Judging criteria

Every entrant must hold valid licensing for what they actually do: an active NIB and the correct KBLI for the activity performed (individual agents use their LSP licence instead), plus the category's own requirements. Licensing is checked by hand on the shortlist, and only nominees who pass can become finalists.

Within 7 to 14 days of a complete submission, AI checks that it is complete and readable and a judge confirms it. The nominee is then a public Nominee. This is not a compliance check.

1. Track Record and Reliability

   Documented delivery against commitments, disputes disclosed and how they were resolved, and client outcomes backed by documents.

2. Transparency and Disclosure

   Fees in writing, who pays stated, conflicts disclosed, and clear contract terms.

3. Reviews

   Cleared client and peer reviews. Up to ten count, verified reviews with proof carry more weight, and specific transaction detail matters. Shares, likes and follower counts are never scored.

Every answer and check is scored from 0 to 4 on the evidence behind it.

The top ten in each category scoring 75% or above are shortlisted on 4 January 2027. The shortlist is private: each nominee is told their own result, and it is never published. If fewer than five reach 75%, the top five go through.

Not scored. Judges check the NIB, KBLI and category licences of every shortlisted nominee by hand, from 4 to 11 January 2027. It is a pass or fail check, and only nominees who pass go to the panel.

The panel scores the compliant shortlist, and five Finalists per category are announced on 18 January 2027. One winner per category is revealed at the gala on 18 February 2027.

AI assists the scoring. Judges make every decision. AI checks that each submission is complete and readable, and a judge confirms every Nominee. After reviews close, AI scores each submission on Track Record and Reliability, Transparency and Disclosure, and Reviews, using only what was submitted and citing the document behind every score. That score sets a private shortlist. Judges check compliance by hand, score the shortlist before they see the AI score, and choose the finalists and the winners. AI never rejects a document or a nominee on its own, and any nominee can appeal a decision to a judge.

A nominee is disqualified only on a final criminal conviction related to the matter, whatever the score. An accusation, an open case or an unresolved dispute alone does not disqualify.

Terang Awards may publicly revoke a title in a later year on the same standard, if a conviction follows after the award is given.