Language consistency

Instructions and descriptions that use consistent wording helps individuals understand and predict how something will work. Individuals can respond more quickly and confidently when they see they see the same information again.

Consistent wording also makes help desk calls smoother. The help desk can assess a problem much quicker when all websites use the same terms.

Login

The B.C. government standard term is “login” or “log in”. This means the action that an individual takes to prove who they are before they can access a secure website.

• “Login” is used as a noun or adjective in sentences, and on buttons or action links
• “Log in” is only used as a verb in sentences to describe an action
   

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Example: In sentences

Use:

	You can log in by clicking the login button in the main menu.
	Log in with your BCeID to access your B.C. government benefits account.
	The BC Services Card login website will guide you through a few extra steps the first time you log in.
	You will go to a secure website to log in and automatically return.

Don't use:

	Login with your BCeID to access your B.C. government benefits account.
	Logon with your BCeID to access...
	Sign in with your BCeID to access...

 

Example: On buttons or actions links

Use:

	Login or Log in
	Log in with BCeID
	Log in with Basic BCeID
	Log in with BC Services Card
	Log in with IDIR

Don't use:

	Sign in
	Logon

 

Logout

The B.C. government standard term is “logout” or “log out”.  This is what an individual does to end their session on a secure website.

• “Logout” is used as a noun or adjective in sentences, and on buttons or action links
• “Log out” is only used as a verb in sentences to describe action 
   

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Example: In sentences

Use:

	You can log out by clicking the logout button in the header
	Make sure you log out when using a public computer

Don't use:

Make sure you logout when using a public computer

 

Example: On buttons or action links

Use:

Logout or Log out

 

Don't use:

	Log off
	Sign out

 

BCeID

BCeID is the proper name of a login credential. It isn't an acronym – don't try to explain meaning for each character.

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Example: General use

Use:

BCeID

Don't use:

BCeID (British Columbia Electronic Identification)

 

Example: When specifying a type of BCeID

Use:

	Basic BCeID
	Business BCeID
	Personal BCeID

Note: The terms should be capitalized because they're proper nouns.

Don't use: 

	basic BCeID
	business BCeID
	personal BCeID

 

Example: When writing about logging in with your BCeID account

Use:

	BCeID User ID
	Enter your BCeID user ID
	To log in with your BCeID account you will enter your BCeID user ID and password.

Don't use:

	User ID
	BCeID username
	Enter your BCeID user id

 

Example: On buttons or action links

Use:

	Register for a BCeID Note: only do this if you accept more than one type of BCeID
	Register for a Basic BCeID
	Register your Business for a BCeID account
	Register for a Personal BCeID

Note: Link to the registration page using the custom link for your website. That way the individual can automatically return to your website if they complete the registration process. 

Don't use:

	Sign up for a BCeID
	Acquire a BCeID
	Obtain a BCeID
	Create a BCeID
	Register for a Business BCeID

 

Example: When describing BCeID or writing about registering for a BCeID account

Use:

	BCeID is a user ID and password - once you have one, you can use it to log in to many participating government services.
	If you don’t have a Basic BCeID, you must register for one before you can log in. Once you’re registered, you’ll automatically return – it only takes a few minutes to register.

Don't use:

	BCeID is an Online Service that makes it possible for you to use your user ID and password to sign in securely to BCeID participating Government Online Services
	BCeID is an online service that makes it possible for you to use one user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia.
	BCeID is an online government-wide authentication service that allows you to use the same login ID and password to sign in securely to any participating government web site or service. As more government services are available electronically over the Internet, you will be able to log on with your one login ID and password for everything.

 

IDIR

IDIR is the proper name of a login credential. It isn't an acronym – don't try to explain meaning for each character. IDIR accounts are given to individuals who work for the B.C. government. Each account has an IDIR username and password for logging in. Don’t use the word “employees” when describing IDIR as this term can cause confusion because IDIR accounts are also used by contractors and others who aren't employees.

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Example: When mentioning or describing IDIR

Use:

	IDIR (all uppercase)
	IDIR is only used by B.C. government workers

Don't use:

	IDir
	IDIR is for internal BC Government employees

 

Example: When writing about logging in with an IDIR

Use:

	IDIR Username       Note: 'IDIR username' is a legacy term that is most commonly used at this time.
	Enter your IDIR username
	To log in with your IDIR account you will enter your IDIR username and password

Don't use:

	IDIR:
	Enter your IDIR
	IDIR user ID

 

BC Services Card

A BC Services Card can be used to set the BC Services Card app as a login credential. Don't make it into an acronym, such as BCSC.

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Example: On buttons or action links

Use:

	Log in with BC Services Card
	Learn how to use your BC Services Card to log in Note: Link this to http://gov.bc.ca/bcservicescard – don't duplicate this content or provide your own instructions that are different.

Don't use:

	Sign up for a BC Services Card
	Register for a BC Services Card
	Setup your card

 

Example: When describing BC Services Card 

Use:

	A BC Services Card provides secure access to government services. Note: Link “BC Services Card” to http://gov.bc.ca/bcservicescard
	The BC Services Card app is digital ID on your mobile device. It's government's trusted way to securely access services online.

 

 

First time login

An individual registers for a BCeID account if they don't have one. Avoid using “register” on your website as well because it creates a confusing process.  For example, an individual must register for a BCeID and then register for your website. Instead, for your website use terms like: “sign up for,” “apply for,” “create an account,” “enroll in”.

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Example: First time login text

Use:

	Apply
	Sign up
	New user?
	Enroll

Don't use:

	Register
	Subscribe Note: This term is not recommended as a call to action for getting access to a website. It’s most commonly used for situations where individuals are arranging to receive something on a regular basis (e.g. newsletters)