Step 1 - Install the necessary Software

* To view designs you will need to have a UML tool installed. TopCoder members currently use the TopCoder UML Tool.
* To view Requirements Specifications you will need a PDF file reader.
* To use Scenario specifications you will need a program for .rtf, .doc, or .xls files.
* Scripting tools for Script competitions (e.g. JUnit) will be specified for each competition.

Step 2 - Choose a project to work on

On the Active Test Suites Contests or the Active Test Scenarios Contests page you will see a list of projects available. Click on a particular project and read the definition. In addition to reading the project definition, you should also become familiar with the components and technologies that may be involved in the project.

Step 3 - Register for the competition

Now that you have found a competition you would like to work on you must register for the competition. On the competition definition page, there is a "Register" link. Click to register after filling in the required information and agree to the terms.

Step 4 - Check out the Software Forum

Upon registering for the project, you will be granted access to the forum for that specific project. The forum link will be in a confirmation email you receive from service@topcodersoftware.com. The mail will also provide details of the submission deadline schedule and the url for the submission.

Step 5 - Download the Competition Documentation

When you go to the forum you will be able to download the documentation for that project. This documentation will contain all the necessary information you need to work on the project. Read through the docs and get familiar with the requirements.

Step 6 - Read the TopCoder Software Member Guide

Download the Software Member Guide. This document is a guide for developers new to the TopCoder component methodology and environment. It will guide you through the required elements for submission.

Step 7 - Complete the Contest

Complete all of the necessary elements for the project as specified. You will be required to complete the creation of scenarios or script of all the required QA Test Plans and application pieces as defined by the contest requirements. Your submission must include deployment instructions.

Step 8 - Submit

Log into Project Submit and Review and submit your submission.