First Steps

Now that you've joined MyNATCA, let's get your account set up properly. Following these steps will ensure you have full access to all member benefits and features.

Step 1: Complete Your Profile

After creating your account, make sure your profile is complete:

Required Information

• Full Name: Your legal name as it appears on NATCA records
• Email Address: Your primary contact email (preferably personal, not work)
• Facility Information: Your current facility or workplace
• Phone Number: For important notifications and verification

How to Update Your Profile

1. Log into your MyNATCA account
2. Click on your profile picture or name in the top right
3. Select "Profile Settings"
4. Fill in all required fields
5. Click "Save Changes"

Step 2: Verify Your Email Address

Email verification is required for account security:

1. Check your email for a verification message from MyNATCA
2. Click the verification link in the email
3. You'll be redirected back to MyNATCA with confirmation
4. If you don't see the email, check your spam folder

Didn't receive the email?

• Click "Resend Verification Email" in your profile settings
• Contact support if you continue having issues

Step 3: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (Recommended)

For enhanced security, we recommend enabling two-factor authentication:

1. Go to "Profile Settings" → "Security"
2. Click "Enable Two-Factor Authentication"
3. Download an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.)
4. Scan the QR code with your authenticator app
5. Enter the code from your app to confirm setup

Step 4: Complete Your Member Registration

Since you registered with your NATCA member number, you already have access to member-only features. Just make sure your information is accurate:

1. Review your facility information in your profile
2. Update your position/role if needed
3. Set notification preferences for important updates
4. Verify your contact information is current

Need to update your member number? Contact support.natca.org (opens in a new tab) for assistance.

Step 5: Join the Discord Community

Connect with fellow members in real-time:

1. Click the "Join Discord" button in your dashboard
2. Follow the Discord invitation link
3. Complete Discord verification (separate process)
4. Introduce yourself in the #introductions channel

New to Discord? Check our Discord Guide for detailed instructions.

Step 6: Explore Your Dashboard

Once verified, your dashboard will show:

Quick Links

• Member benefits and discounts
• Contract information and updates
• Training resources and materials
• Upcoming events and meetings

Notifications

• Important NATCA announcements
• Facility-specific updates
• System notifications and alerts

Member Services

• Submit support requests
• Access member-only content
• Download forms and documents

Common First Steps Issues

"My verification is taking too long"

• Verification typically takes 1-3 business days
• Make sure all information is accurate and complete
• Contact support if it's been more than 5 business days

"I can't find my member ID"

• Check your NATCA membership card
• Contact your facility's NATCA representative
• Email membership@natca.org for assistance

"My facility isn't listed"

• Contact support to have your facility added
• Provide facility name, identifier, and location

"I'm getting error messages"

• Try refreshing the page and logging in again
• Clear your browser cache and cookies
• Contact support if errors persist

What's Next?

After completing these first steps:

1. MyNATCA Account Registration - Detailed registration guide
2. Join Discord - Connect with the community
3. Explore Member Benefits - See what's available to you

Need Help?

If you run into any issues during setup:

• Quick Questions: Check our FAQ
• Account Issues: Submit a support ticket through your dashboard
• Technical Problems: Email support@mynatca.org
• Discord Help: Ask in the #tech-support channel

Remember: Complete verification is required to access all member features and benefits.