There are several processes involved when creating digital certificates with a certification authority. One common method is for a user to request a digital certificate. Once the request is received, a system administrator reviews the request, and, if approved, sends it to the CA system to create the certificate. After the certificate has been created, the user can be notified by email. The email message will contain a link to the location where they can download and obtain their certificate.
You Can Create and Issue Digital Certificates with Your Certification Authority without User Requests
When you first obtain your certification authority system, you may decide to issue all of your users their own digital certificates, initially. The process is similar to the method used when a user requests the certificate, but without user requests. Instead, you enter in the required information for the CA system to create each user a certificate. Distribution can still be accomplished through email, once a certificate has been created.