What does it mean when a certification is inactive?

[Kat Warner]

Atlassian certifications have an inactive and expiration date.

Expiration is self-explanatory - once this date has passed the only way to get the certification back it is re-sit the exam.

Certifications can be extended at any time by completing a relevant skills badge.

So what does it mean when a certification is inactive? Am I no longer certified but have a grace period to extend the certification for the period between the inactive and expiration date?

[Max Foerster - K15t]

Hi Kat,

from my experience with my certifications so far this inactive status is relevant for solution partners and their requirements to uphold the partner status. I noticed that inactive certifications won't count towards the accreditation.

Best, Max

[Julia]

Hi Kat,

You are correct, the 3 months between the suspension date and the final expiration date is a grace period during which you can still renew your certification and make it active again with a badge. 

For anyone verifying your Certification, the verification window will show 'Expired' during the inactive grace period.   

During the inactive period, when you earn a badge your certification automatically renews, and 18 months will be added to its active period starting from the suspension date. 

Julia