FEDERAL CREDENTIALING SERVICES (2024)

FAQs

What is a federal credential? ›

Federal employees and contractors use PIV cards to access facilities and systems. PIV cards may also be known as a credential, common access card, LincPass, smart card, badge, or something else depending on your agency.

PIV card services may be available through interagency-shared USAccess PIV issuance facilities, the Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB) Security Service Center (SSC), or bureau badging operations.

If you have questions as to the status of your card, please contact the Service Center where you enrolled. How long will it be before I receive my card? For remote employees/contractors, the PIV credentialing process can take between 2 to 6 weeks.

How do I get a PIV Card? Individuals must be cleared by BIE PerSec, on-board as an active employee, and sponsored for a PIV card by BIE PerSec before they can obtain one. They must also complete enrollment at a USAccess credentialing center.

Credentials serve as proof that the holder has successfully cleared exams and possesses the skills required to handle work responsibilities effectively. This term encompasses various forms of recognition, such as certifications, badges, licenses, and documents.

These standards may be applied based on the risk associated with the position or work on the contract. NIH may consider denying or revoking a PIV Card to an individual based on one of these supplemental credentialing standards.

REAL ID Driver's License or State Identification Card (generally, a star in the upper right corner of the credential will indicate it is REAL ID-compliant) Passport or passport card. HSPD-12 PIV or CAC card. Permanent resident card.

REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a valid passport, federal government Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card or U.S. military ID, will be mandatory for air travel beginning on Oct. 1, 2020.

It should be noted that even though TWIC cards are visually or functionally similar to PIV cards, the main difference is the issuance model for the TWIC card.

Is PIV worth it? ›

Are PIV units worth it? As we've discussed, PIV units are an effective solution to condensation. Installing a unit is much cheaper than fixing issues like damp and mould. The units do require an initial outlay of cash, but they need little maintenance, and their running costs are low.

Contact your USAccess Sponsor to initiate your PIV Card request. Your USAccess Sponsor determines the type of credential (PIV Card or PIV-I Card) you need, approves your PIV Card request, validates your identity and initiates your request in the Credential Management system (USAccess).

All individuals are required to carry, display, and use their PIV card while on duty and for access into TSA-controlled properties, facilities, checkpoints, and other areas under TSA control. Effective January 1, 2012, the HSPD-12 PIV card is the only recognized TSA identification.

HSPD-12 explicitly requires the use of PIV Cards “in gaining physical access to Federally controlled facilities and logical access to Federally controlled information systems.” [HSPD-12] The PIV Card employs microprocessor-based smart card technology, and is designed to be counterfeit-resistant, tamper-resistant, and ...

Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Publication 201-2 require renewal and replacement of the physical PIV card every five (5) years.

A credential may be shorter in duration than a degree, but it usually requires more general education and/or coursework than a certificate. An authorized institution or company can issue credentials, which are also proof of your competence in a given subject.

Earning a credential confirms you've reached a specific educational standard and have certain: knowledge. skills. experience.

Credentials serve as verification that a professional has achieved a baseline level of competency in his or her subject matter. With credentialed staff members, employers are assured of having a workforce of employees that are capable of handling whatever challenges their job responsibilities present.

A credential is a document certifying that you have achieved a high level of knowledge. Bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and certificates are all education credentials. So are industry certifications or other badges or licenses you might earn through offline or online studies.