If you are reading this, ✨ congratulations ✨ You have begun down the path to becoming a professional Dungeon Master (DM) on Young Heroes!
Do I need experience to apply?
No prior professional experience is required, but we recommend you have at least 1 year of experience running games for children.
That said, the application does ask about your DM style, experience level, and how you'd handle common scenarios at the table. The more detail you can provide, the stronger your application will be.
How do I apply to become a Dungeon Master?
Step 1: Create a Player Account
You need an existing Player account on StartPlaying before you can apply to become a Dungeon.
Once you are signed in to your account:
Go to kids.startplaying.games
Click your Profile Picture
Click Become a DM for Kids
Step 2: Complete our Dungeon Master for Kids Onboarding
All potential Dungeon Masters need to complete and pass an online Dungeon Master for Kids Onboarding on LearnWorlds in order to submit their application. This course covers the rules and expectations for running games for kids and teens.
To do this, click Get Started on the Young Heroes application.
You will receive an email from LearnWorlds to set up your account with your StartPlaying email.
You need to receive a passing grade on each of the quizzes to unlock your completion certificate.
Step 3: Get 5 reviews from Parents
You will need at least 5 parents of kids you've worked with to submit reviews through your review link.
These reviews will appear on your Young Heroes profile, which parents will use to determine if they want to join your games.
Your review link appears on the Young Heroes Application.
Step 4: Fill out the Young Heroes DM Application
All DM applications are manually approved by a member of our team.
You will need to receive 5 reviews from parents in order to submit your application.
The application covers your DM style, experience running games, and how you'd handle different scenarios that may come up at the table. You'll also be asked to agree to Young Hero's:
⚠️ Not following these rules after approval may result in being banned from the platform. Make sure you read and understand both before submitting.
Step 5: Complete your background check
If your DM application is approved, you will be asked to complete a background check through Checkr.
You will receive an email from Checkr to start a background check for "Qualleta dba StartPlaying".
Once the background check is submitted, our Trust & Safety team reviews it and makes the final decision about DM approval.
What makes a strong DM application?
To create a strong application, make sure to:
Write detailed, well-thought-out responses for every section. Short answers are the most common reason applications are rejected or sent back
Use the About You and Game Style sections to highlight your expertise and unique approach to running games
Include a clear, engaging profile picture that shows off your personality
Share specifics about your experience running games for kids and teens, like systems you've run, how long you've been playing, and what makes your table unique
Double-check your spelling and grammar
Double-check that every section is fully completed
First impressions matter, so keep your tone professional and engaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my application still pending after several days?
Applications may remain pending due to high submission volumes or temporary team unavailability. These factors can extend processing times beyond the typical 1–2 weeks.
What happens if my application is approved?
If your application is approved, you will receive an email and a site notification. You can then log in as a DM, create your Templates, then start running games.
How long does it take for applications to be reviewed?
Applications are typically reviewed within 1–2 weeks. However, this timeline may vary depending on submission volumes and other factors. No action is required on your part during delays, as your application will remain in the queue and be processed in turn.
After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation email. Notifications will be sent via email and also appear on the website.
If your application is approved, you'll be able to set up your DM profile and start creating game listings.