Final answer:
Certificates should reflect up-to-date and accurate information prior to issuance. After a certificate is issued, it should not be amended unless there are factual errors, fraud, or a legal requirement to do so. Each industry has specific guidelines for amending certificates post-issuance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with the issuance of certificates, such as in legal or professional contexts, it's important to recognize that these documents serve as official records of status, qualifications, or achievements. If a certificate has not yet been issued and an individual's rating or status changes, the certificate should reflect the new rating to ensure accuracy and validity. However, once a certificate is issued, amending it is generally not permitted unless there are specific circumstances that warrant such action. These can include factual errors, fraudulent activity, or other legal scenarios where rectification is required by law or regulation. Each industry or professional body may have its own set of guidelines regarding when a certificate can be amended after issuance.