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Installation Guide for CIS 6.0.1

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing CIS 6.0.1 on Windows systems.

Step 1: Download CIS Installer​

Navigate to the WorldSkills Member Area and download the CIS installer from the WorldSkills International website. You can access the download page at WorldSkills CIS Download Page.

WorldSkills CIS Download Page

Step 1.1: Locate Downloaded ZIP File​

After downloading, locate the compressed ZIP file in your Downloads folder (or the specified download location).

Downloaded ZIP File

The downloaded file will be named cis-6.0.1-win and appear as a Compressed (zipped) folder with a size of aproximative 160MB.

Step 1.2: Extract ZIP File​

Right-click on the ZIP file and select "Extract All" or use your preferred extraction method/software.

Extract ZIP Dialog

Extraction Options:

  • Destination: Choose where to extract files (default: C:\Users\UserName\Downloads\cis-6.0.1-win)
  • Show extracted files: Check this option to open the folder after extraction
  • Click Extract to proceed

Step 1.3: Access Extracted Files​

Navigate to the extracted folder to find the installation files.

Extracted Installation Files

Extracted Contents:

  • jvm/ folder - Java Virtual Machine files
  • cis-installer-6.0.1 - The actual installer application (95.139 KB)

Step 2: Launch Installation Wizard​

Double-click the cis-installer-6.0.1 file to begin the installation process.

Installation Welcome Screen

The installer wizard will launch, displaying the welcome screen for CIS 6.0.1.

Action Required

Click the Next button to continue.

Step 3: Accept License Agreement​

Review and accept the WorldSkills International End User License Agreement (EULA).

License Agreement

Key License Points:

  • Limited, revocable, non-exclusive license granted by WSI
  • Must be authorized by employer or member organization
  • Strict accordance with license terms required
  • Restrictions on reverse engineering and modifications
Action Required

Select "I accept the terms of this license agreement" and click Next.

Step 4: Choose Installation Directory​

Select the directory where CIS will be installed.

Installation Path Selection

Path Recommendations:

  • Default Path: C:\Program Files\cis\ (recommended)
  • Custom Path: Choose a location with adequate disk space
  • Permissions: Ensure the chosen directory allows write access
Action Required

Keep the default path or click Browse to select a different location, then click Next.

Step 5: Select Installation Components​

Choose which components to install.

Component Selection

Component Details:

  • CIS: The main server application (Required)
  • Size: 100.16 MB
Action Required

Ensure CIS is selected and click Next.

Step 6: Competition Setup Options​

Choose whether to create a new competition during installation.

New Competition Setup

Setup Options:

  • Create new competition: Start with a fresh competition setup
  • Upgrade existing: Migrate data from previous CIS installations

The installer offers to create a new CIS competition. This will upgrade any existing competitions or create a fresh installation.

Action Required

Check "Create a new CIS competition" if you want to set up a new competition, then click Next.

Step 7: Server Security Settings​

Configure SSL/TLS security settings for the CIS server.

Server Security Settings

Security Options:

  • Local installation: Ensure that the "Use SSL/TLS" is un-selected. SSL/TLS is not required for local installations; use HTTP instead.
Action Required

Un-check "Use SSL/TLS" if is selected. Click Next.

Step 8: Server Configuration​

Configure port numbers, file upload limits, and database settings.

Server Configuration

Configuration Options:

Port Configuration​

  • Port Number: 80 (default HTTP port)
  • Custom Port: Change if port 80 is in use

File Upload Settings​

  • Max File Upload Size: 10000000 bytes (10 MB)
  • Adjust as needed: Based on expected file sizes

Database Configuration​

  • Database Type: H2 (embedded database)
  • MySQL Option: Available for external database
  • H2 Database Path: C:\Program Files\cis\databases\
Action Required

Review settings and modify only if necessary, then click Next.

Step 9: Competition Configuration​

Set up the initial competition details and database credentials.

Competition Configuration

Competition Details:

Basic Information​

  • Competition Name: The competion name (e.g., "WorldSkills 2026")
  • URL Path: / (root path)
  • Competition Scale: Select the scale of your competition (e.g., "National", "International")

Database Information​

  • Database Name: cis (default name)
  • Username: admin (default, can be changed)
  • Password: (set secure password)
  • Retype Password: (confirm password)
important

The database user specified will be created during installation and becomes the admin user for the new database. Ensure you remember these credentials as they might be necessary to access the database later. There is no way to recover the password if forgotten, so choose a secure one and store it safely.

Action Required

Enter your competition details and database credentials, then click Next.

Step 10: Admin User Setup​

Create the initial administrator account for CIS.

