Welcome
We’re excited to have you join the Ethereum validator set!
This handbook guides you through running an Ethereum validator using the Lido Community Staking Module (CSM).
The main objective of this cohort is technical training. You will first gain hands-on experience operating Ethereum validators on testnet and will later prepare to move their setup to mainnet.
How this program works
Async first
- Modules include instructions, learning material, and reference links
- You may:
- Follow modules sequentially, or
- Jump directly to any section you’re already comfortable with
Cohort calls
There will be approximately 3–4 cohort calls throughout the program.
The calls will be semi-structured:
- Each call will have a central topic
- We will review relevant parts of the handbook together
- There will be time for questions and troubleshooting
- The content may change depending on the progress and needs of the cohort
- The goal is to make sure everyone is on the same page before moving to the next stage
Calls will be announced and coordinated through the Slack channel
What success looks like
By the end of the quarter, you should be able to confidently say:
- I have:
- Run Ethereum execution + consensus clients on testnet
- Generated validator keys safely
- Activated and operated at least one testnet validator
- I understand:
- Validator duties and risks
- Slashing and downtime scenarios
- What “good operator behavior” actually means
- I can articulate:
- How Ethereum validators work
- What broke while operating & how to fix it
Time commitment
The program is self-paced and does not follow a strict weekly schedule.
Learning and reading sections will require less time, while machine setup, client synchronization, validator activation, and troubleshooting will require more hands-on work.
Infrastructure to run the validators
Home staking is the gold standard in Ethereum, and this cohort is designed to give participants practical experience operating their own hardware.
Each participant has an Chainnodes ARM-based machine prepared for running an Ethereum node. The operating system, Docker, and eth-docker will already be installed.
Before beginning the machine setup, you will need to obtain:
- An Ethernet cable
- Access to your home router
- A computer connected to the same network
For the easiest initial setup, we also recommend having:
- A screen with an HDMI connection
- An HDMI cable
- A USB keyboard
You will be able to access the machine in one of two ways:
- Directly, using a screen and keyboard
- Remotely, by finding the machine on your network and connecting through SSH
If you do not have a screen or do not know how to access your router, ask for help in the Slack channel before starting the setup.