A framework is provided that decouples credential acquisition from authentication processes using those credentials in a way that facilitates dynamic update of credential information. An authentication component may receive credential information for authentication of a user or a device for access to a resource. During interactions with an external authenticator, the authentication component may identify that updated credential information is required and issue a request to the application including credential parameters defining the updated credential information. An application component receiving the request may acquire updated credential information from a user or another entity. In addition, the authentication method may issue notifications to the application. The framework enables the application to update credentials in a context specific way.