Admin User Setup

Administrator Details:

  • Username: admin (default, can be changed)
  • Password: Choose a strong password
  • Retype Password: Confirm the password

This will be the only user initially available to log into the new CIS installation.

Security Tip

Use a strong password containing uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Ensure you remember this username/password combination as it will be required to log in for the first time. There is no password recovery option available.After installation, you can create additional user accounts with different roles and permissions.

Action Required

Enter administrator credentials and click Next.

Configure data collection settings for WorldSkills International.

Data Collection Settings

Data Collection Details:

  • Purpose: CIS configuration and usage statistics
  • Scope: Number of Skills, Experts, and Competitors per skill
  • Privacy: No personal data relating to Competitors or others
  • Compliance: WSI is GDPR compliant

Consent Options:

  • Country Selection: Choose your country from dropdown
  • Checkbox: "I agree to allow WorldSkills International to collect usage data"

WorldSkills International may collect data on CIS usage to produce statistics on skills competitions globally.

Action Required

This step is totaly optional and it can be skipped. Select your country, check the consent box if you agree, then click Next.

Step 12: Installation Progress​

Monitor the installation progress as files are copied and configured.

Installation Progress

The installer will display progress bars showing:

  • Pack installation progress: File extraction and copying
  • Overall installation progress: Complete installation status (1/1)
note

This process may take several minutes depending on your system performance.

Step 13: Configuration Processing​

The installer configures the database and system settings.

Configuration Processing

Look for the "New CIS instance configured!" message indicating successful setup. If you see this message, it means the installation has completed successfully. and you can proceed to the next step.

Step 14: Installation Complete​

The installation provides the access URL for your new CIS instance.

Installation Complete

Access Details:

  • URL: http://WS02/ (replace WS02 with your computer name)
  • Port: 80 (default HTTP port)
important

Make note of the exact path. The computer name (WS02 in this example) will be your actual computer name.

Step 15: Final Confirmation​

The installer confirms successful completion.

Installation Success

The installer displays a green checkmark and confirmation message: "Installation has completed successfully.

Action Required

Click Done to finish the installation process.

Post-Installation​

After installation completes, verify your CIS installation.

Step 16: Locate Installation Files​

Navigate to the installation directory to verify files:

Installation Files

Key Files and Folders:

  • content/ - Application content files
  • databases/ - H2 database files
  • jvm/ - Java Virtual Machine
  • lib/ - Library files
  • startup - Application startup executable (highlighted in red)
  • config - Configuration application
  • shutdown - Application shutdown utility

Step 17: Start CIS Server​

Double-click the startup executable to launch CIS:

CIS Startup

Startup Process:

  • Console Window: Shows CIS system running
  • URL Display: http://WS02/ (this will be your actual access URL after installation)
note

Keep this console window open while using CIS. Closing it will stop the service.

Step 18: Access CIS Web Interface​

Open a web browser and navigate to your CIS URL:

Web Browser Access

Browser Configuration:

  • URL: Use the URL provided during installation (e.g., http://YourCompterName/) - the same URL you noted in Step 14 or you can see it in the console window.

Step 19: First Login​

Log in using the administrator credentials created during installation (in step 10):

CIS Login Screen

Login Details:

  • Username: admin (or custom username you set)
  • Password: The password you created during installation

Successful login confirms your CIS installation is working correctly.

Step 20: CIS Dashboard​

After successful login, you'll see the CIS main interface:

CIS Dashboard

This confirms that your CIS installation is fully operational and ready for setu and configuration.

🛠️ Troubleshooting​

Common Installation Issues​

ZIP Extraction Problems

  • ❗ Cannot extract ZIP file
  • 💡 Ensure you have sufficient disk space and proper permissions
  • 💡 Use a reliable extraction tool (e.g., WinRAR, 7-Zip or Windows built-in extractor)

Port Conflicts

  • ❗ Port 80 already in use
  • 💡 Choose a different port (e.g., 8080) during server configuration
  • 💡 Ensure no other services (like IIS or Apache) are running on port 80
  • 💡 Check for other applications using port 80 (e.g., Skype, IIS) and close them

Administrator Rights

  • ❗ Installation fails due to permissions
  • 💡 Run installer as Administrator (right-click > "Run as administrator")
  • 💡 Ensure you have administrative privileges on the system

Database Connection

  • ❗ Cannot connect to database
  • 💡 Verify database credentials and ensure H2 database path is accessible
  • 💡 Check if the H2 database service is running

Web Access Issues

  • ❗ Cannot access CIS via web browser
  • 💡 Check firewall settings and ensure CIS service is running
  • 💡 Ensure you are using the correct URL (http://YourComputerName/) and http not https
  • 💡 Clear browser cache or try a different browser