachers Tournament.

JEOPARDY! TEST

WHAT IS THE JEOPARDY! TEST?

The Jeopardy! Test and the Anytime Test are the primary entry points for anyone who wants to compete on Jeopardy! Each one allows fans to qualify for an audition via a 50-question test taken online.

The Jeopardy! Test is an annual event, scheduled for a specific date at an appointed time. The Anytime Test follows the same format as the Jeopardy! Test, but is available to take whenever it’s convenient. For either the Jeopardy! Test or the Anytime Test, applicants may only submit one qualifying test every 12 months.

In order to participate in the test, users must:

  • Have a current MyJeopardy! account and have completed the extended contestant registration.
  • Be logged in to the testing site at Jeopardy.com before the test starts.

Testing events are held for:

  • Regular shows: adults (ages 18 and over).
  • College Championship: college students (ages 18 and over and full-time undergraduates with no previous bachelor’s degrees). Eligible students who apply for the College Championship are also eligible to take the Jeopardy! Test or Anytime Test for regular shows in the same year.
  • Teen Tournament: teens (ages 13-17).

Eligible full-time teachers who hope to compete in the Teachers Tournament are selected from the pool of applicants who have taken and passed the test for adults, and participated in the audition process.

Announcements for special or tournament test events are made on the Jeopardy! program and delivered to Jeopardy! email subscribers.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE JEOPARDY! TEST?

If you have never been a Jeopardy! contestant and have not participated in a Jeopardy! audition within 18 months prior to the test, you are eligible to take the test. Teens also require parental consent before completing registration for the Teen Jeopardy! Test.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU ISSUE THE JEOPARDY! TEST?

Three-day testing events to qualify for our regular shows are offered to adults one to two times per year. You may take the test on any day that is convenient, but only once per event. Multiple entries could result in disqualification.

For teens and college students, tests occur roughly once per season, or as upcoming teen and college tournaments are scheduled. Eligible college students may register for both college and adult tests.

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE JEOPARDY! TEST?

Visit the Be A Contestant tab and click “Register Now” to fill out the test registration form. You may be prompted to set up a MyJeopardy! account if you don’t already have one. To receive all test updates, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive the Jeopardy! email newsletter in your account profile.

ARE CANADIANS ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE TEST?

Yes, Canadians are eligible.

THERE IS MORE THAN ONE ELIGIBLE ADULT/TEEN/COLLEGE STUDENT IN MY HOUSEHOLD. CAN THEY TAKE THE TEST AT THE SAME TIME?

Yes, they can all take the test. However, each will need to register with a different email address and will need their own computer or mobile device to take the test.

I’M ELIGIBLE TO TAKE BOTH THE COLLEGE TEST AND THE ADULT TEST. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you’re eligible to take the College Jeopardy! Test, you may take it once per season. You may also take the Jeopardy! Test for adults as long as you meet all eligibility requirements for both.

CAN I PARTICIPATE IF I HAVE A DISABILITY?

Jeopardy! Is proud of its longstanding reputation of welcoming contestants with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations to complete a test, participate in auditions, or compete on the show, our contestant coordinators would be happy to discuss your individual needs and to make reasonable accommodations that will permit you to participate. For online tests, it is fine for you to have a family member, friend or assistant read the clues to you and/or type in your responses. If you need other testing or audition accommodations, or accommodations for competing on the show, our contestant coordinators will work with you to identify and to implement reasonable accommodations. Contact the contestant department for more information at jeopardy_contestants@spe.sony.com about disability accommodations.

IS THERE A FEE TO TAKE THE JEOPARDY! TEST?

There is no fee to take any of the tests, but any costs you incur in connection with the test are your responsibility. Likewise, if you are invited to participate in an in-person audition, all costs (including, but not limited to, accommodations, meals, transportation and parking) must come at your own expense.

I TOOK THE TEST LAST YEAR. CAN I TAKE IT AGAIN?

Yes. You are welcome to participate in this round of testing whether or not it has been a full year. There is one exception to this rule:

If you attended an in-person interview with the Jeopardy! contestant team as a result of taking the test or if you attended one at an authorized Jeopardy! contestant event (e.g., Jeopardy! Challenge), you are ineligible to take the test for a minimum of 18 months from the date of that audition. Any attempt to take the test during your period of ineligibility could result in disqualification.

WHAT IF I REGISTERED FOR THE TEST BEFORE THE NEXT TEST DATES WERE ANNOUNCED?

If you have registered for the test before new dates have been announced, make sure you have signed up for the Jeopardy! newsletter in your MyJeopardy! account email preferences. We’ll notify you of upcoming test dates as they are scheduled.

Once new test dates have been announced, you should also double-check your selected audition city in your profile to update your selection from the most current list of locations.

IF I’VE REGISTERED FOR A PREVIOUS TEST, DO I NEED TO REREGISTER?

You will need to register for each new test when it is announced. However, once you have a MyJeopardy! account, we’ll have all your information on file. Registering will be quick and easy, and you will be able to update your preferences and audition city selection. If you have signed up to receive the Jeopardy! newsletter, you’ll receive notifications as new tests are announced. Plus, you can always check your test status in your MyJeopardy! account.

MY TEST IS TODAY. WHAT DO I DO?

