There are all different types of information contained within a digital certificate. How this information is organized and connected together will depend on the format being used. One format, which is commonly used, is called X509. This format is an internationally recognized standard which is used by many different types of businesses and organizations.
Digital Certificates Following the X509 Format Will Have Similar Layouts
The layout used with the X509 standard will be similar for one organization to the next. The types of information contained within a digital certificate following this format will include the version number, the serial number of the digital certificate, an embedded public key, the person or organization, which issued the certificate, digital signatures, and a certificate expiration date and time. It is up to each organization to decide the types of information they want to include with their digital certificates. Not all standardized information has to be present in every digital certificate. There is even optional information some organization will include with their digital certificates.