Remote Access

I. Prerequisites for Accessing Cris Remotely

You can access CRIS remotely either by going directly through CCCitrixAccess or via the NIH VPN. Your workstation must be registered in CRIS, and PIV is required.

Note: Accessing or printing from local disk drives within CRIS requires a VPN connection.

A. Install Citrix Workspace ClientYou will need to download and install the latest Citrix client on your workstation. View the current supported Citrix Client installation and instructions .You will need your NIH PIV card and PIN to login .
Requirements: NIH PIV card reader and software

B. Register Your Workstation in CRIS (Desktop Computer or Laptop)All computers must be registered to access CRIS both on and off the NIH campusCall CC Support Center 301-496-8400 and provide your computer's nameTo determine the name of your computer/workstation, see the document How to Locate a Workstation Name (NIH Only)

C. NIH PIV Card Card With Reader and Software

screenshot of CITRIX NIH PIV login window

II. Methods to Access CRIS

There are two ways to log onto the NIH network remotely (outside the NIH campus):

1. Direct CCCitrixAccess With PIV Card

  • Note: printing and accessing local drives from CRIS are not permitted when connecting directly to CCCitrixAccess
  • Prerequisite: PIV reader and software
  • Insert your PIV card into the card reader. You will need to enter your NIH username and PIV password
  • Go to CC Citrix Access

2. CCCitrixAccess through Virtual Private Network (NIH VPN)

This requires an account and applies to all employees, contractors and employees.

To obtain a VPN account, certain individual requirements must be met:
Be in the NIH Active DirectoryHave an NIH email account, andComplete the NIH Information Security and Privacy Awareness training :NIH Information Security Awareness CourseNIH Privacy Awareness CourseSecuring Remote ComputerRemote Access User Certification Agreement

Process for VPN Account:
Individual requests a VPN account from their Supervisor, Dept. Chief, or Contract Project OfficerRequest is forwarded to respective Administrative OfficerIndividual informs Administrative Officer that Security and Privacy Awareness training is completedAdministrative Officer authorizes the individual to have an NIH VPN accountEmail notification is sent to the NIH VPN group, the individual, and the Administrative Officer that the VPN account has been approvedEmail instructions are sent to the individual, including details on computer setup for the VPN as well as direction to contact CIT helpdesk for assistance if needed.

Access CCCitrixAccess after connecting to NIH VPN:
Connect to https://cccitrixaccess.cc.nih.gov

III. Need Assistance

If You Are a Clinical Center Employee

  • For NIH Clinical Center users, the Department of Clinical Research Informatics (DCRI) User Support Team will provide assistance to update your workstation if needed so it is able to access the Citrix web site. Please contact the CC Service Center at 301-496-8400 for assistance.

If You Work for an NIH Institute or Are a Vendor

  • Please contact your Institute local support if problems persist or for further assistance.
  • For users that work outside the NIH Clinical Center network (e.g., NIH Institutes other than CC and remote access to CC Citrix), you will need to download and install the latest Citrix client on your workstation.