Whats the meaning of CertificationStartDate column value as -1 in the Certifications.csv

Question

After downloading the Certifications.csv file from Azure blob for certification transcripts, can see column CertificationEndDate has value "-1" for few entries

As I am pretty new to this, trying to understand what does this -1 indicate, does anyone have any hints on the above (screenshot attached above)

Reference Documentation link: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/support/org-reporting-developer-reference#certifications

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance

Best Regards

Answer 1

Hello Vipindas Nambiar1,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A, Thank you for posting your query here!!

As per my understanding, out of 2 certification transcripts, one is having a 2 year expiration policy i.e. 18th June, 2021 to 18th June, 2023(as visible from the screenshot). But for the other certificate you are unable to see the certification end date and it just has a "-1".

As per the document https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/certification-expiration-policy,
Microsoft fundamentals certifications do not expire. Where as Microsoft role-based (associate and expert) and specialty certifications are valid for one (1) year from the date that you complete all requirements to earn that certification. To prevent your certification from expiring you must renew the certification before the certification expiration date.

Also, Certifications earned prior to June 30, 2021 @12am GMT (June 29, 2021 @5pm PT) are valid for two (2) years from the date that all requirements for the certification are completed. Certifications earned after this date and time are valid for one (1) year.

So I believe the "-1" value can be indicating that the certificate is expired.

Hope this helps!