How we choose and verify experts

Every expert on Work With China is checked by a person. Here is exactly what we look at, in order.

Placeholder thresholds — final criteria to be written by the founder before launch.

The three levels

Listed

Listed. Identity and professional background confirmed.

  • [Placeholder] Identity confirmed by video call or official ID
  • [Placeholder] Public professional profile (for example LinkedIn) matches the application
  • [Placeholder] Minimum years of China-related experience

Verified

Verified. Track record independently checked.

  • [Placeholder] All Listed requirements
  • [Placeholder] At least two client references contacted by us
  • [Placeholder] Past roles or projects confirmed with a third party

Featured

Featured. Verified, with standout results, selected by our editors.

  • [Placeholder] All Verified requirements
  • [Placeholder] Documented, client-confirmed case studies
  • [Placeholder] Editorial review and approval

Our process, step by step

  1. ApplicationExperts apply with their background, services and the markets they know.
  2. Identity checkWe confirm who they are and that their profile is accurate.
  3. Work historyWe check roles, projects and credentials against public and third-party sources.
  4. ReferencesFor Verified and Featured, we speak to past clients ourselves.
  5. Editorial reviewA person at Work With China reviews the evidence and decides the level.
  6. PublicationThe profile goes live with the level and the verification date shown.
  7. Re-check every 12 monthsEvery expert is reviewed again each year. Levels can go down or be removed.

Verification and paid placement are separate

Experts can pay for a clearly labelled placement. That affects visibility only. It never changes an expert's verification level, and we do not verify anyone faster or more gently because they pay. See our independence policy.

Conflicts of interest

Experts must disclose any relationship with Work With China. Our own team members are not listed as experts.

What verification does not mean

We check identity, experience and references. We do not guarantee the outcome of any engagement. Experts are independent; you contract with them directly. See our terms.