Purchase and Access Help for StudentsSkip to main content.

Register Access Code

Enter your access code (SAM: key code) on your Cengage dashboard to gain access to your online course materials.

Your access code (SAM: key code) is proof of purchase for your courseware or eBook. If you purchased from a bookstore or other retailer, you must apply your access code (SAM: key code) to your account to access course materials after the grace period.

You do not need an access code if you purchased from cengage.com , subscribed to Cengage Unlimited, or your school purchased Cengage access for you.

If you have a multi-term access code from a print book or online purchase, you do not need to re-enter the code or provide payment after the first term. You will have access to your course materials until the end of your multi-term course.
  1. If needed, sign in or create a Cengage account.

    Sign in

    1. Enter your username and click Next.
    2. Enter your password and click Sign In.

    Create an Account

    1. Click Create Account.
    2. When asked if you're a student, click Yes.
    3. Enter your institutional email address and click Next.
    4. Enter the requested information.
    5. Select I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and click Next.
      Cengage sends you an activation email.
    6. Open the activation email and click Activate Cengage Account.
    7. Set your password.
      Note
      Your password must contain:
      • at least 8 characters
      • a lowercase letter
      • an uppercase letter
      • a number
      • no parts of your username
  2. On your dashboard, click Enter Access Code or Course Key.
  3. Enter your access code (SAM: key code) and click Register.