A service tool credential management system comprising: a service tool comprising: a storage medium configured to store a plurality of instructions; and at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to: execute the instructions to: send a credential request from the service tool to a networked server over a first communication pathway to access an equipment controller with the service tool, wherein the equipment controller is configured to control and monitor one or more elevator or escalator components; receive an access credential responsive to the credential request; and utilize one or more fields of the access credential during interaction with the equipment controller over a second communication pathway to enable a level of access for the service tool to the equipment controller corresponding to the access credential, a direct link being established between the equipment controller and the service tool using the second communication pathway; wherein one or more third communication pathways are arranged for the equipment controller to communicate with the networked server to verify one or more fields of the access credential of the service tool; and wherein the level of access for the service tool is set based on a location of a system controlled by the equipment controller, and the one or more fields of the access credential comprise at least one key associated with the location, the system, and the level of access. a service tool comprising: a storage medium configured to store a plurality of instructions; and at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to: execute the instructions to: send a credential request from the service tool to a networked server over a first communication pathway to access an equipment controller with the service tool, wherein the equipment controller is configured to control and monitor one or more elevator or escalator components; receive an access credential responsive to the credential request; and utilize one or more fields of the access credential during interaction with the equipment controller over a second communication pathway to enable a level of access for the service tool to the equipment controller corresponding to the access credential, a direct link being established between the equipment controller and the service tool using the second communication pathway; wherein one or more third communication pathways are arranged for the equipment controller to communicate with the networked server to verify one or more fields of the access credential of the service tool; and wherein the level of access for the service tool is set based on a location of a system controlled by the equipment controller, and the one or more fields of the access credential comprise at least one key associated with the location, the system, and the level of access. send a credential request from the service tool to a networked server over a first communication pathway to access an equipment controller with the service tool, wherein the equipment controller is configured to control and monitor one or more elevator or escalator components; receive an access credential responsive to the credential request; and utilize one or more fields of the access credential during interaction with the equipment controller over a second communication pathway to enable a level of access for the service tool to the equipment controller corresponding to the access credential, a direct link being established between the equipment controller and the service tool using the second communication pathway; wherein one or more third communication pathways are arranged for the equipment controller to communicate with the networked server to verify one or more fields of the access credential of the service tool; and wherein the level of access for the service tool is set based on a location of a system controlled by the equipment controller, and the one or more fields of the access credential comprise at least one key associated with the location, the system, and the level of access.