Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced that it is now taking applications for places on the soon to be expanded PlayStation Home closed beta.

Users can apply to join the virtual world's test community by downloading a new Home theme recently added to the US PlayStation Store.

“We will be using a variety of criteria including activity on the PlayStation Network to determine eligibility for the beta community,” said PlayStation Home director Jack Buser in a post on the PS Blog.

“We’re really excited about this milestone and want our most loyal fans to be a part of the evolution of PlayStation Home.

“In Europe, SCEE is also beginning their expanded closed beta, directly targeting consumers who have been most active on PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store,” he added. “SCEE will be in email contact with their PSN audience very shortly.”

Existing beta testers have automatically qualified to be part of the expanded beta.