Quick answer: the Handshake AI Fellowship pays people to train and evaluate AI models, with listings advertised up to $100 an hour or more. You must be based in the US with work authorisation Handshake can support. After applying and verifying your identity, you are matched to a project and take that project's assessment, whose format and passing criteria vary by partner lab; Handshake says retakes are usually not available. From Handshake AI's pages, checked on 8 November 2026.
From application to paid work
1. Apply and verify your identity.
2. Get matched to a project; Handshake says there is no fixed timeline for an invitation.
3. Take the project training and its assessment.
4. Contribute your expertise and get paid.
Eligibility: based in the US with valid work authorisation that Handshake can support; some F-1 students on CPT or OPT may qualify, while STEM OPT is not supported.
How the assessments work
Handshake's assessment help article says assessments are project-specific and may be a knowledge quiz, a practice task or sample submission, or a written or skills-based evaluation. Format, length and passing criteria depend on the partner lab.
In most cases retakes are not available, and wanting a better score is not normally a reason for one. You are notified once a decision is made.
How to prepare
1. Read the project training in full; assessments test whether you follow its rules.
2. In written evaluations, show your reasoning step by step in clear sentences.
3. Treat the first attempt as the only attempt.
Related: Outlier assessment, DataAnnotation starter assessment and Mercor AI interview.
Practise explaining your reasoning
CrackInterviewAI is a Windows 10/11 app for rehearsing interview answers out loud: type or say a question and get a short outline built from your resume and the role. Use it before your screening, never during a test or interview that forbids outside help. New accounts get 30 free minutes, then international prices start at $3.99 for one hour with no subscription (USD plans, download).
Practise structured reasoning
Rehearse clear explanations of your field with 30 free minutes on Windows.
Frequently asked questions
Who can join the Handshake AI Fellowship?
People based in the US with valid work authorisation that Handshake can support. Some F-1 students on CPT or OPT may be eligible; STEM OPT is not supported.
What is the Handshake AI assessment?
A project-specific evaluation: a knowledge quiz, a practice task or a written or skills-based test, with format and passing criteria set by the partner lab.
Can I retake a Handshake AI assessment?
Handshake says retakes are usually not available and are decided per project; wanting a higher score is not normally grounds for one.
How much does the Handshake AI Fellowship pay?
Handshake advertises earnings up to $100 an hour, with listed projects ranging from about $17 to $150 an hour depending on expertise.
Keep exploring
Return to the CrackInterviewAI homepage to download the Windows app, or browse all guides on the interview prep blog.