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How to fix the INVALID_SESSION error when claiming your POK credential

INVALID_SESSION means your browser is blocking the third-party cookie POK needs to keep your session active while you claim your POK Proof of Knowledge credential from a course in Moodle, Blackboard, or Canvas. Enabling third-party cookies takes a couple of minutes, and then you can claim your credential normally.

What this error means​

POK runs inside your course as an embedded tool. To keep you signed in, it needs to store a small session cookie in your browser. When the browser blocks that cookie, POK cannot keep your session active and shows the INVALID_SESSION error. There is nothing wrong with your account or your credential.

Most common cause​

The most common cause is that your browser has third-party cookies blocked. Because POK loads inside your LMS, the browser treats its session cookie as a third-party cookie and rejects it. This is the default setting in several browsers, so it can happen even if you never changed anything.

How to fix it: enable third-party cookies​

Follow the steps for the browser you are using, then reload your course page.

Mozilla Firefox​

  1. On your course page, click the shield icon on the left side of the address bar.
  2. Turn off Enhanced Tracking Protection for this site.
  3. Reload the page.

Microsoft Edge​

  1. Open the menu (three dots) in the top-right corner and select Settings.
  2. Go to Cookies and site permissions, then Manage and delete cookies and site data.
  3. Turn off Block third-party cookies.
  4. Go back to your course and reload the page.

Safari (Mac)​

  1. In the menu bar, open Safari and select Settings (or Preferences in older versions).
  2. Open the Privacy tab.
  3. Uncheck Prevent cross-site tracking and make sure Block all cookies is not selected.
  4. Go back to your course and reload the page.

Google Chrome​

  1. Open the menu (three dots) in the top-right corner and select Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy and security, then Third-party cookies.
  3. Select Allow third-party cookies.
  4. Go back to your course and reload the page.

Claim your credential again​

Once third-party cookies are enabled, return to your course and open the My POK Credentials tool. The POK screen should now load correctly and you can claim your credential without issues.

If the error persists, make sure you are using a regular browser window. Private or incognito windows often block third-party cookies even when your normal settings allow them.