About AIMS

What is AIMS?

Access and Identity Management System (AIMS) is a security infrastructure used by Federal Student Aid. This infrastructure provides secure access and single identity management services. AIMS makes it possible for you to log in once and then access multiple Federal Student Aid applications during your active session.

Rules/Policies

If you try to access one of the Federal Student Aid systems protected by the Access and Identity Management System (AIMS), you will be required to read and accept the Federal Student Aid's Rules of Behavior. The Rules of Behavior display once per day when you log in for the first time that day. After reading the Rules of Behavior you may either select Back to Login or Accept. Clicking Back to Login ends the login process, so only click Back to Login if you do not accept the rules of behavior. If you agree to abide by the rules of behavior, check the check box and click Accept.

Privacy

If you try to access one of the Federal Student Aid systems protected by the Federal Student Aid's Access and Identity Management System (AIMS), you are required to read and accept the Federal Student Aid's Privacy Act Statement.

UserID and Password/Passphrase Questions

Can I share my user ID and password/passphrase with someone else?

No. Your user ID and your password/passphrase are private and are for your use only and must remain confidential. You must not disclose your password/passphrase to anyone, including your supervisor and you must take steps to prevent anyone from finding out your password/passphrase. Sharing your user ID with another person is a serious violation of security. If you fail to keep login information confidential, your user ID will be terminated and you or organization could lose access to FSA systems.

Are logon attempts limited?

Your FSA ID will be locked after three unsuccessful login attempts. You must wait 30 minutes before trying to use the same password/passphrase again. When the password/passphrase is unlocked 30 minutes later, you can try again or you can select the 'Forgot Password/Passphrase' link at the FSA Login page and answer the challenge questions. If your answers are correct, you will be allowed to reset your password/passphrase.

How often does a password/passphrase have to be changed?

Federal Student Aid User ID (FSA ID) passwords/passphrases must be changed every 90 days. Any password/passphrase that is older than 90 days will automatically expire.

How will I know to change my password/passphrase?

You will see a warning message 5 days before your password/passphrase is set to expire during your login. This warning message will display a prompt for you to change your password/passphrase before it expires. You may also change your password/passphrase anytime using the 'Change Password/Passphrase' link located on the FSA login page.

What is the minimum length for a password and what are the character requirements?

• The password must have a minimum length of fifteen (15) characters and must contain each of the following four types of characters - English uppercase letters (A-Z), English lowercase letters (a-z), Westernized Arabic numerals (0-9), and non-alphanumeric special characters ! @ # $ & *
• The password cannot contain any words that are easily guessed like dictionary words, names, or acronyms
• The password must contain at least four (4) alphabetic characters, and
• The password cannot contain three (3) or more identical characters in a row.

Example of valid passwords?

T@#O@$slF@9! -or- !!R#L@ollF@1

Example of invalid passwords?

-Password99 -Secret1

What is the minimum length for a passphrase and what are the character requirements?

• The passphrase must have a minimum length of sixteen (16) characters.
• The passphrase cannot exceed one hundred and twenty eight (128) characters.
• The passphrase cannot contain your first name, last name, or login ID.
• The passphrase cannot contain any words that are system names.

Example of valid passphrases?

Y0u shall not pass!!

Example of invalid passphrases?

Wh0 is dbadmin tonight!

Do passwords/passphrases expire?

If you have not used your password/passphrase in 90 days, it will automatically expire and you will be required to create a new password/passphrase. You may change your password/passphrase by clicking on the 'Change Password/Passphrase' link from the login page at any time, or by clicking the 'Change Password/Passphrase' button when prompted from the password/passphrase notification page.

What if I forget my password/passphrase?

To reset a password/passphrase, select the 'Forgot Password/Passphrase' link at the FSA login page and answer the challenge questions correctly.

What if I forget my security questions and answers?

To update security questions and answers, contact the application helpdesk you are attempting to access to reset your password/passphrase. When you receive your new password/passphrase, select the "Edit Account" link at the FSA login page and update your security questions and answers.

Access Questions

How do I gain access to applications behind AIMS?

To access NSLDS, FAFSA Partner Portal, SAIG applications, contact your PDPA. If you are the DPA, contact your PDPA to add or modify your access. If you are the PDPA, go to https://fsawebenroll.ed.gov to update your entitlements.

To access eCDR Appeals and Experimental Sites select the 'Registration' link at the FSA login page and complete the registration process.

For all other system access, please contact the FSA application specific helpdesk.

If I have problems logging on, whom can I contact?

Contact the FSA application help desk you are trying to access.

If I get locked out by AIMS, can I access the system by starting from a different site?

No. Your user ID will be inoperable and you will not be able to gain access to any Federal Student Aid systems secured behind AIMS. You must wait 30 minutes before trying to use the same password/passphrase again. When the password/passphrase is unlocked 30 minutes later, you can try again or you can select the "Forgot Password/Passphrase" link at the FSA Login page and answer the challenge questions. If your answers are correct, you will be allowed to reset your password/passphrase.

How do I logout?

For the NSLDS FAP website, terminate your session by clicking the logout link.

For all other systems, click the X at the top right of your browser window and close all browser windows. This will terminate your login session.

PIV Card Login

PIV login is required for users with a Department of Education issued PIV card. You must have a Department of Education issued PIV card. When you click on the PIV image or the "Continue with PIV" button, you will be prompted with the "Select a Certificate" windows box. Select your certificate and click "OK". For additional information, click on the "Need Help?" link below the "Continue with PIV" button.