Synonyms for Credentials: 25 Words for Qualifications, Experience, Skills, and Proof

Quick Answer

The best synonyms for credentials depend on the meaning. For qualifications or professional ability, use qualifications, expertise, competence, skills, experience, or capabilities. For documents or proof, use certificates, documentation, identification, papers, or references. Words such as accreditation, certification, authorization, and license are more specific and should be used only when the context fits.

What Does “Credentials” Mean?

Imagine you are applying for a job. The employer wants to know why you are qualified. Your education, training, experience, skills, and professional achievements may all help establish your credentials.

The word has two main meanings.

First, credentials can mean the qualities, training, experience, or achievements that show someone is suitable for a job or activity. Oxford gives examples such as professional or academic credentials and notes common patterns such as credentials as and credentials for.

Second, credentials can mean documents that prove who someone is, what they represent, or what qualifications they have. Cambridge and Collins both recognize this documentary meaning.

For example:

She has excellent credentials for the position.

Here, qualifications is a natural alternative.

But:

The journalist showed her press credentials.

Here, press identification or press credentials is more appropriate than qualifications.

That difference is important. A good synonym does not simply have a similar dictionary meaning. It must also fit the context, tone, and intended meaning.

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Pronunciation of Credentials

Credentials: /krɪˈdenʃəlz/

Pronounced: krih-DEN-shulz

The singular form is credential:

Credential: /krɪˈdenʃəl/

Cambridge lists essentially the same pronunciation for both UK and US English.

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Part of Speech

Credential as a Noun

The main use is as a noun.

Her credentials are impressive.

Credentials as a Plural Noun

When talking about a group of qualifications, achievements, or documents, credentials is normally plural.

His credentials are excellent.

Not:

His credentials are excellent.

Credential as an Adjective

Credential can also appear before a noun in some professional contexts.

She completed a credential program.

Credential as a Verb

The verb credential exists, especially in North American English. It means to provide or establish someone’s credentials or officially recognize someone as qualified.

The organization credentialed the new professionals.

Oxford labels this verb as North American English and commonly passive.

There is no common everyday adverb form.

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Grammar and Common Usage

The most useful grammar patterns are:

• credentials as + noun
• credentials for + noun
• have credentials
• establish credentials
• check credentials
• verify credentials
• present credentials
• impressive credentials
• professional credentials
• academic credentials
• business credentials

Examples:

She has excellent credentials as a researcher.

He has all the credentials for the position.

The organization checked her credentials.

These patterns are supported by Oxford’s usage and collocation information.

Credential vs Credentials

Use credential when referring to one qualification, document, or recognized status.

A teaching credential is required.

Use credentials when referring to several qualifications, qualities, or documents.

Her credentials include a degree, certification, and years of experience.

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Synonyms for Credentials at a Glance

Word	Best Meaning	Register	Frequency
Qualifications	Education or training that makes someone suitable	Formal/Neutral	Very common
Expertise	Advanced knowledge or skill	Professional	Very common
Ability	Power or skill to do something	Neutral	Very common
Skills	Learned abilities	Neutral	Very common
Experience	Practical knowledge gained through doing	Neutral	Very common
Competence	Ability to perform effectively	Formal	Common
Capability	Ability or potential	Formal/Business	Common
Certification	Official recognition or process	Professional	Common
Certificate	Document showing an achievement or qualification	Formal/Neutral	Very common
Diploma	Qualification awarded after study	Formal	Common
Accreditation	Official recognition of standards	Academic/Formal	Common
References	Recommendations or supporting information	Professional	Common
Background	Education and work history	Neutral	Very common
Achievements	Successful results	Neutral	Common
Track record	History of performance	Business	Common
Proof	Information showing something is true	Neutral	Very common
Documentation	Official records	Formal	Common
Identification	Proof of identity	Neutral/Formal	Very common
Authorization	Official permission	Formal	Common
License	Official permission	Formal	Very common
Papers	Documents	Informal/Neutral	Common
Passport	Official identity/travel document	Neutral	Very common
Testimonial	Supporting statement	Formal	Less common
Attestation	Formal confirmation	Formal/Legal	Uncommon
Letter of credence	Diplomatic document	Diplomatic	Rare

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Direct Synonyms vs Related Words

This is one of the most important distinctions for English learners.

