Frequently Asked Questions about Okta

Okta is the foundation for secure connections between people and technology. It’s a service that gives employees, customers, and partners secure access to the tools they need to do their most important work.

To get started, check out our Training Resources. Visit the Okta Help Centre for FAQs and support articles and the Okta Community. As an App Partner, you’ll also be eligible to join live Okta training sessions. Email [email protected] to register.

As an Okta App Partner you can submit tickets directly to Okta support if you’re having integration issues that are impacting customers. After you’re accepted as a partner, we’ll give you the ability to submit support cases.

Please submit lead referrals to Okta at www.okta.com/partners/register-a-lead/. This will help us track your deals and pay your revenue share, when applicable.

To try our IT Products, go register for a free trial. You’ll get access to try Single Sign-On, Multi-factor Authentication, Universal Directory, and Lifecycle Management. If you’re a developer, you can also get started with a free edition of our API Products by signing up here.

To open Okta, go to your company's custom Okta URL in any web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, etc.). Your company's custom Okta URL will be "company.okta.com." For example, if your company is called ABC, the URL would be ABC.okta.com.

Okta supports the following web browsers: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Chrome.

Okta must be available for any other app to be accessed and therefore there’s no good time to be down. As a result we are built for high availability – no planned downtime, no maintenance windows - and we provide 99.99% availability. You can verify our reliability metrics and learn more about the availability of our service at trust.okta.com.

In the case of an Okta emergency, contact your Okta admin.

If you are an Okta admin, log a case in the portal or call 0800 808 5574 (UK) | 1-800-219-0964 (US) | 1800 095 441 (AU) | 0800 022 4471 (NL) | 0800 022 4471 (FR)

Secondary emails are useful in case you forget your Okta password.

If your helpdesk administrator allows you to receive 'Forgotten Password' help, then you can request a password help link to be sent to your email address. However, if you're accessing your company's email through Okta, you won't be able to access the email that was sent unless you have provided Okta with a secondary email address. In that case, Okta will also send the forgotten password email to your secondary email address — making it easy to access and reset your password.

Yes, your information is secure. Okta protects your information with extensive security measures and controls that are audited by third parties. Among other measures, Okta offers flexible, multifactor authentication. With MFA, you’ll authenticate yourself with both your regular password and a second factor of your choice. For example, you may authenticate with a pin number that you receive via text message, a six-digit soft token, a security question, or by simply accepting a push notification on your phone through the Okta Verify app.

If your account is locked, click the 'Need help signing in?' or 'Unlock Account' link on the Okta login screen (depending on how your admin has configured your sign-on page). If these options are not available in your sign-on screen, call your company's helpdesk for assistance.

No, you only have to use the Okta plugin if your administrator has allowed apps to use Secure Web Authentication (SWA). If your company is using Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) apps, you will not need the Okta plugin.

Yes, the Okta plugin is very safe to install.

Okta does not log you out of your applications even though you might be logged out of your Okta session.

Check out our Okta Application Network Getting Started Resources.

If your organisation allows you to add your own apps, there will be an ‘+Add Apps’ button on the top right of your Okta dashboard. Select that button, search for your app, and click the ‘Add’ button on the right to place it on your dashboard.

Apps cannot be removed at this time, but there is a way to move an app out of sight. The best way to do this is to create a new tab to store unused and unwanted applications.

You should request additional applications from your company’s helpdesk. If an app is not yet in the Okta Integration Network, it’s easy to add. Select the ‘Add an App’ button, create a ‘Bookmark,’ input the login URL, and finally, check the box that reads ‘Request App - Ask Okta to add this app to the catalogue.’

To change the order of your apps, click and hold on an app icon, then drag and drop the icon to the location where you would like it to be displayed.

At the top of your dashboard, you can find apps in the "Launch App" search bar. If you can't remember which tab your app is on, go to the Launch App search, type in the name of your app. Select the name of your app to open it when it appears.

You can have up to five tabs.

To move an app from one tab to another, click and hold on the app icon, then drag and drop the icon to the new tab.

A bookmark is a way to save the URL login of an app not currently available to you. When you create a new bookmark, your Okta dashboard will display an app icon linked to that app URL login. This bookmark will only store the URL — not your username and password.

To add a bookmark, go to the "+Add Apps" button on the top right of your dashboard to open a search menu. (If you can't see this button, your organisation doesn't allow you to add a bookmark at this time.) Search for your app. If no app is found, Okta will display the option to create a bookmark. Enter the URL of the app and the name of the bookmark you would like displayed. Click back to "Home" to finish and see your new bookmark.

Your helpdesk administrator can see your username, but he or she does not have access to your password.

If you don't know your username, please contact your company's helpdesk — they set up all of your organisation's Okta usernames. If you've forgotten your password, use the 'Forgot password' link at the bottom of the sign-in page to generate a new one.

