As a freelancer, your Upwork profile is your digital storefront—a powerful tool for attracting clients, building credibility, and growing your business. Two of the most prestigious badges you can earn on Upwork are Top Rated Plus and Expert-Vetted. These badges signal to clients that you’re among the best in your field, opening doors to higher-paying projects, exclusive opportunities, and long-term partnerships.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about achieving and maintaining these elite statuses in 2025. Whether you’re aiming for Top Rated Plus or hoping to join the Expert-Vetted ranks, we’ll cover the requirements, benefits, and insider tips to help you stand out in a crowded marketplace.
What Is Top Rated Plus on Upwork?
Top Rated Plus is one of the most coveted achievements for freelancers and agencies on Upwork. It’s a step above the standard Top Rated badge and is reserved for those who consistently deliver outstanding results on large, high-value contracts. Earning this badge means you represent the top 3% of performers on the platform, and it’s a clear signal to clients that you’re a proven professional.
Key benefits of Top Rated Plus include:
- A prominent badge on your profile, proposals, and Project Catalog™ listings
Priority customer support - Faster payments on hourly contracts
- Job Digest emails with curated, high-value opportunities
- Ability to offer paid consultations to potential clients
What Is Top Rated Status on Upwork?
Before you can reach Top Rated Plus, you’ll need to achieve Top Rated status. This badge is awarded to freelancers and agencies who consistently earn positive feedback, maintain a high Job Success Score (JSS), and uphold Upwork’s standards of professionalism. Top Rated freelancers represent the top 10% of talent on the platform and enjoy benefits like a visible badge, curated job digests, and faster payments.
Key requirements for Top Rated status:
- Job Success Score (JSS) of 90% or higher
- At least $1,000 in earnings over the past 12 months
- Active on Upwork within the past 90 days
- At least 90 days since your first contract
- 100% complete profile
- Up-to-date availability
- Account in good standing
How to Get Top Rated Plus Badge on Upwork
Achieving Top Rated Plus status requires more than just meeting the standard Top Rated criteria. You’ll need to demonstrate consistent excellence on large, complex projects. Here’s what you need to know:
Upwork Top Rated Plus Requirements
- Maintain Top Rated Status
- You must already be a Top Rated freelancer or agency.
- Earn Over $10,000 in the Past 12 Months
- For agencies, the threshold is $20,000.
- Complete at Least One Large Contract
- The definition of a “large contract” varies by category. For example, writers may need a $5,000 contract, while consultants or accountants may need $10,000 or more.
- No Negative Outcomes on Large Contracts
- Your large contracts must have positive feedback and no significant issues.
- Up-to-Date Profile and Availability
- Keep your profile complete and your availability current.
- Account in Good Standing
- No recent account holds or violations of Upwork’s Terms of Service.
How Upwork Defines a Large Contract
The amount required for a large contract depends on your service category, so here are some examples:
- Writing: $5,000
- Accounting, Consulting, Admin Support: $10,000
- Customer Support: $20,000
Always check your My Stats page on Upwork for the most accurate, category-specific requirements.
What Is a Top Rated Achievement on Upwork?
A “Top Rated achievement” refers to any milestone or recognition you earn as a Top Rated or Top Rated Plus freelancer. This includes:
- Earning the Top Rated or Top Rated Plus badge
- Receiving invitations to exclusive projects
- Being featured in Upwork’s Job Digest emails
- Gaining access to premium support and faster payments
These achievements are not just badges—they’re proof of your professionalism, reliability, and ability to deliver outstanding results for clients.
How to Get Expert-Vetted on Upwork
Expert-Vetted is the highest badge you can earn on Upwork, reserved for the top 1% of talent in select categories, so this status is typically available by invitation only and involves a rigorous screening process.
Expert-Vetted Requirements
- Exceptional Expertise in Your Field
- You must demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge.
- Pass a Screening Process by Talent Managers
- This includes a 30-minute interview to assess both hard and soft skills.
- Strong Communication and Reliability
- You’ll be evaluated on your ability to communicate effectively and deliver results.
