PASSWORD parameter

Parameter type

Keyword, optional

Note: Do not specify this parameter for a started task; if PASSWORD is specified, the job will fail.

Purpose

Use the PASSWORD parameter to identify a current RACF® password or specify a new RACF password. You can specify a new password at any time and must specify a new password when your current one expires.

If the installation contains the installation exit routine used to verify the password, a new password specified in the PASSWORD parameter takes effect when the job is read in. The new password takes effect even if the job is held for execution later and may take effect even if the job fails because of JCL errors. When changing the password, other jobs that use the new or old password may fail, depending on when their passwords are verified.

If the installation contains the feature for propagation of the user and group identification, the USER and the PASSWORD parameters are required, and the GROUP parameter is optional on JOB statements only for the following:

Batch jobs submitted through an input stream, such as a card reader, (1) if the job requires access to RACF-protected resources or (2) if the installation requires that all jobs have RACF identification.
Jobs submitted by one RACF-defined user for another user. In this case, the JOB statement must specify the other user’s userid and may need a password. The group id is optional.
Jobs that execute at another network node that uses RACF protection.

Otherwise, the USER, PASSWORD, and GROUP parameters can be omitted from JOB statements. RACF uses the userid, password, and default group id of the submitting TSO/E user or job.

References

For more information on using RACF-protected facilities, see the z/OS Security Server RACF Security Administrator's Guide.

Considerations for an APPC scheduling environment

The PASSWORD parameter has no function in an APPC scheduling environment. If you code PASSWORD, the system will check it for syntax and ignore it.