Close synonyms

These can sometimes replace credentials when the meaning is about ability or suitability:

• qualifications
• expertise
• competence
• ability
• capability

Contextual alternatives

These can replace credentials in specific situations:

• certification
• certificate
• diploma
• accreditation
• experience
• skills
• references
• documentation
• identification
• authorization

Related words

These may be part of someone’s credentials but are not exact synonyms:

• education
• achievements
• background
• track record
• training
• proof

This distinction prevents awkward or inaccurate sentences.

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1. Qualifications

Meaning: Qualifications are education, training, skills, or experience that make someone suitable for a job or activity.

Examples:

1. She has the right qualifications for the teaching position.
2. The employer reviewed his qualifications before the interview.

Best Used When: You mean the things that make someone suitable for a position.

Tone: Formal / Neutral
CEFR: B1 learner target
Frequency: Very common
Register: Academic, business, professional

Common Collocations:

• academic qualifications
• professional qualifications
• job qualifications

Nuance: This is probably the best general synonym when credentials means qualifications for a role.

When Not to Use: Do not use it when you specifically mean an identity document.

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2. Expertise

Meaning: Expertise means advanced knowledge or skill in a particular area.

Examples:

1. Her expertise in finance helped the company solve the problem.
2. The team hired him because of his technical expertise.

Best Used When: You want to emphasize deep knowledge.

Tone: Professional / Academic
CEFR: B2
Frequency: Very common

Common Collocations:

• technical expertise
• specialist expertise
• professional expertise

Nuance: Expertise describes what someone knows or can do well. It does not automatically mean they hold a formal qualification.

When Not to Use: Do not use it for a passport, certificate, or other identity document.

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3. Ability

Meaning: Ability is the power or skill to do something.

Examples:

1. Her ability to explain difficult ideas impressed the students.
2. The job requires the ability to work independently.

Best Used When: You want a simple, broad alternative.

Tone: Neutral
CEFR: A2
Frequency: Very common

Common Collocations:

• natural ability
• technical ability
• ability to learn

Nuance: Ability is broader and less formal than credentials.

When Not to Use: Ability does not necessarily prove formal training or qualifications.

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4. Skills

Meaning: Skills are abilities that people develop through learning and practice.

Examples:

1. Her communication skills helped her succeed.
2. The position requires strong computer skills.

Best Used When: Discussing specific abilities.

Tone: Neutral
CEFR: A2
Frequency: Very common

Common Collocations:

• communication skills
• technical skills
• professional skills

Nuance: Skills may form part of someone’s credentials, but skills are narrower.

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5. Experience

Meaning: Experience is knowledge or skill gained by doing something.

Examples:

1. She has eight years of teaching experience.
2. His experience in sales made him a strong candidate.

Best Used When: Talking about practical knowledge gained through work or activity.

Tone: Neutral
CEFR: A2
Frequency: Very common

Common Collocations:

• work experience
• relevant experience
• professional experience

Nuance: Experience is one possible part of credentials.

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6. Competence

Meaning: Competence is the ability to perform something successfully and effectively.

Examples:

1. The assessment measures professional competence.
2. Her competence was clear during the interview.

Best Used When: Discussing reliable professional performance.

Tone: Formal / Academic
CEFR: B2
Frequency: Common

Common Collocations:

• professional competence
• technical competence
• language competence

When Not to Use: Do not use it when you specifically mean a document.

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7. Capability

Meaning: Capability is the ability or potential to perform a task.

Examples:

1. The company has the capability to handle large projects.
2. Her technical capabilities match the needs of the position.

Best Used When: Talking about practical or professional ability.

Tone: Formal / Business
CEFR: B2
Frequency: Common

Nuance: Capability often sounds more formal than ability.

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8. Certification

Meaning: Certification refers to the official process or status of being certified.

Examples:

1. He earned professional certification in project management.
2. The certification confirms that she met the required standard.

Best Used When: Discussing formal professional recognition.

Tone: Formal / Professional
CEFR: B2
Frequency: Common

Certification vs Certificate

This is a common learner problem.

Certification = recognition or the process of certifying.

Certificate = the document.

Oxford describes certification as the act or process of certifying and giving certificates for a course.

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9. Certificate

Meaning: A certificate is an official document showing a qualification, achievement, or completion.

