> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rapidcert.co.nz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting started

> How to register, log in, and navigate RapidCert as a contractor/supplier

# Getting started

This guide covers account creation, login, and an overview of the RapidCert portal for contractors/suppliers.

## Creating your account

Your client provides a signup link specific to their organisation. You must use this link to register — it connects your company to the correct client group.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the signup link">
    Navigate to the URL provided by your client.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your NZBN">
    Enter your **NZBN** (New Zealand Business Number) to identify your company. Click **Check NZBN** to verify your details.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Accept the terms">
    If you are registering a new company, tick the checkbox to agree to your client's programme terms and privacy policy, as well as RapidCert's [Terms of Service](https://rapidcert.co.nz/terms) and [Privacy Policy](https://rapidcert.co.nz/privacy), then click **Continue to Registration**. All four documents apply to your account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete your company information">
    Fill in the registration form:

    * **Registered Name** — your official company name (auto-populated from your NZBN lookup)
    * **Trading Name** — optional, if you trade under a different name
    * **Full Name** — your name as the primary contact
    * **Position** — your role within the company
    * **Your Email (for login)** — the email address you will use to log in
    * **Company Email** — a shared company email address (optional)
    * **Phone** — a valid NZ phone number
    * **Address 1**, **Address 2** (optional), **City**, **Post Code**

    Review your details, then submit the form.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The client's terms and privacy pages are also linked from the bottom of the signup page, alongside RapidCert's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
</Note>

## Logging in

RapidCert uses passwordless authentication — there are no passwords to set or remember.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enter your email">
    Go to the login page and enter the email address you registered with.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the one-time code">
    A 6-digit code is sent to your email. Enter it on the login page.

    <Warning>
      Codes expire after **10 minutes**. If yours expires, request a new one.
    </Warning>
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Use a work email address that you have ongoing access to. All login codes and notifications are sent to this address.
</Info>

## Portal overview

Once logged in, the portal is organised into these areas:

| Section                | Purpose                                                                     |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Dashboard**          | Overview of your accreditations, evaluations, insurance, and certifications |
| **Company Profile**    | View and update your company details                                        |
| **Billing & Payments** | View payment history and receipts                                           |
| **User Management**    | Add or remove users from your company account                               |
| **Settings**           | Configure notification preferences                                          |
| **Help & Support**     | Access help resources and contact support                                   |

## Managing users

You can add other people in your company through **User Management** in the sidebar.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Add User">
    Enter the new team member's email address and click **Continue**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete their details">
    If they are new to RapidCert, fill in their **Full Name** (required) and optionally their **Job Title** and **Phone**. Click **Add User** to send the invitation.
  </Step>
</Steps>

All company users have the same level of access. One user is designated as the **primary contact** for communications, but this does not grant additional permissions.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I didn't receive the one-time code">
    * Check your spam or junk folder
    * Ensure you entered the correct email address
    * Wait a few minutes and try again
    * Contact support if the issue persists
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My one-time code expired">
    Codes are valid for 10 minutes. Request a new one from the login page.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I'm seeing 'Too many attempts'">
    To prevent abuse, login attempts are rate-limited. If you see this message, wait a few minutes before trying again. The rate limit automatically resets after the waiting period.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I'm getting an error during registration">
    * Check that your NZBN is correct
    * Clear your browser cache and try again
    * Try a different browser
    * Contact support with the error message
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I used the wrong signup URL">
    Registration must be completed using the signup URL provided by your client. Contact your client if you're unsure which link to use.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My company shows 'Pending' on the company selection screen">
    A pending company membership must be activated before you can enter that company. Click **Activate** beside the company.

    RapidCert checks the membership again after the activation request:

    * If activation succeeds, the company opens automatically.
    * If the request result is uncertain or activation is still processing, the button changes to **Check status**. Click it to check again.
    * If activation succeeded but your session has not caught up, the button changes to **Refresh access**. Click it to reload your company access.
    * If the company is still pending after a definite failure, the button returns to **Activate** so you can try again.

    If the company remains pending after retrying, contact support with the company name and the message you saw.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Company setup" icon="building" href="/guides/contractors/company-setup">
    Set up your company profile
  </Card>

  <Card title="Evaluations" icon="clipboard-check" href="/guides/contractors/evaluations">
    Start your first evaluation
  </Card>
</CardGroup>