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You can stop looking for the Upwork readiness test because it has been discontinued.
That’s a good thing! In the past, new freelancers were required to take the Upwork readiness test to make sure they understood everything about Upwork.
The test covered things like profile setup, proposals and bidding, and Upwork policies. It also covered important things like payment protection and the importance of developing client relations.
Passing the test was a requirement to achieve the Rising Talent badge. In an effort to streamline the onboarding process and improve the user experience, Upwork dropped the test requirement. However, they kept the Rising Talent program.
This post is designed to help you qualify for the Rising Talent program. Rising talent status will provide a badge on your profile, making it more attractive to potential clients. You’ll also benefit from increased visibility, an increased job success score, and extra support from Upwork.
Making The Most of Upwork Academy
The best way to find answers to your questions about Upwork is by using their resources. You don’t need an Upwork readiness test to learn everything you can.
The Upwork Academy helps freelancers build successful profiles, skill development, and career advancement.Â
Skill Development
The Upwork Academy provides courses and modules designed to enhance freelancers’ skills in various areas, such as communication, project management, and industry-specific expertise. New freelancers can use these resources to improve their skill set and become more competitive in their chosen field.
Platform Knowledge
The Academy offers insights and guidance on how to effectively use Upwork’s features and tools.
New freelancers can learn about site navigation, profile optimization, proposal writing, and client communication, helping them navigate the platform more confidently and efficiently.
Career Advancement and Strategies Workshop
Through the Upwork Academy, freelancers can access resources and tips for advancing their careers on the platform.
Whether it’s achieving Rising Talent status, building a strong reputation, or securing long-term clients, the Academy offers strategies for freelancers to grow and succeed.
Community Engagement
The academy may include opportunities for freelancers to connect with peers, share experiences, and learn from each other.
Engaging with the Upwork community can provide valuable insights, support, and networking opportunities for new freelancers.
Recognition and Opportunities
Completing courses and modules in the Upwork Academy may lead to recognition and opportunities within the platform.
You don’t need to worry about passing the Upwork readiness test anymore, but it helps if you can get recognized.
Read more details on the benefits of the rising talent badge further into this post.
For example, achieving Rising Talent status or completing specialized courses can increase visibility to potential clients and open doors to new projects.
Continuous LearningÂ
Freelancing is a dynamic and ever-changing field, and the Upwork Academy helps freelancers stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.
By engaging with the Academy, new freelancers can continue to learn and adapt to the evolving demands of the marketplace.
Best Upwork Academy Courses for New Freelancers
Upwork offers a variety of courses through the Upwork Academy designed to help freelancers improve their skills and succeed on the platform.
Here are some good courses to consider:
- Creating a Profile That Stands Out
- Writing Winning Proposals
- Setting Your Rates
- Navigating the Upwork Dashboard
- Handling Feedback and Reviews
These courses can provide valuable insights and practical skills that will help you succeed as a freelancer on Upwork. Check the Upwork Academy regularly for new courses and updates to stay current with best practices and platform changes.
Upwork Academy courses are typically free for freelancers. They make a great alternative to the former Upwork readiness test, and are likely a lot more comprehensive.
These courses are designed to help freelancers improve their skills, understand how to use the platform effectively, and succeed in their freelancing careers.
Winning Books to Get You Started With Upwork
We all love free courses like the ones offered at Upwork Academy. However, sometimes it’s nice to get a perspective that’s different from the company jargon.
I’ve found a few excellent books that may help you build a consistent base of paying clients that you like, trust, and earn income from.
Click on the links below to check them out at Amazon.com. Please see my commission disclaimer above.
These books are written by people with experience working with Upwork. Their insights should go a long way in helping you to forget the old Upwork readiness test requirement.
Just keep in mind that platforms like Upwork do change sometimes.
Benefits of the Rising Talent Program You Need to Know
The Rising Talent program on Upwork offers numerous benefits to new freelancers. Having the Rising Talent badge can help you kickstart your career and stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Increased Visibility
One of the primary advantages is increased visibility, as participants receive a prestigious Rising Talent badge on their Upwork profile.
This badge serves as a mark of distinction, signaling to potential clients that the freelancer has been recognized for their potential and commitment to excellence.
With the Rising Talent badge prominently displayed on their profile, freelancers can enhance their marketing efforts and attract more attention from prospective clients.
Invite-only Jobs
Moreover, the Rising Talent program opens doors to exclusive opportunities, such as invite-only jobs.
These curated job listings are specifically targeted towards Rising Talent freelancers, providing them with access to high-quality projects and clients.Â
By participating in invite-only jobs, Rising Talent freelancers can further demonstrate their skills and capabilities, solidifying their reputation and credibility on Upwork.
Get Noticed as Top Talent
Additionally, the program helps freelancers find work more easily by increasing their visibility in search results and making their profiles more attractive to clients seeking top talent.
As a result, participants can accelerate their journey towards achieving higher freelancer status and unlocking even more opportunities for success.
