What is the difference between SSL/TLS, document signing, and code signing certificates?

Although all three certificate types rely on the same underlying X.509 and public-key cryptography model, each is built for a distinct purpose and carries different requirements for how it is issued and used.

How the three types differ:

• SSL/TLS certificates: Authenticate websites and servers and encrypt the connection between them and visiting users or systems.
• Document signing certificates: Let individuals or organizations digitally sign files such as contracts or PDFs, proving authenticity and detecting any tampering after signing.
• Code signing certificates: Serve a similar integrity and authenticity purpose specifically for software, allowing developers to sign executables or scripts so that operating systems and users can verify the code has not been altered since release.

Understanding these distinctions matters operationally as well as conceptually, since each certificate type typically comes from a different certificate profile, has different validation requirements, and is renewed on a different schedule within a broader certificate management program.