Abstract: A computerized method of authenticating credentials of an individual includes receiving credentials relating to the individual, obtaining from a third party authentication of said credentials, accepting or rejecting an individual based upon the authentication results and permitting remote access to credentials of approved or accepted individuals to confirm certification of the credentials by the authenticating agency. The accepted individual may be provided with indicia showing certification or approval by the authenticating agency. In another embodiment of the invention, third parties may be permitted access to the authenticating agency's website in order to enable them to obtain credentials on a number of accepted individuals with searches being conducted on any of a number of fields, such as individual name, occupation, geographic location and the like. Related computerized apparatus is provided.