sertifikaadi

Sertifikaadi is the Estonian word for certificate. In general, a sertifikaadi is a formal document or digital credential that attests to a specific fact—such as identity, qualification, entitlement, ownership, or compliance with a standard or contract. It is typically issued by an authorized organization and may bear a signature, seal, or cryptographic protection to confirm authenticity.

Certificates come in physical and digital forms. Physical certificates include educational diplomas, course certificates, professional licenses, and official records. Digital certificates use electronic formats and cryptographic techniques to secure information and verify identity. They are used in secure communications, software authentication, e-government services, and online transactions.

Digital certificates rely on public key infrastructure (PKI). A certificate binds a public key to the identity of its holder and is issued by a trusted certificate authority (CA). It includes metadata such as subject, issuer, validity period, and a digital signature. If a private key is compromised, the certificate can be revoked, with status checked via revocation lists or OCSP.

Issuance follows an application and verification process. Once issued, a sertifikaadi can be used to prove identity, sign documents, encrypt data, or grant access. Certificates require renewal before expiry and secure management of the associated private key.

The legal effect and requirements of certificates vary by jurisdiction and context. Certificates play a central role in education, professional qualifications, regulatory compliance, and digital security, providing verifiable evidence of claims across many domains.