This article is for users in Single Sign On (SSO) enabled organisations who are signing in to AWARD® for the first time using SSO.
Single Sign On (SSO) simplifies the authentication process by enabling users to access multiple systems or services using a single set of login credentials. With SSO, you won't need to remember various usernames and passwords for different platforms. Instead, you'll only need to enter your credentials once to access all connected systems or services. Additionally, SSO enhances security by often including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) at the external provider level.
Here's how it works on your first visit to AWARD®
The first time you use SSO with AWARD®, you’ll be guided through a one‑time account linking process.
- Account linking Prompt: When you access AWARD®, you’ll see a prompt asking you to link your existing AWARD account to your organisation’s SSO login.
- Enter Password: You may be required to enter a password; this should be your current AWARD® password.
- Add to Existing Account: Click the "Add to existing account" option. This action will trigger an email sent to your company email address (this may differ from your email address in AWARD). You’ll also see a message confirming that verification is required.
- Check Email: Check your email for an "Account Activity" message. Inside the email, you'll find a link asking you to "Link to confirm account linking." (Refer to the image below):
- Confirm Account Linking: Click the "Link to confirm account linking" link within the email. This step finalises the action, granting you access to AWARD. Please ensure you do this final step promptly (you have 5 minutes).
- Password Update Prompt: After clicking the link, you may be prompted to update your password. This is a mandatory step for security reasons. Even if you recently changed your password in AWARD®, you will need to set a new one.
- If the link expires: If the 5 minute window passes before you confirm the email, you’ll see an Action Expired message when returning to AWARD®.
To continue and restart the account linking process: On the AWARD® sign in screen, select the Microsoft logo (or your organisation’s SSO option) under "Or sign in with".
After the first sign‑in
Account linking only happens once.
On future visits, selecting your organisation’s SSO option will sign you into AWARD® automatically—no AWARD password required. Enjoy the convenience of hassle-free access!