SPSS - Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to receive SPSS?
This software is licensed by the University of Pennsylvania and is restricted to Institutional use only by Penn faculty and staff for Penn-related academic use or Penn-related academic research on a Penn-owned computer.
Users may only use the programs for Penn-related teaching/learning and non-commercial academic research on computers owned by Penn, except for Home Use licenses, which are installed on computers owned by the students or faculty.
Non-commercial academic research means research by degree seeking students and faculty members where (i) the results of such research are not intended primarily for the benefit of a third party; (ii) such results, when made available by Licensee at its sole determination, are made available to anyone without restriction on use, copying, or further distribution; and (iii) any copy of any such result is furnished for no more than the cost of hosting, reproduction, and shipping.
Any other use including but not limited to university administration and operations is prohibited.
Penn Medicine departments may use SPSS in connection with education, training, and non-commercial academic research on hospital premises. Hospital administration or clinical use is not permitted in this academic license.
Are students eligible to purchase SPSS?
The SPSS website provides resources for students to purchase the full version from a selection of third-party vendors. It also offers a free student trial account. Visit www.spss.com for details.
How do I purchase SPSS?
OSL has developed a new Kivuto Licensing Portal that allows for orders to be placed for this and most other software titles, allowing payment via BEN budget code. Please visit the How to Order page for directions.
Do I need to purchase Amos separately?
No, Amos is now included with SPSS Premium for Windows.
After you purchase SPSS, instructions on how to download and install the software will be provided on the Kivuto Website. Those instructions are reprinted below for your convenience:
Single License:
Your Authorization Codes for SPSS and Amos (Windows only) are listed above. Please take note of these Activation Codes (use copy function or write it down) as you will be asked to provide them when installing the SPSS software. Click the green button below to continue.
- If you are a returning user and wish to continue using the version you currently have, skip to step 2 to reauthorize your software license. If you are new to SPSS, or if you are a returning customer and wish to use the latest version of SPSS, click the green the green button below to download.
- How to apply an Authorization Code:
Windows: From the Windows Start Button, choose All Programs and the IBM SPSS Statistics folder. Select the IBM Statistics Authorization Wizard and enter the FY21 Authorization Code. (Note: Windows users may also download Amos. Follow the above steps to apply the Amos Authorization Code.)
Macintosh: In the Mac Applications folder, open IBM\SPSS\Statistics\29\SPSS Statistics License Authorization Wizard and enter the FY24 Authorization Code.
Concurrent License:
Click the green button below for instructions on how to download and install SPSS. Note that based on the order just placed, the Office of Software Licensing will create and send you an authorization code for Concurrent use that you will use in the installation process.
- If you are a returning user and wish to continue using the version you currently have, skip to step 2. If you are new to SPSS, or if you are a returning customer and wish to use the latest version of SPSS, click the green button below to download SPSS, Amos (Windows only), and the Concurrent License Tools (CLT) file.
- OSL will create a unique Authorization Code for the Concurrent version of SPSS (plus Amos if you order for Windows) and will send via email.
- Once you receive your Authorization Code from OSL, follow these steps to activate your software:
Windows: From the Windows Start Button, choose All Programs and the IBM SPSS Statistics folder. Select the IBM Statistics Authorization Wizard and enter the new Authorization Code. Windows users may also activate Amos using the Amos Authorization Code and the Amos Authorization Wizard.
Macintosh: In the Mac Applications folder, open IBM\SPSS\Statistics\29\SPSS Statistics License Authorization Wizard and enter the new Authorization Code.
After you purchase, SPSS go to the IBM website and click 'Customer sign in" on the right and register for an IBM ID as a New Customer.
I have a concurrent license and I get this message when I enter the authorization code: "All authorizations for the provided authorization code(s) have been utilized. No additional authorizations are permitted on this code." What does this mean?
The concurrent authorization code has a maximum number. You cannot exceed that number. Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and a new concurrrent code can be generated for you to fix the issue.
How do I get support for SPSS?
Call IBM Passport Advantage Customer Care at 1-800-978-2246 (Option 1). Customer must have a IBM ID before calling Customer Care.