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How do I Become a Fact Checker?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Fact checkers are journalism professionals who verify and confirm the facts in newspaper and magazine articles. To become a fact checker, someone must have a meticulous eye for detail, and some special skills. There are several ways in which people can approach this career path and develop the skills needed to work as a fact checker.

Many fact checkers have journalism or communications degrees, and may start out working as journalists. Before someone can become a fact checker, it is necessary to have journalism skills, and to understand how the journalism world works. Experience as a journalist also provides fact checkers with valuable contacts which they will be able to rely upon when they need sources and lines of pursuit for factual information. Furthermore, it helps a fact checker establish connections which can be used when seeking work.

Many fact checkers have journalism or communications degrees.
Many fact checkers have journalism or communications degrees.

Fact checkers also need excellent research skills. Someone who wants to become a fact checker may take courses specifically in fact checking or information science, or may develop those skills independently while working as a journalist. Research skills can take time to build, and some fact checkers find work experience with a mentor helpful as they train to become a fact checker. There are also a number of guides which provide people with basic information on being a fact checker, from providing research tips to showing people how to lay out fact checking reports.

Some publications keep a fact checking staff, and can be a good place to start work for someone who wants to become a fact checker. Working in the larger staff, a new fact checker can start out with small tasks under supervision, and eventually take on larger projects such as fact checking articles. Once someone acquires skills and a resume, it is possible to start working as a freelance fact checker. Freelancers may be able to obtain more money for their services, and they can work with a wider variety of materials and people, which can be enjoyable.

Like many careers in the journalism world, the way to become a fact checker can be paved with challenges. It can be a very competitive field, and people may find that it is difficult to get work, especially at the beginning. Would-be fact checkers should remember to keep honing their skills, and to try to set achievable goals which can be reached in steps. Every job should be taken as a learning opportunity, and it pays to treat every person as a potential source and connection; fact checkers who are courteous are in as much demand as fact checkers who are thorough and highly skilled.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PracticalAdultInsights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a PracticalAdultInsights researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Many fact checkers have journalism or communications degrees.
      By: gstockstudio
      Many fact checkers have journalism or communications degrees.