What’s a certificate? (2024)

What’s a certificate? (1)

A certificate is an attachment to an electronic document that allows the safe transfer of information over the internet. Certificates are used by web browsers and mail and texting apps.

When you communicate with a secure site, the information exchanged with the site is encrypted. This protects your login information, credit card numbers, addresses, and other secure data.

In macOS, certificates are part of your digital identity and are stored in your keychain. Keychain Access lets you manage your certificates and keychains.

Open Keychain Access for me

Certificates are issued by trusted organizations, such as VeriSign, Inc., or RSA Data Security, Inc. When you go to a secure website, macOS checks the site’s certificate and compares it with certificates that are known to be legitimate. If the website’s certificate is not recognized, or if the site doesn’t have one, you receive a message.

The validity of a certificate is verified electronically using the public key infrastructure, or PKI. Certificates consist of your public key, the identity of the organization, the certificate authority (CA) that signed your certificate, and other data that may be associated with your identity.

A certificate is usually restricted for particular uses, such as digital signatures, encryption, and use with web servers. This is called the “key use” restriction. Although it’s possible to create one certificate for multiple uses, it’s unusual to make one for all possible uses. Creating a certificate for multiple uses is also less secure.

A certificate is valid only for a limited time; it then becomes invalid and must be replaced with a newer version. The certificate authority can also revoke a certificate before it expires.

If you need to send a certificate to someone, you can export it using Keychain Access then send it through email or by other means. Likewise, if someone sends you a certificate, you can add it to your keychain by dragging it onto the Keychain Access icon, or by using the Import menu in Keychain Access.

What’s a certificate? (2024)

FAQs

What’s a certificate? ›

1. : a document containing a certified statement especially as to the truth of something. specifically : a document certifying that one has fulfilled the requirements of and may practice in a field. 2. : something serving the same end as a certificate.

What do you mean by certificate? ›

A certificate is an official document that you receive when you have completed a course of study or training. The qualification that you receive is sometimes also called a certificate.

What is the purpose of a certificate? ›

Certificates also enable secure, confidential communication between two entities. There are different kinds of certificates, such as personal certificates, used by individuals, and server certificates, used to establish secure sessions between the server and clients through secure sockets layer (SSL) technology.

What are certificates in school? ›

What is a Certificate? A certificate is awarded after completing a shorter program that concentrates on a specific field of expertise rather than an entire course of study.

What are certificates for a job? ›

What is a certification? A certification is an official document given by a professional organization that shows that you have the necessary knowledge and skills needed to do a specific job. Many industries have some sort of certification that you can earn.

What is an example of a certificate? ›

The broadest type of certification is profession-wide, a type of certification that is portable to wherever the certified professional may work. For example, a Certified Public Accountant can practice as a CPA across the accounting profession. Other examples might include: CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst )

How does a certificate work? ›

If the browser trusts the certificate, it creates, encrypts, and sends back a symmetric session key using the server's public key. Server decrypts the symmetric session key using its private key and sends back an acknowledgement encrypted with the session key to start the encrypted session.

Why would I need a certificate? ›

Certificate programs enable you to gain expertise in a specific field and improve your competencies in this field. Employers evaluate the holders of such documents as individuals who have proven that they have particular knowledge and skills. This is an essential step for you to advance in your career.

What can a certificate do? ›

A certification is generally intended for professionals who need to verify their professional knowledge and skills with an official credential, and have passed an exam or met industry standards proving their expertise.

Who gives a certificate? ›

Universities, professional institutions and other associations can accredit certificates.

Is getting a certificate worth it? ›

Are certifications better than degrees? In many situations, certifications can be better than degrees for several reasons. Certificates often match current standards better than degrees, which is especially important in fast-paced fields like information technology (IT.)

Do certifications cost money? ›

Certificate programs are typically cheaper than college, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but the fees can still add up. You might spend $100 per credit, so a 12-credit course to earn a certificate could cost $1,200. However, some certificate programs cost $5,000 or more.

Does having a certificate mean you are certified? ›

A certificate program does not lead to a professional certification. Yes, the courses you take in a certificate program could help you prepare to earn a professional field-specific certification, but earning a certificate is not the same as becoming certified.

Do certificates get you paid more? ›

Compared to an associate or bachelor's degree, which require general education courses, certificate programs take significantly less time. Several career paths with a certificate offer higher earning potential than a degree.

How do I get certificates? ›

How can I earn a certification? Generally, you need to pass a test to earn a certification. Some organizations that offer a certification exam also provide related training. Or you may find certification preparation training at a local community college.

Do certificates help your career? ›

A professional certification can help you stand out from your peers and demonstrate that you are knowledgeable and skilled. Tangible evidence of your knowledge and skills is provided by certifications, which can increase your standing and credibility within your department or agency.

What does do certification mean? ›

A doctor of osteopathic medicine, also known as a D.O., is a fully trained and licensed doctor. A doctor of osteopathic medicine graduates from a U.S. osteopathic medical school. A doctor of medicine, also known as an M.D., graduates from a traditional medical school.

Is a certificate a degree? ›

Also, a certificate does not serve as a direct alternative to a degree. Some students opt for a certificate instead of a degree, but many choose to complete a certificate in addition to a degree — to showcase expertise in a specialized field.

What is the purpose of certifications? ›

Certification demonstrates your commitment to superior professionalism, upholding industry standards, and continued learning. These merits can help boost your professional credibility and prestige within your own network, with your current clients, and when pursuing new business opportunities or bidding on projects.

What is the certificate name in a resume? ›

Title: the official name of the certification. 2. Awarding institution: The name of the professional or educational organization through which you acquired your certification or license. 3. The date it was awarded: The date that you completed the requirements to achieve the certification.

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