# What happens when a Certificate resource is created without specifying an 'issuerRef'?

cert-manager, Easy (Beginner), Concepts. https://k8wiz.com/uquiz/what-happens-when-a-certificate-resource-is-created-without-specifying-an-issuerref

- A. The certificate will not be issued
- B. A default issuer will be used
- C. A self-signed certificate will be generated
- D. An error will be returned

**Answer:** An error will be returned

**Explanation:** When a Certificate resource is created without specifying an 'issuerRef', an error will be returned. The 'issuerRef' field is required as it tells cert-manager which issuer should be used to issue the certificate.