diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index e2ac92b..ce69719 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -66,6 +66,9 @@ jobs:
       - name: Verify embedded signature-verifier pins
         run: python scripts/sync-verifier-lock.py --check
 
+      - name: Test release qualification tooling
+        run: python -m pytest scripts/tests/ -q
+
       - name: Run pytest
         run: python -m pytest tests/ -q
 
diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index 0b5edf7..9108b2d 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -56,6 +56,11 @@ The source branch can contain fixes newer than the latest signed release. Check
 `CHANGELOG.md`, the release tag and `site/status.json` before claiming a fix is shipped;
 a source commit does not change an existing signed archive.
 
+For the transition out of beta, follow [stable readiness](docs/stable-readiness.md).
+The historical alpha RC ledger qualifies entry into beta, not a stable release.
+Full `scripts/beta-gate.py` runs require an explicit, different `--previous` version
+and scan all four locks. RC/stable labels require their own artifact evidence.
+
 ## The rule everything rests on
 
 **The model proposes, it does not decide.** The reasoner emits `TOOL_CALL` text, the kernel
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index f456c6d..f3e1516 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -935,7 +935,10 @@ sitting — a gate you cannot read is not a gate.
 The [beta release evidence](docs/beta-readiness.md) separates source tests, signed
 artifact checks and the seven-day operating observation. The frozen
 [beta contract](docs/beta-contract.md), [recovery runbook](docs/recovery.md) and
-local `python scripts/beta-gate.py` make these checks repeatable. The path to 1.0
+local `python scripts/beta-gate.py --previous <published-version>` make these checks repeatable.
+The [RC and stable qualification plan](docs/stable-readiness.md) tracks the next
+transition from beta through `0.20.0-rc.1` to `0.20.0`; these versions are not yet
+published. The path to 1.0
 requires evidence from the beta line and a verified upgrade from a previous beta;
 it is not a calendar promise.
 
diff --git a/docs/beta-readiness.md b/docs/beta-readiness.md
index 133242a..2dd7199 100644
--- a/docs/beta-readiness.md
+++ b/docs/beta-readiness.md
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 # Beta readiness
 
+This page records the historical transition into beta. The next transition is
+tracked separately in [RC and stable readiness](stable-readiness.md).
+
 Talos' beta line freezes the operator-facing contract after separate source,
 signed-artifact and operating-observation gates. Beta is not a claim that the model,
 network or service never fails. This document records the criteria instead of
@@ -88,9 +91,9 @@ Executed results for this baseline are in the [2026-09-25 evidence record](beta-
 Release-candidate accounting is in the [RC ledger](beta-rc-ledger.md). A source
 preflight is not a counted RC or a published beta.
 