Examples:

1. She received a certificate after completing the course.
2. He showed his training certificate to the employer.

Best Used When: You mean an actual document.

Tone: Formal / Neutral
CEFR: B1
Frequency: Very common

Common Collocations:

• training certificate
• professional certificate
• birth certificate

When Not to Use: Do not use certificates when discussing someone’s complete professional background.

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10. Diploma

Meaning: A diploma is a qualification or document awarded after completing a course of study.

Examples:

1. She earned a diploma in graphic design.
2. His diploma helped him qualify for the position.

Best Used When: Discussing education or formal training.

Tone: Formal / Neutral
CEFR: B1
Frequency: Common

Nuance: A diploma is a specific qualification, not a general synonym for all credentials.

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11. Accreditation

Meaning: Accreditation is official recognition that an organization, program, or institution meets certain standards.

Examples:

1. The university received professional accreditation.
2. Students checked whether the program had proper accreditation.

Best Used When: Discussing recognized educational or professional standards.

Tone: Formal / Academic
CEFR: C1
Frequency: Common in specialist contexts

When Not to Use: Do not use accreditation as a general synonym for a person’s experience.

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12. References

Meaning: References are people or statements that provide information about someone’s work, skills, or character.

Examples:

1. The employer requested two professional references.
2. Her references confirmed her previous work experience.

Best Used When: Someone else is providing supporting information.

Tone: Professional / Formal
CEFR: B1
Frequency: Common

Nuance: References can support credentials but are not necessarily credentials themselves.

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13. Background

Meaning: Background includes someone’s education, work history, experience, or preparation.

Examples:

1. She has a strong background in biology.
2. His business background helped him understand the project.

Best Used When: You want a broad description of someone’s history.

Tone: Neutral / Professional
CEFR: B1
Frequency: Very common

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14. Achievements

Meaning: Achievements are things that someone has successfully accomplished.

Examples:

1. Her academic achievements strengthened her application.
2. His achievements in research earned several awards.

Best Used When: Focusing on results and accomplishments.

Tone: Neutral / Professional
CEFR: B1
Frequency: Common

Nuance: Achievements can strengthen credentials but are not always formal qualifications.

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15. Track Record

Meaning: A track record is someone’s history of performance or success.

Examples:

1. The company has a strong track record of innovation.
2. Her track record made clients trust her judgment.

Best Used When: Discussing proven results over time.

Tone: Business / Professional
CEFR: B2
Frequency: Common

Nuance: This is especially useful when results matter more than certificates.

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16. Proof

Meaning: Proof is information that shows something is true.

Examples:

1. Please provide proof of your qualification.
2. The document serves as proof of identity.

Best Used When: Verification is the main idea.

Tone: Neutral
CEFR: A2
Frequency: Very common

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17. Documentation

Meaning: Documentation is a collection of official records or documents.

Examples:

1. Applicants must provide supporting documentation.
2. The organization checked the documentation carefully.

Best Used When: Referring to several official records.

Tone: Formal / Professional
CEFR: B2
Frequency: Common

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18. Identification

Meaning: Identification is something that proves who a person is.

Examples:

1. Visitors must show identification at the entrance.
2. The officer asked for identification.

Best Used When: Credentials specifically mean proof of identity.

Tone: Neutral / Formal
CEFR: B1
Frequency: Very common

When Not to Use: Do not use it for academic qualifications.

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19. Authorization

Meaning: Authorization is official permission to do something.

Examples:

1. The employee received authorization to access the records.
2. Written authorization was required.

Best Used When: Credentials mean permission or authority.

Tone: Formal / Legal
CEFR: B2
Frequency: Common

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20. License

Meaning: A license is official permission to do something.

Examples:

1. The doctor must maintain a valid license.
2. You need a license to operate the vehicle.

Best Used When: Discussing regulated activities or professions.

Tone: Formal / Neutral
CEFR: B1
Frequency: Very common

American vs British English

In American English, the noun is license.

In British English, the noun is usually licence, while license is used as the verb.

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21. Papers

Meaning: Papers can refer informally to official documents.

Examples:

1. The traveler showed his papers.
2. The officer checked her papers.

Best Used When: Speaking informally about documents.

Tone: Informal / Neutral
CEFR: A2
Frequency: Common

When Not to Use: Use the exact document name in formal writing when possible.

