Which sign-in method should I choose?

Applies to: Reliance System

Answer two questions.

1. Do you have an NIH-issued email address (you work for or contract with NIH)? → Yes: choose NIH. → No: go to question 2.

2. Is your institution listed in the "Search organization to log in" box on the Reliance System sign-in page? → Yes: choose InCommon Federation and sign in with your institution's single sign-on. Your SSO email must match your SMART IRB account email. → No: choose Login.gov. Create a free account at login.gov using the same email as your SMART IRB account.

Why it matters. Your choice is recorded on your account as your preferred method, and the system only accepts sign-ins by that method. The most common access problem we see is someone who chose InCommon Federation at registration but tries to sign in with Login.gov (or the reverse). If that has happened to you, see Fix a "Login failed" message.

Not sure whether your institution is in InCommon? Look for it in the sign-in page list, or check the InCommon Federation directory. If it is not there, use Login.gov.

See also - Create your account and choose a sign-in method - Fix a "Login failed" message