What skills does a fact checker need?

A fact checker needs 9 essential skills including search engines, scientific research methodology, proofread text, consult information sources, search databases. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace fact checker jobs?

The AI disruption score for fact checker is 83/100 (very high risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Public Administration & LegalLegal, social and cultural professionalsISCO 2642

fact checker

Fact checkers make certain that all the information in texts that are ready for publishing is correct. They research the facts thoroughly and correct errors.

About fact checker

As a fact checker, you will serve as a critical quality assurance professional in the publishing and media industry, ensuring that all information presented to readers is accurate, verifiable, and trustworthy. Your primary responsibility is to thoroughly research claims, statements, and data presented in manuscripts before they go to print or publication, identifying and correcting errors, inconsistencies, and misleading information. You will spend your days consulting diverse information sources including academic databases, search engines, government records, and expert interviews to verify facts across a wide range of topics. Your work requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to think critically about information credibility and source reliability. Beyond technical verification, you will also develop professional networks with subject matter experts and maintain up-to-date knowledge across multiple domains. This role is increasingly important in combating misinformation and maintaining journalistic integrity in Poland's growing digital media landscape.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a fact checker.

Research and Source Verification

Search databases and search engines to find credible sources for claim verification
Consult academic journals, government databases, and official records
Evaluate source credibility and reliability based on expertise and evidence quality
Perform background research on writing subjects to establish context and baseline knowledge

Document Review and Proofreading

Read manuscripts carefully to identify factual errors, inconsistencies, and contradictions
Proofread text for accuracy in quotes, statistics, dates, names, and attributions
Flag questionable claims and provide detailed corrections with source documentation
Compare published information against original sources to ensure accurate representation

Expert Consultation and Networking

Develop professional networks with subject matter experts across various disciplines
Conduct telephone and email interviews with specialists to verify complex information
Communicate by telephone with primary sources to clarify and confirm statements
Maintain relationships with trusted experts for ongoing fact-checking consultation

Scientific Research Methodology

Apply scientific research methodology principles to evaluate evidence and claims
Assess study quality, methodology, and statistical significance of research claims
Identify potential biases, conflicts of interest, and limitations in research sources

Documentation and Reporting

Document all corrections with citations and evidence supporting each change
Prepare detailed reports of findings for editors and writers
Maintain organized records of sources consulted and verification performed

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (9)

search enginessearch enginesThe methods and techniques to navigate search engines and find information quickly.scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.proofread textproofread textRead a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.consult information sourcesconsult information sourcesConsult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.search databasessearch databasesSearch for information or people using databases.develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...read manuscriptsread manuscriptsRead incomplete or complete manuscripts from new or experienced authors.communicate by telephonecommunicate by telephoneLiaise via telephone by making and answering calls in a timely, professional and polite manner.perform background research on writing subjectperform background research on writing subjectRun thorough background research on writing subject; desk-based research as well as site visits and interviews.

Optional (8)

interview techniquesinterview techniquesThe techniques for getting information out of people by asking the right questions in the right way and to make them feel comfortable.press lawpress lawThe laws concerning the licensing of books and the freedom of expression in all products of the media.media and information literacymedia and information literacyThe ability to access media, to understand and critically evaluate different aspects of the media and media content and to create communications in a variety of contexts. It involves a range of cognit...interview peopleinterview peopleInterview people in a range of different circumstances.use word processing softwareuse word processing softwareUse computer software applications for composition, editing, formatting, and printing of any sort of written material.rewrite manuscriptsrewrite manuscriptsRewrite unpublished manuscripts to correct errors and to make them more appealing to the target audience.consult with editorconsult with editorConsult with the editor of a book, magazine, journal or other publications about expectations, requirements, and progress.writing techniqueswriting techniquesThe different techniques to write a story such as the descriptive, persuasive, first person and other techniques.