A method for registering an intelligent electronic device with a certification authority. The method includes enrolling a configuration tool at the certification authority; generating a one-time password for the intelligent electronic device and storing the one-time password in the certification authority and in the configuration tool; connecting to the intelligent electronic device with the configuration tool, wherein the configuration tool authenticates at the intelligent electronic device; sending the one-time password from the configuration tool to the intelligent electronic device; enrolling the intelligent electronic device at the certification authority with the one-time password and registering the intelligent electronic device with the certification authority; and receiving a device certificate from the certification authority in the intelligent electronic device.