Setting up and troubleshooting in Care Identity Service

How to set up a Registration Authority workstation, how to check equipment is correctly configured and how to fix common issues.

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How to set up a CIS1 smartcard workstation

CIS1 Authentication is the method by which users access the Care Identity Service through the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN).

How to set up a CIS2 smartcard workstation

CIS2 allows users to authenticate with their smartcards over a standard internet connection, without needing access to the Health and Social Care Network (HSCN).

Check whether a device is correctly configured

You can use the setup checker tool to find out whether your device will be able to use Care Identity Service.

Troubleshooting the Care Identity Service

Information on the most common issues related to Care Identity Service, how to fix them and how to get more help.

Smartcard printer setup and care

Guidance on Magicard printer configuration and drivers, and how to clean and replace rollers and print heads.

Smartcard reader setup

Care Identity Service supports the Omnikey 3121 and the contactless Omnikey 5321CR.

Migrating from CIS1 to CIS2

What’s involved in migrating your organisation’s applications, including how it affects smartcards and other authenticators.

Last edited: 17 March 2026 9:47 am