- Eligible Categories
- Expert-Vetted is available in select categories, including:
- Web, Mobile, and Software Development
- IT and Networking
- Data Science and Analytics
- Design and Creative
- Sales and Marketing
- HR
- Consulting
- Writing
- Expert-Vetted is available in select categories, including:
Benefits of Expert-Vetted Status
- Visible badge on your profile for select clients
- Priority access to exclusive, high-value projects
- Talent Manager support for profile optimization
- Professional development opportunities
- Invitations to work with Business Plus and Enterprise clients, including Fortune 500 companies
Pro Tips for Achieving Top Rated Plus or Expert-Vetted
Earning these badges takes time, effort, and strategy. Here are some insider tips to help you get there:
- Build a standout Upwork profile: Use a professional photo, a compelling headline, and a detailed overview that highlights your expertise and past results.
- Craft outstanding proposals: Personalize each proposal to the client’s needs and show a deep understanding of their project.
- Deliver exceptional client satisfaction: Go above and beyond with your work, exceed expectations, and always ask for feedback after each project.
- Pursue larger, long-term contracts: Focus on building relationships with clients who offer ongoing work or have bigger budgets.
- Stay active and consistent: Regularly update your profile, maintain a high Job Success Score, and keep engaging with new opportunities.
- Network and seek referrals: Tap into your network and encourage satisfied clients to refer you for more high-value projects.
How to Maintain Your Top Rated or Expert-Vetted Status
Earning these badges is just the beginning. To keep them, you’ll need to:
- Continue delivering high-quality work
- Maintain a high Job Success Score
- Keep your profile and availability up to date
- Follow Upwork’s Terms of Service
- Stay active on the platform
If your JSS drops below 90% or you become inactive, you risk losing your badge. Always strive for excellence and keep your clients happy.
Why These Badges Matter for Your Freelance Career
Earning Top Rated Plus or Expert-Vetted status is more than just a badge, undoubtedly it’s a powerful marketing tool. These badges:
- Increase your visibility in search results
- Attract high-value clients and exclusive opportunities
- Build trust and credibility with potential clients
- Open doors to long-term partnerships and premium projects
If you’re serious about growing your freelance business, these badges are worth the effort.
Next Steps: How to Get Started
Ready to take your Upwork profile to the next level? Here’s a quick action plan:
- Optimize your profile with a professional photo, compelling headline, and detailed overview.
- Write personalized, high-impact proposals using our cover letter upwork guide.
- Focus on client satisfaction and ask for feedback after each project.
- Target larger, long-term contracts to build your reputation and earnings.
- Stay active and consistent to maintain your status and attract more opportunities.
For more tips on landing clients and growing your freelance business, check out our guide on how to get clients for freelancing online. And if you’re curious about how Upwork compares to other platforms, don’t miss our article on Upwork vs Fiverr.
Final Thoughts
Achieving Top Rated Plus or Expert-Vetted status on Upwork is a major milestone for any freelancer. It takes dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering outstanding results. But the rewards, like more clients, higher earnings, and exclusive opportunities, are well worth the effort.
Whether you’re just starting your freelance journey or looking to take your business to the next level, these badges are a powerful way to stand out in a competitive marketplace. Start working toward your Top Rated Plus or Expert-Vetted badge today, and watch your freelance career soar!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Top Rated Plus in Upwork?
Top Rated Plus is an advanced badge awarded to freelancers and agencies who consistently deliver outstanding results on large, high-value contracts. It represents the top 3% of performers on Upwork and comes with exclusive benefits like priority support and curated job opportunities.
How to get Top Rated Plus badge Upwork?
To earn Top Rated Plus, you must maintain Top Rated status, earn over $10,000 in the past 12 months, complete at least one large contract in your category, and keep your profile and availability up to date.
What is a top rated achievement on Upwork?
A top rated achievement includes earning the Top Rated or Top Rated Plus badge, receiving invitations to exclusive projects, and gaining access to premium benefits like faster payments and curated job digests.
What is Top Rated status on Upwork?
Top Rated status is awarded to freelancers and agencies who consistently earn positive feedback, maintain a high Job Success Score, and uphold Upwork’s standards. It represents the top 10% of talent on the platform.
