Applicants undergo a custom vetting process. Applicants must provide: name, email, organization, and in what capacity they are applying as (researcher, student, data journalist, or recommender). Applicants are approved by a vetted recommender, most likely at their school or organization, or one nearby.

Upon approval, the person can search Tech Study Plans and browse summaries. Once the person chooses a study, they can download the entirety of the plan.