Access requests and guidance
Discover how to access FIPS and resolve any issues you may have when signing in.
FIPS user access requests
Use these forms to request a new FIPS account or make changes to an existing one. After filling in the form, email it to FIPS@sds.co.uk.
Each form has guidance to help you complete it accurately.
Accessing FIPS
Signing in to FIPS for the first time? Use these guidance materials to complete multi-factor authentication (MFA) and set up your password.
Access issues – passwords and MFA Resets
Having trouble signing in to your FIPS account? This guide can help.
If you need to change something in your account after following the guide, use the FIPS contact form to let us know about it.
FIPS contact form – coming soon
We're working hard to bring you a FIPS Contact Form! Until it's ready, you can send any questions or completed forms to us by email at FIPS@SDS.co.uk.
Please include these details in your email:
your FIPS user ID
your FIPS username (optional)
the learning provider or organisation you represent
full details of your request
any completed forms as attachments (optional)
By sending an email to us, you give us permission to store and process your personal data.
Frequently asked questions about FIPS
Find answers to some FIPS-based questions we hear regularly.
How much is a FIPS licence?
Currently, a FIPS licence costs £23.21 per user per month (plus VAT). This price is subject to annual adjustments by Microsoft – the licence supplier.
On 1 April each year, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) purchases FIPS licences for the next 12 months and pays the fee in full. This payment is passed on to learning providers who'll pay the fee as a lump sum in April of each year.
Why is the cost of a licence being passed on to learning providers?
At the beginning of each financial year, SDS pays for FIPS licences in full. As these licenses are purchased using public money, SDS has a responsibility to ensure best use of those funds.
SDS has negotiated with suppliers to secure the lowest possible cost for licences. These savings have been passed on to learning providers – you'll only pay the cost of the licence with no additional administration fees.
How does SDS decide the cost of each FIPS licence?
Microsoft determines the cost of each licence. SDS has negotiated with Microsoft to secure the lowest possible price for FIPS licences.
We've passed these savings on to learning providers. You'll only pay the cost of the licence with no additional administration fees.
How will I be charged for a FIPS licence?
At the beginning of each financial year, SDS pays for FIPS licences in full. This means providers must pay for their licence in the same way – a full explanation can be found in your SDS contract documentation.
Can I just buy a FIPS licence myself?
No. As SDS owns the FIPS system, we are the only party that can purchase licences for users.
I already have a Microsoft Dynamic licence for another system. Can I just use that?
No. Each system is unique and has its own licencing requirements, even if they're built on the same Microsoft software platforms.
Can I get a refund for my FIPS licence.
No, SDS cannot secure refunds from Microsoft for unused or returned licences. These are purchased using public money and SDS has a responsibility to ensure best use of those funds.
How can I minimise costs to my organisation?
We issue FIPS licences according to the numbers requested by each learning provider at the start of the contracting year.
As a learning provider, you can minimise costs by only requesting the number of licences you need. You should also inform SDS when licence holders leave or change roles. This allows SDS to reallocate the licence to another individual at no extra cost.
Can I re-use a licence if someone leaves or changes role?
Each licence is allocated to an individual along with a unique username and password. These should never be shared with anyone else – doing so is a breach of the contract rules and could result in action by SDS.
Although, if a learning provider tells SDS when someone leaves or changes role, we can reallocate the licence to another person at no extra cost.
How do I tell SDS that I want to change my named licence holders?
Check out our process for managing FIPS user permissions.
Does SDS offer concessions or discounts to third sector organisations?
As licences are purchased using public money, SDS has a responsibility to ensure best use of those funds. This means we cannot offer additional discounts to any organisation.