> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.healthsherpa.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.healthsherpa.com/on-exchange-api-documentation/getting-started/onboarding/accessing-the-healthsherpa-staging-environment.md).
# Accessing the HealthSherpa staging environment
### Basic Authentication
Staging requires a Basic Authentication credential pair, which, if necessary for you integration, will be provided to you by a HealthSherpa implementation manager.
{% hint style="info" %}
Note: these credentials are to access the staging environment. You'll also be provided with separate test agent accounts to use while developing and testing. These credentials are not required in Production and should not be provided in Production.
{% endhint %}
#### **Basic Authentication (Browser)**
When you access the staging environment through a browser, you will be presented with a basic authentication input when you visit the site. This is what that looks like.
#### **Basic Authentication (System-to-System)**
When accessing staging through a system-to-system API request, such as the REST endpoints, you'll need to automate the initial login to staging. You will need to submit the basic authentication credentials via the request headers.
The username / password pair should be joined via a `:` (eg. `username:password`) and then Base64 encoded. The resulting string should be set on the Authorization header.
For example:
`Authorization: Basic aGVsbG86d29ybGQ=`
---
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