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22. Passport

Meaning: A passport is an official document used to prove identity and nationality and to travel internationally.

Examples:

1. The officer checked her passport.
2. Keep your passport in a secure place.

Best Used When: Credentials specifically refer to travel or identity documents.

Tone: Neutral
CEFR: A2
Frequency: Very common

Nuance: A passport is a type of document, not a general synonym for professional credentials.

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23. Testimonial

Meaning: A testimonial is a statement that supports someone’s qualities, work, or character.

Examples:

1. The website features testimonials from former clients.
2. Her testimonial described his professional abilities.

Best Used When: Someone provides written support or praise.

Tone: Formal / Professional
CEFR: B2
Frequency: Less common

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24. Attestation

Meaning: Attestation is formal confirmation that something is true or valid.

Examples:

1. The application required an attestation of the documents.
2. The official provided written attestation.

Best Used When: Discussing formal verification.

Tone: Formal / Legal
CEFR: C1-C2
Frequency: Uncommon

When Not to Use: Avoid this word in ordinary conversation unless the legal or official context requires it.

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25. Letter of Credence

Meaning: A letter of credence is an official diplomatic document that introduces an ambassador to a government.

Examples:

1. The ambassador presented his letter of credence.
2. The diplomat formally presented her credentials.

Best Used When: Discussing diplomacy and ambassadors.

Tone: Formal / Diplomatic
CEFR: C1-C2
Frequency: Rare

When Not to Use: This is not an appropriate replacement for credentials in an ordinary job application.

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Strongest Synonyms for Credentials

When credentials means professional or academic qualifications, the strongest choices are:

• Qualifications
• Expertise
• Competence
• Capability
• Ability

When credentials means documents or proof, the strongest contextual choices are:

• Certificate
• Documentation
• Identification
• Papers
• References

Remember that these are not all interchangeable.

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Choose the Right Synonym

What You Really Mean	Best Word	Example
Education and training	Qualifications	She has excellent qualifications.
Advanced knowledge	Expertise	He has financial expertise.
Practical knowledge	Experience	She has ten years of experience.
Specific abilities	Skills	He has strong communication skills.
Official recognition	Certification	She earned professional certification.
Physical document	Certificate	He showed his certificate.
Academic award	Diploma	She earned a diploma.
Institutional recognition	Accreditation	The program has accreditation.
Past success	Track record	She has a strong track record.
Recommendation	Reference	His references were excellent.
Identity	Identification	Please show identification.
Official permission	Authorization	They received authorization.
Regulated permission	License	She has a medical license.

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Commonly Confused Words

Word	Difference	Example
Credentials	Broad proof of qualifications, ability, status, or identity	Her credentials impressed the employer.
Qualifications	Education or training that makes someone suitable	She has excellent qualifications.
Certification	Official recognition or certification process	He earned certification.
Certificate	Document showing an achievement or qualification	She received a certificate.
Accreditation	Official recognition that standards are met	The program has accreditation.

Easy Memory Trick

Qualifications = what makes you suitable.

Certification = official recognition.

Certificate = the document.

Accreditation = recognized standards or status.

Credentials = the broader collection of qualifications, proof, or status.

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Common Mistakes

Mistake 1

My credentials is impressive.

Correction:

My credentials are impressive.

Why: Credentials is normally plural when used in this sense.

Mistake 2

She showed her qualifications at the airport.

Better:

She showed her identification at the airport.

Why: The context is identity, not professional suitability.

Mistake 3

He received a certification from the university.

This can be correct in some contexts, but if you mean the actual document, certificate may be more precise.

He received a certificate from the university.

Mistake 4

His passport proves his professional credentials.

This changes the meaning.

A passport proves identity and nationality. It does not normally prove professional qualifications.

Mistake 5

Her experience is the same as her credentials.

Not necessarily.

Experience can be part of someone’s credentials, while credentials can include education, certifications, skills, achievements, and other evidence.

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Credentials in Different Contexts

Job Applications

Use:

• qualifications
• experience
• skills
• certifications
• achievements
• professional background

Example:

Her qualifications and experience make her a strong candidate.

Academic Writing

Use:

• qualifications
• expertise
• academic background
• competence
• accreditation

Example:

The researcher’s academic qualifications support her work.

Professional Bios

Use:

• expertise
• experience
• achievements
• qualifications
• track record

Example:

His expertise and track record have earned industry recognition.

