> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://vself-project.gitbook.io/vself-project-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://vself-project.gitbook.io/vself-project-documentation/verifiable-credentials-toolkit/roles-definition.md).

# Roles definition

Status: in development

The vSelf verifiable credential toolkit defines several roles in the credential management process: 

* Issuer
* Holder
* Subject
* Authority
* Verifier
* Validator
* Curator

**Issuer** is a person or organization that sets up the credential metadata and mints the credential for the holder's NEAR wallet. 

**Holder** is a person or organization that owns the credential in her NEAR wallet. 

The data presented in the credential is applied to the credential **subject** - a person, organization or object. The subject often matches with the holder or is owned by the holder. 

Credential **authority** is a person or organization that is affiliated with the credential and provides an additional signature to the credential. 

**Verifier** is an entity that checks the information in the credential and can make a conclusion about the credential validation. The verifier can be a person, organization, or smart contract method.  

**Validator** is a person or organization that has the appropriate expertise to deeply check the information from the credential and makes a decision about the credential approval. 

**Curator** is a person or organization that has the right to update some of the credential metadata. <br>