Frequently Asked Questions
About Digital Certificates
- Will my digital certificate expire?
- How do I know when my digital certificate will expire?
- What if I don't apply for a new digital certificate after my current digital certificate has expired?
- Can I use my current digital certificate while the application for my new digital certificate is pending?
- I have received an email from the Secure Data Network (SDN) with my digital certificate, but I don't remember how to install it. Where can I find instructions?
- Do I have to create a new challenge phrase?
- My application for a digital certificate has been denied. What do I do?
Will my digital certificate expire?
Yes. Digital certificates expire after one year and cannot be renewed. Each year, you can apply for a new digital certificate.
How do I know when my digital certificate will expire?
NHSN will notify you via email 30 days prior to your digital certificate's expiration date. This email will include instructions on how to proceed, including the website and password.
NOTE: You should not apply for a new digital certificate prior to receiving the notification from NHSN.
What if I don't apply for a new digital certificate after my current digital certificate has expired?
That's okay. You can still apply for a new digital certificate, using the website and password included in the email from NHSN. Once a digital certificate has expired, however, you will not be able to access NHSN until a new digital certificate is installed.
Can I use my current digital certificate while the application for my new digital certificate is pending?
No. Once you have applied for a new digital certificate, your expiring digital certificate will no longer work. You should receive your new digital certificate within 48-72 hours of applying.
I have received an email from the Secure Data Network (SDN) with my digital certificate, but I don't remember how to install it. Where can I find instructions?
Instructions for installing a digital certificate can be found in the 
User Start-up Guide June 2009 PDF (1.24MB / 24 pages) Step 3d.
Do I have to create a new challenge phrase?
No, you are not required to create a new challenge phrase. You can use the same challenge phrase from your expired digital certificate.
My application for a digital certificate has been denied. What do I do?
Contact NHSN at nhsn@cdc.gov.
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Contact NHSN:
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Healthcare Safety Network
MS-A24
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333 - nhsn@cdc.gov
