Configure an eligibility screener

The eligibility tab determines whether an entrant is eligible to submit an entry. Eligibility can be automatic (based on auto-scoring fields), manual (requiring manager review), or both.

Entries can have one of three statuses:

• Pending eligibility: the entrant requires approval to proceed
• Eligible: the entrant can complete and submit the entry
• Ineligible: the entry is locked and cannot be edited further

Use eligibility screening to restrict entries based on criteria such as location, demographics, or other requirements.

Assessment modes

When you configure an eligibility tab, choose one of three assessment modes:

• Automatic: eligibility is determined by a minimum score threshold. No manual review needed.
• Manual: you always make the eligibility decision. The entry enters Pending status and you review it before deciding whether to approve or reject.
• Both: the entry must first meet a minimum score, then also get your approval. Entries that score below the threshold are automatically marked ineligible.

Step 1: configure eligibility notifications

Notifications can be sent to entrants after they complete the eligibility check. To edit the default messages:

1. In the Manage workspace, go to Settings > General > Notifications
2. Select the Entry eligible, Entry ineligible, or Application pending eligibility assessment trigger
3. Edit the message content
4. Click Save

Learn more in the Ultimate guide to notifications.

Step 2: configure eligibility content blocks

Content blocks display messages to entrants based on their eligibility result. To customise them:

1. In the Manage workspace, go to Settings > Content > Content blocks
2. Select the Entry eligible, Entry ineligible, or Application pending eligibility assessment content block
3. Update the content as required
4. Click Save

Learn more in Content configuration and management.

Step 3: configure an eligibility tab

1. In the Manage workspace, go to Entries
2. Click Edit form
3. Click the + icon in the tabs area
4. From the Type drop-down, select Eligibility
5. Enter a Name for the tab (for example, "Eligibility" or "Qualification")
6. Choose an eligibility assessment mode: Automatic, Manual, or both
   • If automatic or both options are selected, set the Minimum total auto-score required for eligibility
   • If manual or both options are selected, select a Content block for pending eligibility assessment and (optional) a Notification for pending eligibility assessment
7. Select content blocks and notifications for eligible and ineligible outcomes
8. (Optional) Enable Hide other tabs until eligible to prevent entrants from viewing other tabs until they pass eligibility
9. Choose whether the tab applies to all categories or specific categories
10. Click Save

Step 4: add auto-score fields

Eligibility is calculated using auto-score fields. You can only use these field types in an eligibility tab:

• Checkbox
• Checkbox list
• Radio buttons
• Drop-down list

To add an auto-score field:

1. In the Manage workspace, go to Entries
2. Click Edit form
3. Open the eligibility tab
4. Click the + icon to add a field
5. Select one of the supported field types above
6. Enter option labels and values
7. Enable Auto-score
8. Assign a numerical score to each option
9. Complete any additional field settings
10. Click Save

Repeat these steps to create all required eligibility questions.

Manual eligibility assessment

Manual eligibility works best for your program if you want to:

• Gather an expression of interest or letter of intent, allowing entrants to complete an initial part of the entry form and proceed only after eligibility review by a manager.
• Have managers screen entrants and choose when those users can begin completing the remainder of the form.
• Allow flexibility with eligibility instead of relying on automatic checks.

To manually mark an application as eligible or ineligible:

1. In the Manage workspace, go to Entries
2. Click on an entry's name or ID
3. In the 'Entry' tab, review entry content
4. Select Eligible or Ineligible in the 'Manual eligibility' section

You can also assess entries from the Entries list using the overflow menu. Your decision can be changed at any time and will recalculate the overall entry status automatically.

Good to know

• For multiple eligibility tabs, scoring is cumulative across all previous eligibility tabs.
• You can configure multiple eligibility tabs if requirements differ by category.
• The eligibility tab can be placed anywhere after the 'Start here' tab (recommended position: second tab).
• If the eligibility tab is the final tab, submitting it will also submit the entry if eligible — unless payments are enabled, in which case the entrant must complete submission through the payment cart.
• Enabling Hide other tabs until eligible prevents entrants from progressing until eligibility is confirmed.
• Ineligible entries are locked and cannot be edited.
• Resubmitting an entry will reset the eligibility check, requiring entrants to complete it again.
• Default eligibility content blocks and notifications can be customised at any time.
• Ensure the minimum auto-score threshold matches your configured scoring values.
• You can change a manual eligibility decision after you make it; the overall entry status recalculates automatically.
• Manual eligibility decisions are recorded in the audit log.
• There is no bulk action for manual eligibility, but you can assess entries individually from the overview, preview panel, or entries list.
• When an entry has multiple manual eligibility tabs, the tab labels appear in the manager's review interface so you can see which tab you are assessing.

Video overview