> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.certinext.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.certinext.io/documentation/getting-started/quick-start-guide.md).

# Quick Start Guide

The CERTInext Quick Start Guide helps you get up and running with certificate lifecycle management in minutes. It provides a guided flow to onboard your environment, discover certificates, automate issuance, and enable deployment - all from a centralized platform.

This guide follows the same structure as the CERTInext portal, allowing you to navigate seamlessly between documentation and the product UI.

### **Step 1: Access CERTInext**

**Navigation:** `Login → Dashboard`

* Log in to the CERTInext portal using your credentials
* Ensure your organization and user roles are correctly configured
* Verify access to required modules such as Certificates, Integrations, and Templates

### **Step 2: Configure Prerequisites**

**Navigation:** `Settings → Global Settings / Integrations`

Before starting, ensure:

* Network access (Port 443 outbound enabled)
* Required credentials for endpoints (IIS, Tomcat, F5, etc.)
* Administrative privileges for Bot installation
* CA integration (Public CA or Private CA such as emCA)

These prerequisites ensure smooth discovery, issuance, and deployment workflows

### **Step 3: Install and Configure Bot**

**Navigation:** `Integrations → Tools → Bots`

* Download the CERTInext Bot
* Install on a target system (Windows/Linux)
* Launch with administrator privileges
* Activate using Account ID and Bot Token

The Bot acts as the execution engine for discovery and deployment across your infrastructure

### **Step 4: Discover Certificates**

**Navigation:** `Certificates → Discovery / Bots`

* Create a new Bot configuration
* Define scan targets:
  * IP ranges
  * Domains
  * Ports / Port ranges
* Select sources:
  * SSL/TLS, LDAP, AWS, File System, HSM, F5
* Run scan

All discovered certificates will be visible in the centralized inventory

### **Step 5: Create Templates (CSR & Provisioning)**

**Navigation:** `Certificates → Templates`

* Create **CSR Template**
  * Define key algorithm, size, subject details
* Create **Provisioning Template**
  * Define deployment type (Tomcat, IIS, F5, etc.)
  * Configure automation settings

Templates standardize issuance and ensure policy-driven automation

### **Step 6: Issue & Rotate Certificates**

**Navigation:** `Certificates → Inventory`

* Select a discovered certificate
* Apply CSR + Provisioning templates
* Initiate **Certificate Issuance / Rotation**

CERTInext automates:

* Key generation
* CSR creation
* Certificate issuance (Public/Private CA)
* Renewal workflows

### **Step 7: Auto Deploy Certificates**

**Navigation:** `Certificates → Provisioning`

* Select deployment type:
  * **Tomcat** (server.xml update + restart)
  * **IIS** (Windows store + binding update)
  * **F5** (SSL profile update via API)
* Apply provisioning template

Certificates are automatically deployed to endpoints without manual intervention

### **Step 8: Monitor Dashboard & Alerts**

**Navigation:** `Dashboard`

Track:

* Expiring certificates
* Weak keys / vulnerabilities
* Discovery coverage
* Automation health

Configure alerts:

* Expiry notifications
* Policy violations
* Security risks

### **Step 9: Enable Notifications & Reporting**

**Navigation:** `Settings → Integrations (SMTP) / Reports`

* Configure SMTP for alerts
* Enable expiry notifications
* Generate reports for:
  * Inventory
  * Compliance
  * Risk posture

### **Quick Navigation Map (UI Alignment)**

| Step | Action           | CERTInext Navigation            |
| ---- | ---------------- | ------------------------------- |
| 1    | Login & Access   | Dashboard                       |
| 2    | Prerequisites    | Settings / Integrations         |
| 3    | Bot Setup        | Integrations → Tools            |
| 4    | Discovery        | Certificates → Bots / Discovery |
| 5    | Templates        | Certificates → Templates        |
| 6    | Issuance         | Certificates → Inventory        |
| 7    | Deployment       | Certificates → Provisioning     |
| 8    | Monitoring       | Dashboard                       |
| 9    | Alerts & Reports | Settings / Reports              |

### **Outcome**

By completing this Quick Start Guide, you will:

* Discover all certificates across your environment
* Centralize certificate inventory and visibility
* Automate issuance, renewal, and deployment
* Eliminate downtime caused by expired certificates
* Strengthen security and compliance posture