-Run `python scripts/beta-gate.py` from a prepared development environment for source
+Run `python scripts/beta-gate.py --previous <published-version>` from a prepared development environment for source
 tests, red-team cases, public hygiene, locked-dependency OSV, a disposable clean
-install and an isolated signed upgrade from the previous published alpha, including
+install and an isolated signed upgrade from the explicitly selected published version, including
 schedule migration and rollback.
 The upgrade rehearsal creates and removes only a temporary installation; it does not
 restart or change the operating Pi. Use `--without-upgrade` only for a partial source
diff --git a/docs/stable-readiness.md b/docs/stable-readiness.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e4c494b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/stable-readiness.md
@@ -0,0 +1,94 @@
+# From beta to a stable 0.20.0
+
+The next proposed release is `0.20.0-rc.1`, followed by `0.20.0` only after the
+evidence below passes. This is a qualification plan, not an announcement that
+either version has shipped. The published baseline is `0.20.0-beta.9`.
+
+The historical `0.20.0-alpha.rc.*` artifacts qualified the earlier transition
+**into beta**. They are not candidates for this transition out of beta. `1.0.0`
+remains a separate compatibility commitment, not an automatic rename of 0.20.0.
+
+## Scope freeze
+
+Keep the [operator contract](beta-contract.md), command names, approval meanings,
+configuration and durable-state boundaries. During candidate qualification, accept
+release-blocking fixes and their regression tests; defer unrelated features. Any
+compatibility change needs a before/after test and migration instructions.
+
+Terminal and Telegram on the documented Linux/macOS and Python 3.11–3.13 targets
+remain the scope. A CLI release does not certify Windows, every optional computer
+integration or a notarized desktop app. Unsupported configurations must be named,
+not silently included in a broad claim that everything passed.
+
+## Candidate and stable gates
+
+| Gate | Required evidence |
+|---|---|
+| Source | Exact commit, clean checkout, full regression and adversarial suites; release-tooling and embedded verifier-pin checks; public hygiene and a reviewed secret scan. |
+| Dependencies | Fresh OSV scans of all four locks: runtime, development, signature verifier and optional computer environment. Check installed distributions too, including pip. No unresolved critical/high finding. |
+| Supported platforms | Native macOS and Linux hosted jobs on the exact commit; local Python 3.12/3.13 and ARM64 Linux checks with explicit skips and reasons. |
+| Real model flow | Isolated real-model E2E: read, approval/refusal, exactly-once effect, restart/state restoration and the event chain. Record provider and results; do not send external test messages. |
+| User-visible flow | Telegram reply/approval/background completion behavior, including conversation isolation and no false completion while waiting. Injected transport tests and an actual service probe are distinct evidence. |
+| Exact artifact | Build from the qualified public commit; SHA-256, pinned Ed25519 verification, tamper rejection and archive hygiene. Source tests alone do not qualify an archive. |
+| Installation/recovery | Clean install and beta.9→RC signed upgrade on macOS and ARM64 Linux; check operator identity/configuration, selected model, history, schedules, file modes and rollback. Rehearse isolated service restart and retain the prior runtime. |
+| Delivery | Native Homebrew lifecycle, Pinokio clean/repeated install, and byte-for-byte HTTPS read-back of the release, website and installer definitions. Check main CI after each merge. |
+| Observation before stable | Seven consecutive calendar days on a deployed RC, with daily health/event-chain records, investigated errors, no unexplained restart and no unresolved security or data-loss regression. Preserve failed samples. A release-blocking runtime fix starts a new candidate/window. |
