- A
Continue using the expired certificate until a new one is obtained
Why wrong: Using expired certificates is insecure and may cause failures.
- B
Extend the validity period of the existing certificate by modifying the certificate
Why wrong: Modifying an existing certificate invalidates its signature.
- C
Switch to a self-signed certificate
Why wrong: Self-signed certificates are not trusted by default by other systems.
- D
Request a new certificate from the same CA before expiration
This ensures continuity and trust from the same root.
Question 797 of 1,000
hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: An administrator notices that a certificate used…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
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?
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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Code-signing certificates rely on a hierarchical PKI where the root CA's certificate is pre-installed in trusted stores (e.g., Microsoft Authenticode). When a certificate expires, the digital signature becomes invalid because the timestamp is checked against the certificate's validity period; even if a timestamping service was used, the signing certificate must be valid at the time of signing. In practice, administrators should renew certificates at least 30 days before expiration to avoid gaps, as some systems enforce strict revocation checks via CRLs or OCSP.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.
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