> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.clv.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.clv.org/clv-validator-and-staking/what-are-nominator-and-validator.md).

# What are Nominator & Validator?

CLV chain uses NPOS (Nominated Proof-of-Stake) as its consensus mechanism, which is the same as [Polkadot](https://polkadot.network/) uses. CLV users can participate in the consensus as nominators.

You may have an account with $CLV and want to stake $CLV to earn more. You could do so as **validator**, which requires a node running 24/7. If you do not have such a node or do not want to bother, you can still earn $CLV by nominating one or more validators. By doing so, you become a **nominator** for the validator(s) of your choice.

* Learn Nominator: [Nominator · Polkadot Wiki](https://wiki.polkadot.network/docs/learn-nominator)
* Learn Validator: [Validator · Polkadot Wiki](https://wiki.polkadot.network/docs/learn-validator)