Upwork Readiness Test “Answers”
Now that the Upwork readiness test has been discontinued, there are no question to answer. However, that doesn’t mean you still can’t benefit from what was once considered a benchmark for success.
​I’ve presented some of the Upwork basics below, to help you get a better understanding of the platform.
Profile Setup
There’s no rush, so take your time and create a strong profile. Creating a complete profile is essential for attracting potential clients. It also helps establish your credibility.
​The best way to create a complete profile that really sells your skills is to include:
- An eye-grabbing profile headline. For example, “Creative Graphic Designer Specializing in Brand & Visual Storytelling”. The headline is effective because it brings your skills to the forefront.Â
- Use a professional profile picture.Â
- Write a compelling overview and select your special skillset from the categories and skills. You’ll see these during the setup process.
Applying For Jobs Without Needing The Upwork Readiness Test
While you can technically bid on any job, it’s more effective to apply for jobs that closely match your skills and experience. Focus on areas where you can confidently deliver high-quality work.
Proposals And Bidding
​​Browse the “find work” tab for listings that match your skills and interests. Upwork’s search filters can help you narrow down jobs by category, experience level, budget, and more.
If you’d like, you can even set up job alerts to get notifications about new job postings that match your criteria. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s time to write a customized proposal with competitive rates.
The bidding process should always involve a customized proposal that includes your relevant skills and experience.
Explain how you plan to approach the project and be transparent about the number of hours you believe it will take to complete the project.
Proposal Submission Cost Display
When submitting a proposal, Upwork displays the cost associated with it, including the platform’s service fee. This transparency helps freelancers understand their potential earnings and helps clients know the total project cost upfront.
Invite-Only Jobs
Invite-only jobs are private job postings that clients can use to invite specific freelancers to apply.
These jobs are not visible to the general public or the broader freelancer community on Upwork. Instead, clients choose specific freelancers they want to invite based on their profiles, skills, and past work.
Qualifications for invite-only job require freelancers to meet certain criteria including:
- Skills and experience that match the job requirements
- Freelancers with strong profiles, including detailed descriptions, relevant skills, and portfolios, may be more likely to get invite-only Upwork work.
- It helps to have positive reviews and a proven history of success.
​Familiarize Yourself With Upwork Policies
​It’s tempting to want to jump in and start earning money right away. However, the reality is that the more you know before you get started, the better you’ll do on the platform.
Upwork Policies
Familiarize yourself with Upwork’s Terms of Service. Understand rules about communication between the client and the freelancer, especially the section on keeping it on-platform.
Failure to follow Upwork terms could result in you getting banned from the site. It’s especially important to read up on prohibited activities.
Payment Protection
Upwork’s Payment Protection ensures a safe marketplace for freelancers by safeguarding against potential payment scams.
This feature requires client deposits, holding funds in escrow until the work is completed and approved, thereby guaranteeing payment for freelancers.
U.S. freelancers can benefit from instant pay options, transferring their earnings directly to their local bank or via Western Union for quick access.
Upwork’s mobile app allows freelancers to manage their projects and finances on the go, further enhancing convenience and security.
Additionally, Upwork provides scam awareness tips to educate freelancers on identifying and avoiding potential fraud, making the platform a reliable and secure environment for conducting business.
How Upwork Makes Money
Upwork generates revenue primarily through fees charged to both freelancers and clients for using the platform. Here’s how Upwork makes money:
Service Fees From Freelancers
Upwork deducts a percentage of the earnings freelancers make from each project as a service fee. The fee structure varies based on the freelancer’s lifetime billings with a specific client:
- 20% for the first $500 billed to a client across all contracts.
- 10% for billings between $500.01 and $10,000.
- 5% for billings over $10,000 with a client.
Processing Fees
Upwork charges freelancers additional fees for certain payment processing methods, such as direct bank transfers or wire transfers.
Client Service Fees
- Clients pay a service fee on each payment they make to freelancers. This fee is a percentage of the total payment amount and varies based on the freelancer’s service fee rate:
- 3% on payments to freelancers who have earned more than $500 with the client.
- 5% on payments to freelancers who have earned less than $500 with the client.
Membership Plans
- Upwork offers membership plans for clients, such as Upwork Plus and Upwork Business, which provide additional features and benefits for a monthly or annual subscription fee.
Other Revenue Streams
- Upwork may generate additional revenue through ancillary services or partnerships, such as premium job postings or advertising opportunities.
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Summary of Upwork Readiness Test Answers
Becoming a freelancer with Upwork involves a straightforward process that begins with creating an Upwork account on the platform’s website.
Once registered, freelancers undergo a profile review to ensure completeness and professionalism, enhancing their visibility to potential clients.
Upwork offers thorough onboarding processes, guiding freelancers through the platform’s features, tools, and best practices to maximize their success.
Through the Upwork website, freelancers gain access to a vast marketplace of job opportunities spanning various industries and skill sets.
Overall, Upwork provides a user-friendly and supportive environment for freelancers to establish themselves and thrive in the remote work landscape.
