Credentialing is the administrative process for validating the qualifications of licensed professionals, organizational members or organizations, and assessing their background and legitimacy. Many institutions and provider networks conduct their own credentialing, generally through a credentialing specialist or electronic service, with review by a professional staff or credentialing committee. It may include granting and review of specific occupational privileges, and membership.
The process is generally an objective evaluation of a subject's current licensure, training or experience, competence, and ability to provide particular services or perform particular procedures.
Personnel credentialing typically is undertaken at commencement of employment (initial application) and at regular intervals thereafter (reappointment). Credentialing of vendors or other organizations may begin prior to the purchasing process and be repeated regularly.