> Feedback: If these docs are stale, missing, or confusing, post sanitized feedback to `https://tempo.xyz/developers/api/feedback` with `source: "mcp"`, a short `message`, and any relevant `toolName`, `relatedResource`, or `client`.
> **Can't find what you're looking for?** Use `search_docs` on the docs MCP server at `https://tempo.xyz/developers/api/mcp` to find what you need.
>
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# Running a validator node

Validator nodes secure Tempo by validating blocks and participating in consensus.

:::info
The active validator set is currently permissioned. If you are interested in becoming a validator, please [get in touch](https://tempo.xyz/contact) with the Tempo team. See [Initial setup](/docs/guide/node/validator-setup) for technical details.
:::

<Cards>
  <Card description="Register with the Tempo team, generate your signing key, download a snapshot, and start your validator for the first time" to="/docs/guide/node/validator-setup" icon="lucide:rocket" title="Initial Setup" />

  <Card description="Understand state transitions, check participation via metrics, and query on-chain status" to="/docs/guide/node/validator-status" icon="lucide:activity" title="Checking Validator Status" />

  <Card description="Start, stop, register, rotate, deactivate, and transfer ownership of your validator" to="/docs/guide/node/validator-lifecycle" icon="lucide:settings" title="Controlling Validator Lifecycle" />

  <Card description="Key hierarchy, generation, rotation, and signing share recovery" to="/docs/guide/node/validator-keys" icon="lucide:key-round" title="Managing Validator Keys" />

  <Card description="Monitor consensus and execution health, metrics glossary, Grafana dashboards, and log management" to="/docs/guide/node/validator-monitoring" icon="lucide:monitor" title="Monitoring a Validator" />

  <Card description="Common issues and solutions" to="/docs/guide/node/validator-troubleshooting" icon="lucide:help-circle" title="Troubleshooting and FAQ" />
</Cards>