Episode Summary:

Few things can derail an assessment faster than assessors stuck at the login screen on Day One. In this episode, Areaka Jewell breaks down the two main options in PowerDMS for setting up assessor logins. You’ll learn the pros, cons, and nuances of each method, plus how recent system changes impact password setup. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with simple, practical tips to ensure assessors can log in smoothly and your assessment starts off stress-free.

Timestamps:

0:43 – The Day One panic when assessors can’t log in

1:12 – Today’s focus: assessor login options in PowerDMS

1:58 – Option One: agency-created credentials and the new forced password reset

2:51 – How to reset the password cleanly for assessors

3:49 – Option Two: assessor-created credentials via Welcome Email

4:13 – The benefit of assessors managing their own passwords

4:59 – Timing matters when granting rights

5:22 – Using pre-read packets to test access and share materials

5:50 – The drawback: you can’t see what assessors see with the Welcome Email option

6:18 – Pro tip: test, test, and confirm

7:07 – Wrap-up: preparation matters more than the option you choose

Resources & Links:

📄 Companion Document: Assessor Login Options

🎧 Related Episode: #30: POV: Assessor Access Made Simple

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Episode Description:

If you've ever wondered how to properly set up assessors in PowerDMS without accidentally giving them access to your entire system—or worse, none of what they actually need—this episode is for you.

Host Areaka Jewell shares her POV (point of view) on this common setup mistake and walks you through the six essential steps to give assessors the just-right level of access to your assessment. Whether you're prepping for a mock or a final review, you'll learn how to avoid the chaos of inbox overload or hidden attachments and instead create a clean, professional experience for your assessors.

And don’t worry, the companion document with all the steps and screen-by-screen instructions is linked below for easy reference.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro and what to expect

1:02 – Why this setup matters

2:20 – Step-by-step walkthrough

6:20 – What not to do anymore

6:44 – Final recap and key takeaway

7:38 – Free checklist + what’s next

8:05 – Sign-off

Companion Document:

Download the full step-by-step checklist here: Assessor Setup in PowerDMS

Connect with Areaka

🙋‍♀️ Digital Business Card

🌐 Website

🔗 LinkedIn

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Know someone doing great things in the accreditation world—or want to share your own insights? We’re always looking for experienced Accreditation Managers, assessors, and change-makers to join us on the podcast. Sign up to be a guest or share with a colleague

Episode Description:

Ever run into that frustrating "Your file is ready" message in PowerDMS? It’s not just annoying — it can derail assessments, confuse users, and open the door to version control chaos. In this episode of Accreditation Made Easy, Areaka breaks down why this error happens, what it actually means behind the scenes, and how to fix it before it causes bigger problems. Whether it’s an outdated file format, system settings, or a locked PDF, she walks you through how to prevent these issues and keep your documents clean, accessible, and assessor-ready.

Timestamps:

0:43 – “Your file is ready” — what this PowerDMS message really means

1:13 – How it affects assessors and users alike

2:45 – The risks of staff downloading unprotected files

3:11 – What file formats work best in PowerDMS

4:10 – How to update your file to a modern format

4:35 – Checking your system settings (Admin > Settings > Documents)

5:30 – Using “View as PDF” in the document viewer

5:58 – What it means when that option is grayed out

6:31 – Recap: 3 common causes of the error

6:57 – Why this error is a red flag during assessments

7:28 – Get the free checklist to avoid these issues

Companion Content:

Issues Displaying Documents – Troubleshooting Guide

Connect with Areaka

🙋‍♀️ Digital Business Card

🌐 Website

🔗 LinkedIn

📘 Facebook

Know someone doing great things in the accreditation world—or want to share your own insights? We’re always looking for experienced Accreditation Managers, assessors, and change-makers to join us on the podcast. Sign up to be a guest or share with a colleague