# Getting Started
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/community-pass-payment-apis/documentation/getting-started/index.md

## Before You Start {#before-you-start}

To start using the MCPP APIs, you must first sign-up for an account on [Mastercard Developers Portal](https://developers.mastercard.com). Create a project and then select **Community Pass Payment APIs** from the API list. Once created, you will have access to the Sandbox environment where you can test authentication and validate your connectivity using the provided sandbox key. You can test the API in the Sandbox environment using the data of your choice before moving to Production. Refer to the [Quick Start Guide](https://developer.mastercard.com/community-pass-payment-apis/documentation/quick-start/index.md) for more information.

Once you are ready to go live, follow these steps for [requesting your Production access](https://developer.mastercard.com/community-pass-payment-apis/documentation/api-tutorials/move-to-production/index.md). A contractual agreement needs to be signed before your production access is approved for you to access the APIs.

Tip: If you don't have a Mastercard representative, send a request to [compass.support@mastercard.com](mailto:compass.support@mastercard.com) for further help.

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## Next Step {#next-step}

To learn more about integrating with the MCPP APIs, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the [API Basics](https://developer.mastercard.com/community-pass-payment-apis/documentation/api-basics/index.md).