Okta’s goal is to provide a user experience that is as simple and secure as possible. That means a lot happens behind the scenes to determines when you have to enter your password.

We’ll explain: With Okta, you can access your applications through a single, unified dashboard. Access to these applications is delivered through single sign-on (SSO) technology via either Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) or Okta’s own Secure Web Authentication (SWA) technology.

With SWA, you need to maintain your own password, meaning if an app requires you to make a password change, you should do so within the Okta dashboard. With SAML, Okta automatically passes on access through a token, so you don’t need to manually make a change when the app requires an update.

Okta protects your information with rigorous security measures and controls. Okta-mastered user passwords are stored as one-way hash values using bCrypt to prevent decryption of stored credentials. Okta's Secure Web Authentication (SWA) browser plugin uses strong (256-bit AES) encryption for username and password credentials allowing Okta to log users into those apps and websites seamlessly. These controls are audited and attested to in our SOC2 report. For more information see: https://www.okta.com/security

To change your existing password, hover your mouse above an application's icon. On the upper right-hand side of the icon, there will be a gear. Click the gear to open the settings menu, and provide your current username and password to verify your identity. Once verified, you'll be able to put in a new password.

If you are not able to update the username and password, contact your helpdesk to have them set it for you.

If you cannot remember your Okta password and need to reset it, click the 'Need help signing in?' or 'Forgot Password' link on the Okta login screen (depending on how your admin has configured your sign-on page). This will allow you to reset your password via your email. If these options are not available in your sign-on screen, call your company's helpdesk for assistance.

In general, the more complex your password is, the safer it is. Okta supports strong passwords through the use of rules that require a certain level of password complexity. Your company's helpdesk determines these rules for your company's passwords. For example, your company could require your password to contain combinations of letters, numbers, capitalisations, special characters, etc.

At Okta, we have a lot of professionally developed training programmes in place that are very effective at teaching our customers + partners about the technical aspects of the products we offer. Whether you’re an Administrator, Developer, or Implementation Consultant, Okta Training is easy to navigate! 

The recommended learning path is to begin with the Hands-on Instructor-led Training (ILT) Labs designed for your role. In these courses, you’ll learn best practises and get realistic product experience with simulated Okta environments that support lecture and interactive activities.

You can continue with a self-paced learning approach with our basic product overview videos. In the Okta Help Centre you’ll find Documentation and Training Videos, like the New Feature Release Video Series which will keep you in the know on what’s new in the product on a monthly basis.

To accommodate our global customer base, we have scheduled virtual live classes in EMEA, APAC, and North America friendly time zones. The complete Instructor-led training schedule is published on the Hands-On Training page. Just select View Schedule and Register to request a seat!

Our Basic Training (on-demand videos) are self-service. You can add any of the self-paced classes to your learning portal by clicking Register Me and completing your registration.

Seats in our Hands-On Instructor-led Labs are first come first serve, and enrolment will be confirmed once billing and registrant information is received in full. To purchase a seat simply fill out a registration form with the contact details for your Training approver, and click Submit. We’ll get working on your Training request and provide an order form within one business day.

Private Class registration is not available on the public site. If you are attending a Private Class, we have a special registration area just for your team.  If you’re not sure where to go, email [email protected] and we will take care of everything for you.

Okta customers can access many of our Basic Trainings for free, but Hands-on Instructor-led courses cost money. Visit our Hands-On Training page to check the cost for a specific course.

We are delighted to offer discounted pricing for Non-profit 501(c)3, Premier, Premier Access, and Premier Plus Success customers on some courses.

We can also arrange Private Classes for your team at a daily rate. Custom or tailored training must be scoped to your needs and sold prior to scheduling the delivery. Email [email protected] to get the ball rolling.

Okta customers, prospects, and partners can purchase Hands-on Instructor-led training classes.

We have to be clear about this one: Each training seat is like an individual license, assigned to just one student. Confirmed students are the only people who may attend the training. Sharing the training event with others in any way is expressly prohibited. Confirmed students are the only people who will receive course materials for the specified class.

If you miss all or part of your registered training, or fail to complete the course for another reason, you will not receive your certificate of completion. Please review the cancellation and rescheduling policy.

Accessing the Okta Virtual Classroom is easy!  Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email from us with a calendar invite. Just before class starts on the first day, you’ll receive an email reminder containing your unique WebEx Training Centre login details.  Check out these tips for Virtual Classroom Success to ensure your training experience is awesome.

The Okta Help Centre includes an extensive library of training videos and knowledge base articles, available whenever you feel the urge.

Class lengths vary, depending on the course. Check your course schedule for beginning and end times.

All virtual classes include lectures, application demonstrations, and question-and-answer sessions with a live instructor. Premium courses include access to an online lab environment where you will complete hands-on learning activities.

Don’t worry, your live instructor is human, and also has to eat and take care of business. Each session includes scheduled breaks, which will be reviewed at the beginning of the course.

