## Overview

Ascend Public API documentation is open for viewing without login. Sandbox API execution requires provisioned credentials.

These credentials must be provisioned before any API calls can be executed.

## What You Need for Sandbox Access

Sandbox environment requires three values:

| Value | Provided By | Purpose |
|  --- | --- | --- |
| Client ID | HS1 Support | Identifies the assigned application |
| Client Secret | HS1 Support | Used to generate access tokens |
| Organization ID | HS1 Support | Determines which org you are calling within Sandbox |


Developers do not create sandbox organizations or client apps directly.

## Requesting Initial Credentials

Open a Helpdesk ticket and include:

- Company / vendor name
- Technical contact (lead developer recommended)
- Request for Sandbox application + credentials for Public API onboarding


Support will create the app and return Client ID, Secret, and Org ID.

## Getting an Access Token

An endpoint to retrieve an access token will be documented in this portal (and will appear inside Swagger under Authentication). The same client credentials model applies to both Sandbox and Production, but with different URLs.

## Credential Behavior

- Sandbox creds = used only in Sandbox
- Production creds = separate issuance
- Tokens may be cached by backend systems for performance


## Sandbox and Production URLs

Sandbox and Production use different base URLs. These will be added here once finalized and published.

## After You Have Sandbox Access

Next step: Use the Create a Customer guide to perform your first customer creation workflow.