Creating an RA

If you want to host an RA in your institution, you will need to contact the helpdesk where we will guide you through the following steps.

Choosing a name for the RA

The name of the RA has two parts, the Organisational Unit (OU) and the Location (L). The OU is the institution hosting the RA. It should be the longest form of the institution name such as "www.institution-name.ac.uk" . So, for example, if you want to create an RA for the University of Datchworth and your website is "www.datchworth.ac.uk", then your OU should be OU=Datchworth.

The L is the department where the RA Manager and Operators work, for example L=Physics or L=ITServices.

Appointing an RA Manager

The RA Manager must be a paid employee of the Department and Institution where the RA is located. (S)he will be responsible for appointing RA Operators and making sure that the RA operates according to the CA regulations (CP/CPS).

To appoint an RA Manager, the head of the Department hosting the RA needs to send the RA Manager appointment letter by post to the CA. Please remember to include the letterhead of your institution and to replace all the relevant fields with your information. The letter must be signed by the Head of the Department.

Once the letter is received by the CA, the new RA can be created in the system.

Appointing one or more RA Operators

An RA must have one RA Manager and one or more RA Operators (the same person can be both Manager and Operator). The RA Operators are responsible for dealing with the certificate requests.

Three steps are required for becoming an RA Operator.

1. RA Operator letter of appointment: Very similar to the RA Manager appointment letter. It needs to be signed both by the RA Manager and by the appointed RA Operator. One letter must be used for each different RA Operator. If the RA Manager and the RA Operator are the same person please use the self-appointed RA Operator letter.
2. Attending an RA Training Course: All RA Operators must receive training where they will learn about certificates and the UK CA. This now normally done as an online course rather than face to face
3. Obtaining an RA Operator certificate. To carry out the RA Operator duties, a digital certificate belonging to the particular RA is required. This process is explained in detail in the RA Training course, and, as approval of certificates requires identity check, it is recommended to bring a photo id to the training course (preferably driving license or passport).

 Once all the steps are completed, the RA will be set up and ready to deal with user's requests.