BCS
Connect Frequently Asked Questions: Registration
Frequently Asked Questions Index
Why do I need to register?
What happens if I choose not to register?
Why do I need a PIN?
Why do I need a Password?
What's the difference between a PIN and a Password?
What happens if I lose my PIN?
What happens if I forget my password?
Why don't you use mother's maiden name as a security question?
What if I don't have an email address?
Do I need to use my PIN every time I use the site?
When other services are available will I need another PIN?
How long will it take for me to get my PIN?
How do I know that my data is secure?
What happens if I dont receive my PIN?
My membership number and date of birth is correct, why is the system rejecting me?
What should I do if I suspect someone knows, or I inadvertently give someone else, my PIN?
Why can't the PIN be sent by email to BCS members?
Why do I need to register?
Registration and Contact Amendment is one of a series of facilities being developed by BCS to meet the needs of its members and the IS community. Registration is the gateway to accessing BCS Connect services, as they become available. Services planned include:
- On-line ordering of products and services.
- On-line payment of membership subscriptions.
- On-line access to a Virtual Career Logbook and Continuing Professional Development services.
- Discussion Groups and Bulletin Boards.
- Member-only content.
What happens if I choose not to register?
You will still be able to browse the site but you will not be able to access BCS Connect services or content and facilities relevant to your membership.
Why do I need a PIN?
The PIN serves as your unqiue identifier to let you complete regstration. It's like the PIN that you get from your bank that enables you to access your account. Because your PIN serves as your unique identifier, you should not divulge it to anyone. When you use your PIN you must type the PIN exactly as it appears on the letter we send to you.
You will also need your PIN if you ever forget or wish to change your password.
Why do I need a Password?
Your password is a part of the security process we have put in place to protect your personal information. You will need your password each time you wish to login to the website. The most secure passwords are based on random numbers and letters. We advise you to not base your password on your own name or date of birth.
What's the difference between a PIN and a Password?
To complete registration for BCS online services you will need to use a unqiue PIN generated by the BCS, which is sent to you as part of the registration process. After registration all future access to the system is through the use of your chosen password.
What happens if I lose my PIN?
You will need to contact BCS Customer Support on +44 (0)1793 417545 or bcsconnect@hq.bcs.org.uk who can re-issue your PIN.
What happens if I forget my password?
You need to go to the 'Forgot Password' screen and follow the instructions.
Why don't you use mother's maiden name as a security question?
Mother's maiden name is rapidly becoming a standard piece of information for validation purposes. In addition to a range of public sources of information there are a number of Genealogy databases accessible over the Internet that allow you to search for someone's family tree. Mother's maiden name is not therefore considered a secure enough piece of information.
What if I don't have an email address?
This is not a problem for BCS member registration as your email address is not used in the registration process. However you will be unable to benefit from some of the BCS Connect Services (such as email communication).
Non-members who wish to register for online services must have an email address to complete registration.
Do I need to use my PIN every time I use the site?
No, you only need to use your PIN to complete registration. Logging in to the site only requires your membership/reference number and password.
When other services are available will I need another PIN?
No, you only need to register once and therefore only need to use your PIN once to complete registration. The only other time you will need your PIN is if you forget or wish to change your password.
How long will it take for me to get my PIN?
Your PIN will be posted to your address. This will be done automatically if you selected an address we offered you, and you should receive it within 7 days (UK); 28 days (Overseas). If you entered an alternative address, this will be validated before the PIN is sent and so may take a little longer. All PINS are accompanied by a letter giving the additional information you will need when you revisit the site.
Non-members registering for online services will receive their PIN via email within 24 hours.
How do I know that my data is secure?
In developing our systems we have incorporated a wide range of security technologies to prevent unauthorised users from gaining access to the system. In addition to the security protection provided by the technological design of the system the Society has introduced a range of management controls including a regular audit of the system to test it's security functionality. You may also wish to view our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
When accessing your personal data on the BCS website, it is encrypted using a Secure Socket Layer (SSL).
What happens if I dont receive my PIN?
If more than 7 days (UK); 28 days (Overseas) have passed and you still haven't received your PIN please contact BCS Customer Support on +44 (0)1793 417545 or bcsconnect@hq.bcs.org.uk.
If you are registering as a Non-member and your PIN is being sent by email, please contact BCS Customer Support if you have not received the email after 24 hours.
My membership number and date of birth is correct, why is the system rejecting me?
If the system rejects your information at the lookup stage you should contact BCS Customer Support on +44 (0)1793 417545 or bcsconnect@hq.bcs.org.uk.
Remember to quote your membership number exactly as it appears on your membership card.
Entering all four digits of the year of your birth may solve some problems. ie enter 1950 instead of 50.
What should I do if I suspect someone knows, or I inadvertently give someone else, my PIN?
You should contact BCS Customer Support on +44 (0)1793 417545 or bcsconnect@hq.bcs.org.uk. BCS can arrange for your PIN to be reset.
Why can't the PIN be sent by email to BCS members?
As an extra security measure we are using Royal Mail to send the PIN to members.
If your question is not answered within these pages or you are still experiencing problems please contact our Helpdesk on +44 (0)1793 417545 or bcsconnect@hq.bcs.org.uk