1. Gather and Present Required Documents

To get credentialed and receive a CPIC badge, you must personally present to the CPIC credentialing section a valid passport, company I.D., and a letter (on company letterhead) from your news organization. Local Iraqi media must also present their Jinsiya card. To see how the letter from your company should look please click on the sample letter of accreditation on this page.

2. Biometric Screening

All media representatives must be screened through our Biometric screening. The Biometric screening process includes an iris scan, fingerprinting, the taking of photos of the face from different angles, and a background check. The iris scan, fingerprinting and photo portion of the Biometric screening takes from 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how many media there are.  However, it will take up to three days for the background check to process. Once the background check has been returned with no issues, the CPIC badge will then be issued to the applicant. Screening information is valid for one year. The actual CPIC badge is valid for one year.

Provided the applicant’s Biometric screening information hasn’t expired and provided there is a bona fide continued need, the CPIC badge can be reissued immediately during the renewal process.

Applicants requiring Biometric screening can be seen between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please contact CPIC credentialing personnel in advance.

3. Hours of Operations and Contact Information

The credentialing section is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Baghdad time.  Credentialing section is closed Fridays.

For further questions please contact the Credentialing desk at (703) 270-0982 or DSN 239-0982 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thanks for your interest in the United States Forces - Iraq story. We look forward to working with you in telling that story.

4. Links to Required Forms

The link below is provided for the convenience and use of the those media organizations and individuals desiring credentials for use in Iraq or to be embedded with USF-I units in Iraq.

Sample Accreditation Letter: This link provides you a sample of press credentials issued to media personnel in Iraq.