+| Stable promotion | Rebuild/sign the final version and requalify its exact bytes, including RC→stable upgrade and recovery. A version-only change is still a new artifact. |
+
+The [observation collector](beta-observation.md) can keep its existing name and
+timer. A record must identify the running version. Beta observations establish
+history; they must not be relabelled as days on a newer RC. Model/network errors
+need diagnosis; neither an arbitrary error-count threshold nor `exit 0` alone
+certifies stability. Human review is still required for the release conclusion.
+
+## Reproducible local preflight
+
+Start with the current published baseline in a prepared, hash-locked development
+environment:
+
+```sh
+python scripts/beta-gate.py --previous 0.20.0-beta.8 --current 0.20.0-beta.9
+python -m pytest macos/Tests -q
+python e2e.py
+```
+
+The gate requires an explicit, different `--previous` version. It checks release
+tooling, source tests, adversarial cases, hygiene, embedded verifier pins, all four
+dependency locks, a disposable clean install, and signed upgrade/migration/rollback.
+`--without-upgrade` is a partial source check and says so; it does not qualify a
+candidate. Tests and artifact downloads require their normal dependencies/network.
+
+For an unpublished candidate, use `--current 0.20.0-rc.1`, `--previous
+0.20.0-beta.9`, an explicit `--base` pointing to the candidate's `dist/` directory
+parent, and `--assets-dir` containing both versions' archive/checksum/signature.
+The checkout's installer must name the candidate. The existing scripts support
+`file://` for an isolated pre-publication install. Run against the actual signed
+bytes; do not change signature pins or skip verification to make a rehearsal pass.
+
+Retain full command logs and first failures privately. Public evidence contains
+only redacted results, exact commit/artifact identities and links. Retrying an
+unchanged failure is not a fix; disclose retries and the actual cause.
+
+## Publication order
+
+1. Qualify the exact source and candidate archive before changing public pointers.
+2. Publish the immutable signed GitHub assets; download and verify all three bytes.
+3. Publish website assets and pages with backups/read-back, switching `latest.txt`
+   last. Check its actual prior value rather than copying an old release constant.
+4. Only then trigger Pinokio's live installer checks: its pinned installer downloads
+   the archive from the website. Verify the installer digest against the exact
+   published script before pushing a pin update. Qualify Homebrew's native lifecycle.
+5. Merge package updates after their checks pass, verify public bytes and all main
+   CI jobs, then perform the separately backed-up operator rollout and read-back.
+
+Never rewrite an existing signed archive/tag or delete failed CI history to make
+the release look clean. Publishing a release does not itself update a running
+installation or restart its service.
+
+## Qualification ledger
+
+| Artifact | State | Evidence boundary |
+|---|---|---|
+| `0.20.0-beta.9` | Published baseline | [Core main CI](https://github.com/talos-kernel/Talos/actions/runs/40661310306), [Homebrew](https://github.com/talos-kernel/homebrew-tap/actions/runs/40661911664), [Pinokio](https://github.com/talos-kernel/talos-pinokio/actions/runs/40663657826). These qualify beta.9 only. |
+| `0.20.0-rc.1` | Preparation started; not published | Needs its own commit, signed artifact, complete platform/install/recovery evidence and operator rollout. |
+| `0.20.0` | Not qualified | Needs the RC observation window and final-artifact gates above. |
diff --git a/scripts/beta-gate.py b/scripts/beta-gate.py
index f2536e4..9d375c0 100644
--- a/scripts/beta-gate.py
+++ b/scripts/beta-gate.py
@@ -12,6 +12,13 @@
 sys.path.insert(0, str(ROOT))
 from talos import __version__
 
