hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: An administrator notices that a certificate used…
An administrator notices that a certificate used for code signing is about to expire. The certificate is signed by a trusted root CA. What is the correct procedure to ensure continued trust?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates think extending the validity period or using a self-signed certificate is acceptable, but ISC2 tests the understanding that only a certificate from the same trusted CA preserves the existing chain of trust without requiring manual trust configuration.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Request a new certificate from the same CA before expiration
The correct procedure is to request a new certificate from the same trusted root CA before the current certificate expires. This ensures that the new certificate is signed by the same trusted root, maintaining the chain of trust without interruption. Continuing to use an expired certificate would break trust validation, as clients and operating systems reject expired code-signing certificates to prevent execution of untrusted code.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Continue using the expired certificate until a new one is obtained
Why it's wrong here
Using expired certificates is insecure and may cause failures.
- ✗
Extend the validity period of the existing certificate by modifying the certificate
Why it's wrong here
Modifying an existing certificate invalidates its signature.
- ✗
Switch to a self-signed certificate
Why it's wrong here
Self-signed certificates are not trusted by default by other systems.
- ✓
Request a new certificate from the same CA before expiration
Why this is correct
This ensures continuity and trust from the same root.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SSCP exam.