# How to verify a certificate

Check a certificate code on the verify page or through the JSON API.

Source: https://yachtmarinaguide.fyi/support/articles/academy/verify-a-certificate
Markdown: https://yachtmarinaguide.fyi/support/articles/academy/verify-a-certificate.md
Last updated: 2026-11-04

## Look up a code
Open `/certificates/XXXX-XXXX-XX` with the code you want to check. You do not need an account. A code works with or without dashes, in any case. Ask the holder for the code, or for the link on their certificate.

## Verify with the API
Send a GET request to `/api/v1/certificates/{code}`. It returns the same facts as the page, as JSON.

## Status
- `valid`: Yacht Marina Guide issued the certificate, and it has not expired or been revoked.
- `expired`: the certificate passed its expiry date.
- `revoked`: Yacht Marina Guide withdrew the certificate. A revoked certificate still opens, with this status. The page never says why.

## What a verifier sees
The page shows the status, the holder, the course, the level, the issue date, the expiry date or "Does not expire", the issuer, and the code. The holder reads "Verified credential holder" unless Yacht Marina Guide set the certificate to show the name. The page does not show a score, an email address, an account, or exam answers.

## A code that does not match
A code with a typing mistake and a code that was never issued get the same answer: not found. The page and the API both answer 404.

## Many checks
Lookups are limited for each client address: 30 in 60 seconds. If you send too many, the API answers 429. The page can answer not found instead. Wait one minute, then try again.