Purpose Statement
This article explains how to create and manage Credentials in the Training module so administrators can record member credentials (e.g., EMT, Paramedic, Fire certifications) and, when desired, track progress toward completion and renewal.
Background Information
Credentials in First Due can be used in two ways:
Recordkeeping only: Track which members hold credentials and manage expiration/renewal settings.
Progress tracking: Define requirements using Courses/Topics/Categories (hours-based) or Templates (template-list based), allowing the system to track completion.
Common use cases
EMS certifications (EMT, Paramedic) with renewal cycles and grace periods
Fire certifications or specialty credentials (HazMat, Technical Rescue)
In-house certifications (agency-specific programs)
Required Permissions
To create Credentials, users typically need:
Training Module access
Credentials management permission (create/edit)
If tracking progress, access to configure or reference:
Training Setup (Categories/Topics/Courses), and/or
Template Library management/view permissions
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Step-by-Step Guide
Navigate to Credentials
Go to Training.
Select Credentials.
Start a New Certification
Select Add Certification.
Enter Basic Credential Details
Enter a Credential Name.
Select a Credential Type.
Credential Types are pre-loaded and cannot be modified.
Review the ID field:
The ID auto-fills based on the Credential Type and assigned number.
If you need to edit the ID, disable the ID auto-fill toggle (to unlock the field), then update the ID as needed.
Set Expiration (Optional)
If applicable, set an Expiration Time Frame.
Choose the unit: days, weeks, months, or years.
Note: Expiration is optional because not all certifications expire.
Configure Renewal Criteria
In Renewal Criteria, choose how renewals are handled:
Date all completion requirements are met
When a member completes all requirements, the system generates a new start date and reassigns the certification.
Date of expiration
The system automatically reassigns the certification when it expires.
Do not automatically renew
Disables auto-renewal
This is to be used in cases where the certification does not have an expiration; a one and done process
- Link to an Existing Training Plan
- Admins can optionally Link this credential to a Training Plan. This requirements for the Credential will then be managed by the Training Plan instead of the Credential
- This option is not available for Credentials set to "Do not automatically renew."
Set Grace Period (Optional)
Enter any Grace Period allowed beyond the expiration date for completing requirements.
Choose Certification Completion Type
Select a Credential Completion Type:
Course (Formerly Objective) Requirement
Training Template Requirement
Add Requirements for Progress Tracking (Optional)
If your agency tracks completion progress, continue based on the completion type selected:
Course Requirement (hours-based tracking)
Associate the Credential to one tracking method:
Categories or Topics or Courses
Best practice: choose only one of the three methods for accurate reporting and consistent tracking.
Select Add and link the required item(s), then enter the required time for each.
Hours for each items will roll up to the top - Total Credential Hours
Example (Topic-based EMS certification):
Add Airway topic + required hours
Add Cardiology topic + required hours
Continue until all required areas are entered
Info:
Best practice: for external credentials (e.g., EMS), align required hours with the issuing authority (such as your state EMS agency).
Tracking note: When Categories/Topics/Courses are properly associated in Setup, training that includes those required topics can count toward completion.
Template Requirement (Training Template tracking)
If a Training Template Library exists, select Template Requirement.
Use the dropdown to select required course(s) from the agency’s Template Library.
Add as many courses as needed to meet the Credential requirement.
Common use cases:
New member onboarding template list
Internal annual training requirements
Save the Credential
Once all fields and requirements are complete, select Save.
The certification will appear in the Credentials list.
Best Practices
Standardize naming: Use consistent names (e.g., “EMT-B”, “Paramedic”, “HazMat Ops”, “Rookie Academy”).
Use the right tracking method: If tracking progress with courses/topics/categories, pick one method per credential to avoid confusion.
Align external requirements: Match hours and renewal cadence to official standards for credential governed by outside authorities.
Use Template Requirement for defined learning paths: Ideal for onboarding, annual requirements, or internal programs with a specific course list.
Set a grace period thoughtfully: Provide flexibility without compromising compliance reporting.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
I can’t change the Certification Type list.
Credential Types are pre-loaded in First Due and cannot be edited.
Why can’t I edit the Credential ID?
The ID field auto-fills based on the selected type. Disable the ID auto-fill toggle to unlock the field for editing.
Do I have to set an expiration?
No. Expiration is optional because some credentials do not expire.
My progress tracking isn’t counting training toward completion.
For Course Requirement tracking, confirm:
The credential is linked to the correct Category/Topic/Course, and
Associations between Categories, Topics, and Courses are configured in Setup, and
Courses/classes are tagged to the relevant Topics/Courses as expected.