How do I view the digital certificate on my Self-Query response?
You must use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the digital certificate. PDFs opened in a browser will not display the certification.
To view the certification:
- Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the saved file from your device. Do not open the PDF with a web browser. (e.g. Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome)
- Wait for the blue certification bar to appear at the top. If a blue ribbon icon and the certifying signature information are present, the document has not been altered.
- If the content is changed, the blue bar will show that validity of the certification is unknown and will no longer be valid.
- You may forward the Self-Query response to a third party, such as a state licensing board, if you choose. The NPDB does not email Self-Query responses nor mail responses to third parties, such as state licensing boards.
Note: Printed copies of Self-Query responses are not certified and will not show the certification bar.
Other Questions You May Find Helpful
- Can you mail or email my Self-Query results directly to a state licensing board?
- How do I download my digitally certified Self-Query response?
- Why can't I see the certification information when I open the Self-Query response file?
- How do I send my digitally certified Self-Query response to a state licensing board?
An official website of the United States government.