Identity and Access

Use:

• identification
• passport
• documentation
• papers
• credentials

Example:

Visitors must present identification at the entrance.

Legal and Official Permission

Use:

• authorization
• license
• permit
• clearance

Example:

Employees need authorization before accessing restricted files.

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A Special Meaning: Login Credentials

There is another modern meaning that vocabulary learners should know.

In computing, credentials can mean information used to prove a user’s identity and gain access to an account or system. Cambridge’s entry for credential includes information sent between computers to check a user’s identity or allow access to information.

Example:

Never share your login credentials.

In this context, good alternatives may include:

• login information
• authentication information
• account details
• access information

Do not replace login credentials with qualifications or experience.

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American vs British English

Credentials is spelled the same in both American and British English.

The pronunciation is also essentially the same.

However, some related words differ.

American English	British English
license	licence
licensed	licensed
résumé	CV
credentials	credentials

For example:

American English:

She has a professional license.

British English:

She has a professional licence.

The meaning remains the same.

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Word Origin and Etymology

The word credential comes from a history connected with belief, trust, and credibility. Collins traces it to Medieval Latin forms related to credentia and Latin credere, meaning to believe or trust.

Oxford explains that the original use was associated with the idea of giving credence or recommendation, including credential letters or papers, which helps explain today’s connection with proof and authority. Oxford dates the related English use to the late Middle English period and notes credentials from the mid-17th century.

This history helps explain why modern credentials can establish trust, authority, qualification, or identity.

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CEFR Learner Guide

CEFR levels can vary across vocabulary systems, so these levels should be treated as practical learning guidance rather than absolute classifications.

A2

• ability
• skills
• experience
• education
• papers
• passport

B1

• qualifications
• certificate
• references
• background
• proof
• achievements

B2

• expertise
• competence
• capability
• certification
• authorization
• track record

C1-C2

• accreditation
• attestation
• letter of credence

For everyday English, learners should first master:

qualifications, experience, skills, expertise, certificate, and references.

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Frequency and Register Guide

Very Common

• ability
• experience
• skills
• education
• qualifications
• certificate
• proof
• identification
• passport

Common

• expertise
• background
• certification
• references
• achievements
• capability
• competence
• license
• documentation
• track record

Less Common or Specialist

• accreditation
• testimonial
• attestation
• letter of credence

Register

Spoken English: ability, skills, experience, background

Professional English: qualifications, expertise, certification, track record

Academic English: qualifications, competence, expertise, accreditation

Legal/Official English: authorization, documentation, attestation, license

Diplomatic English: credentials, letter of credence

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When Not to Use a Synonym

Do not automatically replace credentials with the first similar word you find.

Use qualifications when education or training is the focus.

Use experience when practical work history is the focus.

Use expertise when advanced knowledge is the focus.

Use certificate when you mean a document.

Use identification when you mean proof of identity.

Use authorization when you mean official permission.

Use track record when you mean a history of successful performance.

Use references when another person is providing supporting information.

This approach makes your English more precise.

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Natural Collocations With Credentials

Native speakers commonly use adjectives and verbs with credentials.

Adjectives

• excellent credentials
• impressive credentials
• strong credentials
• impeccable credentials
• professional credentials
• academic credentials
• business credentials
• scientific credentials
• diplomatic credentials
• press credentials

Verbs

• have credentials
• establish credentials
• earn credentials
• check credentials
• examine credentials
• verify credentials
• present credentials

Oxford specifically records patterns involving have, earn, establish, present, check, and examine.

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Mini Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

Choose from:

qualifications, certificate, experience, expertise, identification

1. The employer reviewed her ________ before the interview.
2. Please show your ________ at the entrance.
3. He has ten years of work ________.
4. She received a training ________.
5. His technical ________ made him the best person for the project.

Answers

1. qualifications
2. identification
3. experience
4. certificate
5. expertise

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Sentence Rewriting

Replace credentials with a more precise word.

Sentence 1

She has impressive credentials in medicine.

Possible answer:

She has impressive medical qualifications.

Sentence 2

The guard checked his credentials.

Possible answer:

The guard checked his identification.

Sentence 3

His credentials include ten years of industry experience.

Possible answer:

His professional background includes ten years of industry experience.

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Matching Exercise

Match the word with its meaning.

