# Getting Started

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden data-type="users" data-multiple></th><th data-hidden data-type="users" data-multiple></th><th data-hidden data-type="users" data-multiple></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Step 1</td><td><mark style="color:green;">Sign up</mark></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Step 2</td><td><mark style="color:green;">Get credential</mark></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Step 3</td><td><mark style="color:green;">Define Endpoint</mark></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Follow the steps below to learn how to quickly start sending messaging using 9bits VAS API:

## 1. Sign up

Using the VAS API starts with signing up for a free account on the [9bits Customer Dashboard](https://dashboard.9bits.net/). If you already have an account, skip this step.

## 2. Get credentials

You need an API Token which is required for each requests to the VAS API. These tokens are created automatically on the [Customer Dashboard](https://dashboard.9bits.net) for each account. You can find your token security tab, under Settings

## 3. Define Endpoint

This is necessary for receiving all subscriber SMS MO and lifecycle events. Go to [Customer Dashboard](https://dashboard.9bits.net) and then navigate to the Settings page. Under "Callback Endpoints" tab, enter your endpoint URL.

{% hint style="info" %}
All our endpoints will request for your API token, so keep them handy.
{% endhint %}


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://developer.9bits.net/value-added-services/content-services/getting-started.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.