Other than your questions and your sharp intellect, you will need the following to fully participate in class:

• A computer with a good Internet connection.
• An audio connection: Either a telephone, or a headset and microphone for VoIP connection.
• A keyboard and mouse, to complete online labs and answer instructor polls in Premium courses.
• We strongly recommend using a large monitor or dual monitor setup for Premium ILT Lab courses, so you can split your screen and more easily follow lab instructions during hands-on activities. You will also need a keyboard and mouse, to complete online labs and answer instructor polls in Premium courses.

Okta training fees for Hands-on Training are non-refundable. Registrations for Hands-on Training may be rescheduled or canceled without penalty up to five business days prior to the class start-date. If you fail to show up for a class you registered for, you forfeit your registration fee. Sorry, but we can’t apply forfeited or no-show fees to future classes.

Email [email protected], and include your full name, course name, date, and your request to cancel or reschedule. If you know which scheduled session you would like to attend instead, please complete a new registration form five business days before class to avoid penalty. That’s the fastest way for us to review your request. You may reschedule without penalty twice per training seat enrolment.

You have one (1) year after purchase to complete your course, unless otherwise specified by the terms of the sales agreement. If you wait longer than that, you forfeit your seat.

Absolutely, just let us know. Registered class attendee(s) may be substituted without charge.

Okta certifications are role-based and designed to set baseline skill standards for key technical personnel that work with Okta.  Credentials are earned by passing an Okta certification exam, series of exams, or by fulfilling other performance-based activities.  Target credentials for inclusion in the programme include Okta Certified Professional*, Okta Certified Administrator *, Okta Certified Consultant, Okta Certified Developer, Okta Certified Architect.

After you achieve a certification credential, you must meet ongoing requirements in order to keep credentials current and use Okta certification logos. This may include the completion of specific training, recertification exams, or even sitting for core exams at designated intervals.  You will be notified by Okta regarding requirement and timeline for completing recertification activity.

Okta Certified Professional and Okta Certified Administrator exam fees are $150 USD for each exam attempt. The Okta Certified Consultant Exam fee is $300 for each attempt.  No discounts are offered for retakes. Payment for the exam is made during the appointment process and may be paid for by credit card or by using an exam voucher provided by Okta. If cancellation becomes necessary, refunds can be given only if the cancellation policy was adhered to and they will only be granted to the original credit card utilised during the appointment process.

Okta Certification exams are scheduled and proctored online through Examity.  First, you must register by creating a user profile on the Examity site. Complete registration and scheduling instructions can be found in the Examity User Guide. 

It is not required that you attend a training class prior to your exam; however, taking recommended training and reviewing Okta Community assets will put you on a fast track to certification success.  It is also highly recommended you review the corresponding guide for the exam you are preparing to take; Professional Exam Study Guide, Administrator Exam Study Guide, and Consulting Exam Study Guide.

Okta Certification exams are delivered in a proctored, online format which means that exams can be taken from most any location at a time that is convenient for you, without travel to a test centre. Review the Examity User Guide for more information about the online proctored format.

You will need a computer with a video camera, audio (both microphone and speaker capability), a browser, and a strong internet connection. You must bring your ID to verify your identity prior to starting an exam.

Unless otherwise noted in an exam study guide, Okta certification exams are closed book.  The use of reference materials (hardcopy or electronic) is prohibited during the examination. You are also not allowed any electronic devices during testing.

Your final exam result will be sent to you via email within seven (7) days of taking your exam.

Once all published requirements are met, you will earn the certification credential and be authorised to use the certification title and logo on your business cards and other professional collateral.

In the event that you fail to pass an Okta certification exam, you may retake the exam under the following conditions:

• You can retake a failed exam after 14 days from the date of your most recent attempt.
• You can take an exam up to three times in one year from the date of your first attempt.  If you fail the exam three times, you may not retake the exam without consent from the Okta Certification Programme.
• Candidates may only take beta exams one (1) time.
• Candidates may not retake a passed exam.
• Exam fees must be paid for each attempt and will not be refunded for a failed exam.

To preserve the security and value of the certification programme, all candidates must accept the terms and conditions of the Okta Certification Programme Agreement during the registration process and at the beginning of any Okta certification exam.  Acceptance of terms is required be officially certified and to maintain valid certification. Download the agreement and read it in full before scheduling your Okta exam. If you are not willing to be bound by the Agreement, you will not be allowed to take the exam.

You may reschedule or cancel an appointment up to 24 hours prior to the start of the appointment. You may not reschedule or cancel an exam appointment once it has started. If you do not complete the exam at the scheduled time and did not contact Examity 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule, you will be charged the full exam fee.

Refunds, if the cancellation policy was adhered to, will be processed for the credit card utilised during the appointment process.  More details about the refund policy can be found in the Certification Programme Handbook.