The password itself is not stored in AD in decryptable form. As I understand it what is stored is a hash of the password and the date/time when the password was set. When a user logging on enters the password that value and the date/time when the password was last set are used to re-calculate the stored hash. if this is the same as the stored hash, the assumption is that the user entered a valid password.
Full Definition of CREDENTIAL. 1. : something that gives a title to credit or confidence; also: qualification 3a. 2. plural: testimonials or certified documents showing that a person is entitled to credit or has a right to exercise official power.
(November 2014). Healthcare professional credentials are credentials awarded to healthcare practitioners as a way to standardize level of education and ability to provide care. The credentials are seen behind the name of the practitioner in order of most permanent to least permanent (i.e., Jane Doe, PhD, RN, CCRN).