> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.iafcertsearch.org/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.iafcertsearch.org/docs/ftp-access/how-it-works.md).

# How it works

If you have setup the FTP in IAF CertSearch, then it will be automatically downloaded/fetched by IAF CertSearch FTP Crawler and looking for the nominated files according to account type (Accreditation Body, Certification Body).

> IAF CertSearch will access your FTP server in order to download/fetch the nominated file(s) every 24 hours.

### Prerequisites

* Create/Activate your account in IAF CertSearch.
* Submit your FTP server information.
* Download the file template. Ensure your file is in the same format as the template. Do not change the Column Sequence or Tabs.
* Upload your file(s) to the provided FTP Server.

### Requirement

Enter your FTP information in the “FTP access” section within Data Management. Ensure your server information and FILENAME(s) are defined to match the IAF CertSearch FTP requirements.

### Access to FTP server

Once you have completed the FTP Information, IAF CertSearch will access the FTP server and grab the file(s) every 24 hours.