This quick guide explains our SSO functionality for VC/AC schools, how to set it up, and how logging into Essential Assessment with SSO works for both students and educators.
What is Single Sign-On?
Single Sign-On (SSO) allows students to log in to Essential Assessment using their Department of Education (DoE) or school email address — the same credentials they use for other school systems. This removes the need for separate EA usernames and passwords.
Keen to get started?
To begin the process of setting up SSO for your school, contact Essential Assessment at [email protected] to request that SSO is enabled for your account.
ℹ️ Note: SSO is configured at the school level by an EA administrator. You will need access to your School Information System (SIS) or School Management System (SMS) and EA Settings to complete this process.
Overview of Steps
Step 1: Download the Class Login CSV via your school’s SIS/SMS
Your SIS/SMS will hold students' email addresses linked to each student. You will need to export a CSV from your school’s SIS/SMS and then upload it into EA.
Step 2: Upload the CSV in EA Settings
Once you have your CSV(s) from your schools SIS/SMS, log in to Essential Assessment and navigate to Settings.
To access the upload area:
Click the Settings button in the top navigation bar.
From the dropdown menu, select Subscription Details.
On the Subscription Details page, you’ll see the Student Emails & SSO section. Click Upload Emails to upload your CSV export.
ℹ️ Note: This process assigns your students email addresses to each matching student account in EA. Once uploaded, the email addresses will be visible when viewing that student in Edit Class.
Step 3: Run the SSO Readiness Check
After uploading your CSV(s), use the Readiness Check feature to verify that student emails have been successfully assigned. This tool will identify any students who are missing a valid email address.
To run the check:
On the Subscription Details page, locate the Student Emails & SSO section.
Click Readiness Check (next to the Upload Emails button).
EA will scan all active students and report how many have valid emails assigned.
The results screen will show:
The total number of active students checked.
How many have valid emails assigned.
A list of students without valid emails, including their name and class.
ℹ️ Note: A status of 'Not ready' means some students are still missing emails. This is common if student names in EA differ slightly from how they appear in your SIS/SMS, or if some classes were not yet exported. For a comprehensive view of missing emails, navigate to the Export Student List option:
Step 4: Review and Resolve Missing Emails
If the Readiness Check identifies students without valid emails, there are two common reasons:
The student was not included in any of the uploaded CSV exports (i.e., their class was not exported from your school’s SIS/SMS).
The student's name in EA does not exactly match the name in the SIS/SMS export, so the system could not match them.
To resolve this:
Export the relevant class from your SMS/SIS and re-upload the CSV in EA Settings.
If a name mismatch is suspected, check the student's name in EA (via Edit Class) against their name in your school's SIS/SMS and update as needed before re-uploading.
Run the Readiness Check again after any updates to confirm the issue is resolved.
Once all students have valid emails, the Readiness Check will show a 'Ready' status and students will be able to log in to Essential Assessment using their credentials.
How do Students Sign In with SSO
ℹ️ Note: During the transition period, students will be able to use standard log in methods (username and password; QR code) as well as SSO to log into EA.
Method 1: Windows Laptops
When students sign into EA using SSO, the platform will recognise the student via their log in. The students will follow the below steps.
Log into their Window laptop.
2. As the students normally do, navigate to app.essentialassessment.com.au/student/ in the browser. Then search for the school code.
3. Instead of entering their Username and Password, the students will need to press the Sign in using SSO button at the bottom of the screen. This will take them to the student page in EA.
Method 2: Signing into iPads
More information coming soon…
How do Educators Sign In with SSO
ℹ️ Note: During the transition period, educators will be able to use standard log in methods (username and password; QR code) as well as SSO to log into EA.
Method: Windows Devices
To complete this sign in option, educators will need to enter their school email address. After this is completed, an option will appear to “Sign in Using SSO”. Selecting this option will allow the educator to enter Essential Assessment without needing to enter a password.