If the test is being given in a multi-day event, you may take it on any one of the dates that is convenient for you. Just be sure to take into account the differences in time zones. On the day of your test, come back to jeopardy.com up to an hour before the appointed time to log in for the test.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOG IN LATE FOR THE TEST?

You will not be able to log in once the test begins. The test dates and times are not flexible. The test will begin three minutes after the hour according to the test site's clock, and you must be logged in before the test begins. We recommend logging in at least 30 minutes early. You may take the test on any test night that is convenient for you. There is no need to notify us of the date. Make sure to account for time zone differences. You may only take the test once during any multiple-night test event. Subsequent attempts may result in disqualification.

HOW LONG DOES THE TEST TAKE?

The test consists of 50 categories and 50 clues, and you will have 15 seconds to respond to each clue. The test takes approximately 13 minutes. You cannot log in late or restart.

HOW DO I SUBMIT MY RESPONSES?

Anything you have typed into the response field will be automatically captured after 15 seconds. You will then hear a “ping” alerting you to the next clue, and the next category will be presented. You cannot pause, stop or go back.

To manually submit a response, you may click "Submit," but we encourage you to wait for the full 15 seconds to elapse. Pressing the enter or return key on the keyboard will not submit a response.

DO I HAVE TO RESPOND IN THE FORM OF A QUESTION?

No. Do not respond in the form of a question.

DO I HAVE TO TYPE FULL NAMES?

No. Last names are acceptable unless otherwise specified in the clue.

WILL I BE PENALIZED FOR SPELLING ERRORS?

No. As long as your response is phonetically correct, it will receive consideration. Partial and mistyped answers will also be considered.

WILL COMPLETING THE TEST QUICKLY IMPROVE MY SCORE?

No. In fact, we would encourage you to take all due time to consider and confirm each response.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO SKIP AHEAD TO THE NEXT CLUE?

You may skip ahead to the next clue by clicking “Submit,” but we encourage you to use any extra time to re-check your response. Any partial data that you enter into the response field will be captured and submitted as is when the time expires for that clue. NOTE: You cannot go back to previous clues and there is no time at the end of the test for review.

WHAT ARE THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS TO TAKE THE TEST?

You can take the test on either a Mac or PC. The test is compatible with mobile or tablet devices, though we don’t recommend using those devices.

Your device must meet the following requirements:

  1. High-speed internet connection.
  2. Internet Explorer 10 and above, or the latest version of Firefox, Chrome, or Safari 5.0 and above. The test is NOT compatible with AOL browsers. We encourage you to become familiar with the test format by taking the practice tests at Jeopardy.com.
  3. A screen resolution of 1024x768 or larger. Make sure your text settings are no larger than 100% or than the "normal" or "medium" size. Increased text settings may prevent you from viewing the test in full.

I AM HAVING TROUBLE LOGGING IN AND TAKING THE TEST ON TEST NIGHT. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you are on a Mac or PC, try the following:

  • Close all running programs and restart your computer. Open your preferred browser and try to log in again.
  • Do not run any other programs while taking the online test.
  • Confirm that your screen resolution is at least 1024x768 and that the latest version of JavaScript is installed.
  • If none of these tips work and your computer has all of the technical requirements listed above, please send a note with your internet browser and version, your operating system and the error message you are receiving to contact@support.jeopardy.com, and we'll do our best to help troubleshoot.

CAN I TAKE THE TEST ON MY MOBILE OR TABLET DEVICE?

Yes, the test is compatible with mobile and tablet devices, but we strongly suggest you take the test on a Mac or PC using a stable, high-speed internet connection.

CAN I TAKE THE TEST USING A DIAL-UP CONNECTION?

We cannot guarantee that the test will perform properly using a dial-up connection.

I FORGOT MY USERNAME OR PASSWORD.

On the sign-in screen, click “Forgot username?” or “Forgot password?” and you’ll receive instructions via email. Please note: You should only click the link once, and it can take up to 30 minutes to receive a reply, so we recommend having your username and password on hand before signing in to take the test.

ABOUT THE SHOW

HOW DO I GET AUDIENCE TICKETS?

To request audience tickets for a live taping of Jeopardy!, fill out this form. The show typically tapes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from July to May. Tickets are always free and we offer two seatings for each tape date. New dates are added as they are entered into the schedule and available times and dates are posted a few weeks in advance. If you don’t see a convenient date keep checking back.

WHERE IS JEOPARDY! TAPED?

Jeopardy! tapes at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California.

WHAT ARE THE AUDIENCE COVID-19 POLICIES?

COVID-19 has created inherent risks associated with being in public places and/or in proximity to others including contracting COVID-19, serious illness, death, and transmission of COVID-19.  By attending this taping, you are voluntarily assuming any and all health and/or safety risks of the taping, including contracting COVID-19, and you agree to waive any legal claims against Sony Pictures Entertainment and its affiliates arising from your attendance or that of any minor accompanying you to the fullest extent permitted under the law.

CONTACT US

IS THERE ANY WAY TO WATCH JEOPARDY! ONLINE?

Select episodes hosted by Alex Trebek are currently available for streaming on Pluto TV.

I THINK I CAUGHT A MISTAKE – HOW DO I CONTACT THE SHOW?

If you would like to send a message directly to the show, use this form. Please note that while we closely monitor this mailbox, we cannot reply to every email.

I HAVE AN IDEA FOR A CATEGORY!

We appreciate your creativity, but we are unable to accept unsolicited submissions.