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Manage Credentials: Assigning a Credential

Purpose Statement

Assigning a credential allows Training administrators to associate a credential with one or more users in the Training Module. This process creates an active credential record for the selected user and, when configured, allows renewal progress to be tracked through a linked Training Plan.

This helps departments maintain accurate credential records, monitor compliance, and reduce manual tracking for certifications such as EMT, paramedic, fire officer, or other agency-required credentials.

Background Information

Credentials in First Due are used to track certifications, issue dates, expiration dates, and renewal progress for personnel.

Assigning a credential to a user does not necessarily mean the user is completing their initial certification. It means the credential record is being associated with that user in First Due.

An important note: As the Training Module continues to evolve, some features shown in this article may change or be removed. The best practices included here are intended to support effective credential tracking in the platform.

Required Permissions

Users must have access to the Training Module and the ability to manage credentials in order to assign credentials to personnel.

The exact permission names should be confirmed in your agency’s First Due permissions configuration before assigning this access. Recommended areas to verify include:

  • Training Module access
  • Manage Credentials access
  • Ability to create, edit, or assign credentials
  • Ability to view and manage users assigned to credentials

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

Navigate to Manage Credentials

  • Go to Training.
  • Select Manage Credentials.

 

Open the Assign Users Modal

  • From the top of the Manage Credentials List, select Assign User(s).
  • A modal will open to manage assigned users.

 

Determine Whether to Create an Initial Credential

  • Review the Create Initial Credential checkbox.
  • Select this checkbox only when assigning a credential to a user who does not currently have that credential.
  • As a best practice, if the goal is to track a user’s progress toward their initial certification, use a Training Plan that is not linked to a credential.

 

1. Enter Credential Dates When Applicable

  • Leave Create Initial Credential unchecked when assigning an existing in-force credential.
  • Enter the credential Issue Date.
  • Enter the credential Expiration Date, if applicable.
  • If the credential does not expire, use the available option to remove the expiration date requirement.

Example: If users were issued an EMT credential with an issue date of 4/1/26 and an expiration date of 3/31/28, entering those dates creates an active credential record and allows future renewal progress to be tracked through the linked Training Plan.

2. Select the Credential

  • Choose the appropriate credential from the credential list.
  • Select Next.

 

 

1. Select Users to Assign

  • Use the available filters to narrow the list of users.
  • Users may be filtered by available options such as schedule-related filters, Group, Qualifier, or Rank.
  • As a best practice, use filters such as Group, Qualifier, or Rank when they provide a clearer personnel selection than schedule-related filters.
  • Use the toggle switch to assign all system users when appropriate.

2. Move Users to the Selected List

  • After filtering the list, select all users or choose individual users.
  • Selecting users moves them from the Available side to the Selected side.

3. Save the Assignment

  • Confirm that all intended users appear on the Selected side.
  • Select Save to complete the credential assignment process.

 

Verify the Assigned Credential

  • Return to the Manage Credentials List.
  • Confirm that the credential status shows as Active.
  • Select the View icon to review the active in-force credential.
  • To review progress capture, open the applicable Training Plan from its respective section.

Best Practices

  • Use Training Plans that are not linked to credentials when tracking a user’s progress toward an initial certification.
  • Use issue and expiration dates when assigning an existing in-force credential.
  • Confirm whether the credential requires an expiration date before saving the assignment.
  • Filter users carefully before assigning credentials in bulk.
  • Use Group, Qualifier, or Rank filters when they provide the most accurate user selection.
  • Review the Selected list before saving to avoid assigning a credential to the wrong users.
  • Verify the credential status after assignment to confirm that it displays as Active.
  • Review linked Training Plans when renewal progress tracking is required.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why is the credential showing as Active after assignment?

The credential displays as Active when it has been successfully assigned to the user and is considered in force.

Should I use Create Initial Credential for users working toward their first certification?

As a best practice, initial certification progress should be tracked through a Training Plan that is not linked to a credential. The Create Initial Credential option should be used when assigning a credential to a user who does not currently have it.

What should I do if the credential does not have an expiration date?

Use the available option to remove the expiration date requirement when assigning the credential.

Can I assign a credential to multiple users at once?

Yes. Users can be selected individually, filtered by available filter options, or assigned in bulk using the toggle switch for all system users.

Which filters should I use when selecting users?

Schedule-related filters are available, but Group, Qualifier, or Rank may be better suited when assigning credentials to a specific personnel group.

Where can I view renewal progress for the credential?

Credential progress can be reviewed by selecting the appropriate Training Plan from the related section.