# Which Let's Encrypt server URL should a cert-manager test issuer use to avoid production rate limits?

cert-manager, Easy (Beginner), Concepts. https://k8wiz.com/uquiz/which-lets-encrypt-server-url-should-a-cert-manager-test-issuer-use-to-avoid-production-rate-limits

- A. https://acme-staging-v02.api.letsencrypt.org/directory
- B. https://acme-v02.api.letsencrypt.org/directory
- C. https://acme-test-v02.api.letsencrypt.org/directory
- D. https://staging.api.letsencrypt.org/acme/directory

**Answer:** https://acme-staging-v02.api.letsencrypt.org/directory

**Explanation:** The staging directory issues certificates from an untrusted test CA, but you can retry as often as you need while you debug an issuer. acme-v02.api.letsencrypt.org is the production server, where repeated failures can hit rate limits. Switch spec.acme.server to production once issuance works.