> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://etherfi.gitbook.io/etherfi/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://etherfi.gitbook.io/etherfi/archive/solo-stakers/operation-solo-staker/solo-staker-onboarding.md).

# Solo Staker Onboarding

#### To become a solo staker for [ether.fi](http://ether.fi), follow the steps below.

1. Submit your [application](https://www.ether.fi/solo-staker). Operation solo staker is path 2.
2. Our team will then review your application and reach out once you have been accepted.

The operators receive 5% of the validator rewards in the solostaker program.\
There are on average 10-15 validators per operator.

#### What if I am unable to purchase the machine outright?

Hardware can be expensive. Our mission is to ensure everyone who has a passion to secure the network can participate. If you're unable to purchase the hardware required, please state this in your application. As part of operation solo staker, we have enabled stakers in remote parts of the world to acquire a machine through long term payment plans funded by staking rewards.

#### If accepted into the program — Testnet

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Sign up to the solo staker portal

If you’re accepted into the program, you will receive an email to sign up to our solo staker portal. Please do so and fill out the information required. Note this email may come through your spam folder.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Set up your machine

Set up your machine (Dappnode, Avado, custom).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Install and sync testnet

Install and sync testnet — we will let you know which testnet is used for the cluster.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Request your testnet keyshare

When the testnet chain is synced, change your status to “waiting for Goerli keyshare”. This will trigger an alert for the team to provide you with a keyshare from the testnet cluster.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Receive your keys

[Ether.fi](http://ether.fi) will reach out and provide you with the keys.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Validate for two weeks

Continue to validate on testnet for two weeks. This is required to ensure that your internet connection is stable, and that the staking setup is properly configured.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Qualify for mainnet

As soon as the cluster has performed near-perfect for one week and made some proposals, it will be ready for mainnet.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

<figure><img src="/files/4sKngF3aM3XtRwK2Qqos" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Mainnet

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Repeat the process for mainnet

Once you have successfully completed the two week testnet phase, please leave all information in the portal as is, and repeat for mainnet.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Receive your mainnet keys

We will then provide you with mainnet keys and you will be up and running! 🚀
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Scale up your validators

The cluster starts with one validator per participant; as soon as attestation and proposal performance on mainnet is flawless it is upgraded to 10 per peer.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

<figure><img src="/files/rQ9tw5wGJPWzP15V3tav" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

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