1. Expertise
2. Certificate
3. Track record
4. Authorization
5. References

A. Official permission
B. Advanced knowledge
C. Document showing an achievement
D. History of performance
E. Supporting recommendations

Answer Key

1. B
2. C
3. D
4. A
5. E

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Vocabulary Quiz

1. Which word is usually best when credentials mean education and training?

A. Passport
B. Qualifications
C. Papers
D. Identification

Answer: B

2. Which word means advanced knowledge or skill?

A. Certificate
B. Expertise
C. References
D. Diploma

Answer: B

3. What is a certificate?

A. A person’s entire work history
B. A document showing an achievement or qualification
C. A type of professional experience
D. A recommendation from an employer

Answer: B

4. Which phrase means a history of successful performance?

A. Track record
B. Identification
C. Documentation
D. Accreditation

Answer: A

5. Which word is best when you mean proof of identity?

A. Expertise
B. Competence
C. Identification
D. Qualifications

Answer: C

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best synonym for credentials?

The best general synonym is qualifications when credentials means education, training, skills, or experience that make someone suitable for a job. If credentials means official documents, words such as certificate, identification, documentation, or papers may be more accurate.

What are five synonyms for credentials?

Five useful alternatives are qualifications, expertise, experience, certification, and certificates. However, they are not identical. Qualifications describe suitability, expertise describes advanced knowledge, experience describes practical knowledge, certification indicates official recognition, and certificates are documents.

Are credentials and qualifications the same?

Not exactly. Qualifications usually describe education, training, skills, or experience that make someone suitable for a role. Credentials is broader and may include qualifications, achievements, professional status, experience, or documents that establish identity or authority.

What is another word for professional credentials?

Depending on the context, you can use professional qualifications, certifications, expertise, experience, professional background, achievements, or track record. If you mean legal permission to practice a profession, license may be more precise.

What is the difference between credentials and certification?

Credentials is a broad term for qualifications, abilities, achievements, status, or documents that establish credibility or suitability. Certification is narrower and refers to official recognition or the process of certifying that a standard has been met.

What is the difference between a certificate and a credential?

A credential is a broad concept that can include qualifications, experience, skills, status, or proof. A certificate is generally a specific document showing that someone completed a course, earned an achievement, or holds a qualification.

Can experience be a synonym for credentials?

Sometimes, but it is not an exact synonym. Experience can be one part of someone’s credentials. Credentials may also include education, certifications, skills, achievements, and official documents.

What is the opposite of credentials?

There is no single exact opposite of credentials. Depending on the context, possible contrasts include lack of qualifications, inexperience, lack of authorization, unverified status, or disqualification.

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Best Synonym by Situation

Situation	Recommended Word
Job application	Qualifications
Work history	Experience
Advanced professional knowledge	Expertise
Specific abilities	Skills
Academic preparation	Education
Professional recognition	Certification
Proof on paper	Certificate
Academic award	Diploma
Institutional standards	Accreditation
Past professional success	Track record
Recommendations	References
Proof of identity	Identification
Official permission	Authorization
Regulated professional permission	License
Formal verification	Attestation
Diplomatic documentation	Credentials / letter of credence
Computer access	Login credentials

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Conclusion

Choosing the right synonym for credentials is about meaning, not simply finding another word that looks similar in a thesaurus. Use qualifications for suitability, experience for practical knowledge, expertise for advanced skill, certification for official recognition, and certificate for a document.

For identity, use identification, while authorization works for official permission. Practice these distinctions in essays, emails, résumés, and conversations. Precise vocabulary makes your English clearer, stronger, and more natural.

References

1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, “credentials” and “credential.” Oxford provides definitions, pronunciation, grammatical patterns, collocations, and usage examples.
2. Cambridge Dictionary, “credentials.” Cambridge distinguishes credentials as abilities and experience from credentials as documents or proof.
3. Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, “credentials.” Its thesaurus entry includes close alternatives such as qualification, expertise, capability, ability, competence, proficiency, and related terms.
4. Collins English Dictionary, “credentials.” Collins distinguishes previous achievements, training, and background from letters or certificates proving identity or qualifications.
5. Cambridge Dictionary, “credential” and pronunciation entry. These sources provide the pronunciation and the additional computing sense involving information used to verify a user’s identity or permit access.