noun

credentials

kruh-DEN-shulz/krəˈdenʃlz/

Information establishing identity, qualification, or authorization.

A visitor presents her credentials while a security officer checks her photo.

At a controlled entrance, a visitor presents a photo identification card while a security officer compares its portrait with her face.

Etymology

Credentials probably shortened “letters credential”: documents giving their bearer a claim to confidence, especially an ambassador’s authorization. That assurance of trust underlies the broader meaning of evidence proving identity, authority, or competence.

In context

The Heretic Files12:06

What you do is you present the credentials and you demonstrate that the person first of all exists

Matt Dillahunty TRAPS Christian on His Own Claim of Absolute Certainty About God

More examples

The hospital verifies each doctor's credentials before hiring.
Enter your credentials to sign in to your account.
Reporters show their press credentials at the entrance.

Forms

credential · credentials

credentialed adjective — Having officially recognized qualifications or authorization.

Similar words

identification: Establishes identity but does not necessarily prove qualifications or permission.
qualifications: Emphasizes skills and experience rather than identity or access rights.