Logins and passwords

You’ll receive your Sitecore username and password before you begin working in the system – usually before training. This allows you to log in and practice during training or on your own. Use the steps below to access Sitecore, reset your password if needed, or change it when it’s about to expire. 

Sitecore passwords expire every 90 days. Fourteen days before expiration, you will receive a daily email reminder with a link to change your password.

Log into Sitecore

1. Go to the correct Sitecore login page:

   • Training/staging site (for practice or training): https://authoring-staging.ct.gov/sitecore
   • Live/production site (for real content updates): https://authoring.ct.gov/sitecore/login 

   Tip: If you’re just getting started or attending training, use the training site. If you’re updating real content for your agency, use the live site.

2. Click the State Agency User Login button.  

   ⚠️ Important: Do not use the Username and Password fields on this screen – they will not work.

3. On the Microsoft login screen, select “Use another account.”
4. Enter your Sitecore username in the format: firstname.lastname@ct.egov.com.

   First-time sign-ins require manual entry. Afterward, your account will appear in the list for quick access.

5. Enter your Sitecore password. This password was sent in a separate email when your account was created.

   Important: Do not click “Forgot my password.” This will not work for Sitecore accounts at this stage.

    
6. When asked if you want to stay signed in, choose:
   • Yes – Saves your login for next time
   • No – Requires login each time
7. After login, you’ll land on the Sitecore Launchpad – the main home screen with icons such as Content Editor, Media Library, and Experience Editor.

Forgot password

1. On the Sitecore login screen, click Forgot your Password?. Alternatively, you can visit CT.gov User Management Login and select Forgot Password?      

   
   Alternative method: visit CT.gov User Management Login (click "Forgot Password?")

    
2. Enter your CT.gov email address so the system can send you a password reset link. Do not enter your Sitecore username (which ends in @ct.egov.com).

   Complete the reCAPTCHA challenge:

   • Click the refresh icon to get new images.
   • Click the audio icon to hear the challenge read aloud.
    
3. Click Send Password. You will receive an email with a link to create a new password.
4. Enter your new password in both fields.  
   • It cannot include your username.
   • It must be at least 7 characters long.
   • It must include at least one uppercase letter (A–Z).
   • It must include at least one lowercase letter (a–z).
   • It must include at least one number (0–9).
   • It must include at least one special character (e.g., ~!@#$%^&*_-+=\|(){}[]:;"'<>,.?/`).
   • It cannot use common dictionary words.
   • It cannot be a password you’ve used before.
5. Click Reset Password. If both fields match and meet all requirements, you’ll see a success message and receive a confirmation email.  

Change password

Sitecore passwords expire every 90 days. Fourteen days before expiration, you will receive a daily email reminder with a link to change your password.

1. Visit CT.gov User Management Login and login to change your password.
2. Enter your Sitecore username and password, then click Log In.  
3. Select Change Password under the Account Maintenance section.
   ⚠️ Important: don't click Change E-Mail or Update Profile Information – they will not work.
   
   
4. Enter your current password, then a new password that meets these requirements:
   • It cannot include your username.
   • It must be at least 7 characters long.
   • It must include at least one uppercase letter (A–Z).
   • It must include at least one lowercase letter (a–z).
   • It must include at least one number (0–9).
   • It must include at least one special character (e.g., ~!@#$%^&*_-+=\|(){}[]:;"'<>,.?/`).
   • It cannot use common dictionary words.
   • It cannot be a password you’ve used before.
5. Confirm the new password and click Change Password.  

   You’ll see a success screen if both passwords match and meet all requirements. You will also receive a confirmation email.