+LOCKFILES = (
+    "requirements.lock",
+    "requirements-dev.lock",
+    "requirements-verifier.lock",
+    "deploy/computer-requirements.lock",
+)
+
 
 def run(label: str, argv: list[str]) -> bool:
     print(f"\n=== {label} ===", flush=True)
@@ -28,23 +35,36 @@ def run(label: str, argv: list[str]) -> bool:
 
 def main() -> int:
     parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description=__doc__)
-    parser.add_argument("--previous", default="0.19.23-alpha")
+    parser.add_argument("--previous", help="Explicit published starting version for the upgrade rehearsal")
     parser.add_argument("--current", default=__version__)
     parser.add_argument("--base", default="https://talos-agent.ch")
     parser.add_argument("--assets-dir", type=Path)
     parser.add_argument("--without-upgrade", action="store_true",
                         help="Run source gates only; does not qualify as a complete beta gate")
     args = parser.parse_args()
+    if not args.without_upgrade:
+        if not args.previous:
+            parser.error("--previous is required for a full gate; name the release being upgraded")
+        if args.previous == args.current:
+            parser.error("--previous and --current must differ; a no-op is not an upgrade rehearsal")
+    # The verifier and optional computer environment are independently installed.
+    # Scanning only the core runtime leaves both outside the release evidence.
+    missing = [name for name in LOCKFILES if not (ROOT / name).is_file()]
+    if missing:
+        print("FAILED: required dependency locks missing: " + ", ".join(missing), file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
     if shutil.which("osv-scanner") is None:
         print("FAILED: osv-scanner is required", file=sys.stderr)
         return 1
     checks = (
+        ("Release tooling", [sys.executable, "-m", "pytest", "scripts/tests/", "-q"]),
         ("Regression suite", [sys.executable, "-m", "pytest", "tests/", "-q"]),
         ("Adversarial suite", [sys.executable, "redteam.py"]),
         ("Public hygiene", [sys.executable, "scripts/check-public-hygiene.py"]),
+        ("Embedded verifier pins", [sys.executable, "scripts/sync-verifier-lock.py", "--check"]),
         ("Locked dependency scan", ["osv-scanner", "scan", "source", "--no-resolve",
-                                    "--lockfile", "requirements.txt:requirements.lock",
-                                    "--lockfile", "requirements.txt:requirements-dev.lock"]),
+                                    *[arg for name in LOCKFILES
+                                      for arg in ("--lockfile", "requirements.txt:" + name)]]),
     )
     for label, argv in checks:
         if not run(label, argv):
diff --git a/scripts/tests/test_beta_gate.py b/scripts/tests/test_beta_gate.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e692ee6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/tests/test_beta_gate.py
@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+"""Release tooling cannot count an incomplete or no-op rehearsal as qualified."""
+import importlib.util
+from pathlib import Path
+import sys
+
+import pytest
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def gate(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    script = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[1] / "beta-gate.py"
+    spec = importlib.util.spec_from_file_location("release_gate_under_test", script)
+    module = importlib.util.module_from_spec(spec)
+    spec.loader.exec_module(module)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(module, "ROOT", tmp_path)
+    for relative in module.LOCKFILES:
+        path = tmp_path / relative
+        path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+        path.write_text("fixture==1.0\n")
+    monkeypatch.setattr(module.shutil, "which", lambda name: "/tools/" + name)
+    return module
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("arguments", [[], ["--previous", "0.20.0-rc.1", "--current", "0.20.0-rc.1"]])
+def test_full_gate_refuses_missing_baseline_or_no_op(gate, monkeypatch, arguments):
+    monkeypatch.setattr(sys, "argv", ["beta-gate.py", *arguments])
+    monkeypatch.setattr(gate, "run", lambda *args: pytest.fail("preflight must refuse before running checks"))
+    with pytest.raises(SystemExit) as error:
+        gate.main()
+    assert error.value.code == 2
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("missing", ["requirements.lock", "requirements-dev.lock",
+                                    "requirements-verifier.lock", "deploy/computer-requirements.lock"])
+def test_missing_environment_lock_refuses_the_gate(gate, monkeypatch, missing):
+    (gate.ROOT / missing).unlink()
+    monkeypatch.setattr(sys, "argv", ["beta-gate.py", "--without-upgrade"])
+    monkeypatch.setattr(gate, "run", lambda *args: pytest.fail("missing lock must fail before checks"))
+    assert gate.main() == 1
+
+
+def test_source_gate_checks_every_environment_but_never_claims_upgrade(gate, monkeypatch, capsys):
+    calls = []
+    monkeypatch.setattr(sys, "argv", ["beta-gate.py", "--without-upgrade"])
+    monkeypatch.setattr(gate, "run", lambda label, argv: calls.append((label, argv)) or True)
+    assert gate.main() == 0
+    scan = next(argv for label, argv in calls if label == "Locked dependency scan")
+    assert {arg for arg in scan if arg.startswith("requirements.txt:")} == {
+        "requirements.txt:requirements.lock", "requirements.txt:requirements-dev.lock",
+        "requirements.txt:requirements-verifier.lock", "requirements.txt:deploy/computer-requirements.lock",
+    }
+    assert "--no-resolve" in scan
+    assert any("scripts/sync-verifier-lock.py" in argv and "--check" in argv for _, argv in calls)
+    assert not any("scripts/beta-clean-install.py" in argv or "scripts/beta-upgrade-rehearsal.py" in argv
+                   for _, argv in calls)
+    assert "signed upgrade/rollback was NOT run" in capsys.readouterr().out
+
+
+def test_security_failure_stops_before_installation(gate, monkeypatch):
+    calls = []
+    monkeypatch.setattr(sys, "argv", ["beta-gate.py", "--previous", "0.20.0-beta.9",
+                                      "--current", "0.20.0-rc.1"])
+    def run(label, argv):
+        calls.append(label)
+        return label != "Locked dependency scan"
+    monkeypatch.setattr(gate, "run", run)
+    assert gate.main() == 1
+    assert calls[-1] == "Locked dependency scan"
+    assert "Clean install from published release" not in calls
+
+
+def test_full_gate_passes_explicit_versions_and_assets_to_real_rehearsal(gate, monkeypatch):
+    calls = []
+    assets = gate.ROOT / "assets"
+    monkeypatch.setattr(sys, "argv", ["beta-gate.py", "--previous", "0.20.0-beta.9",
+                                      "--current", "0.20.0-rc.1", "--assets-dir", str(assets),
+                                      "--base", "https://example.invalid"])
+    monkeypatch.setattr(gate, "run", lambda label, argv: calls.append((label, argv)) or True)
+    assert gate.main() == 0
+    install = next(argv for label, argv in calls if label == "Clean install from published release")
+    upgrade = next(argv for label, argv in calls if label == "Signed upgrade, migration and rollback")
+    assert install[-4:] == ["--current", "0.20.0-rc.1", "--base", "https://example.invalid"]
+    assert upgrade[-6:] == ["--previous", "0.20.0-beta.9", "--current", "0.20.0-rc.1",
+                           "--assets-dir", str(assets.resolve())]