---
title: Search entry criteria
description: Search entry criteria configuration for matching search result entries, which contain a DN, attributes, and an optional set of controls.
component: pingdirectory
version: 10.2
page_id: pingdirectory:pingdirectory_security_guide:pd_sec_search_entry_criteria
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingdirectory/11.1/pingdirectory_security_guide/pd_sec_search_entry_criteria.html
llms_txt: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingdirectory/llms.txt
docs_for_agents: https://developer.pingidentity.com/build-with-ai/docs-for-agents.md
revdate: 2023-09-13T00:00:00Z
superseded_by: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingdirectory/11.1/pingdirectory_security_guide/pd_sec_search_entry_criteria.html
---

# Search entry criteria

Use search entry criteria when matching search result entries, which are entries that match search criteria and are intended to be returned to the client.

They contain the DN and set of attributes that you typically find in an entry, and they can also optionally include a set of controls.