Which term best describes a valid and existing certificate for a profession?

The term that best describes a valid and existing certificate for a profession is "Active." When a certificate is considered active, it indicates that the holder has met all necessary requirements to practice in their profession and that their certification is not expired, suspended, or revoked. An active certificate typically signifies that the individual is in good standing with the relevant professional licensing board and is authorized to engage in practices associated with that profession.

In contrast, the term "current" may imply that the certification is up-to-date, but it does not necessarily address the status of validity in terms of the individual's ability to practice. "Legitimate" can denote authenticity but is more subjective and does not strictly refer to certification status. "Licensed" refers broadly to the state of being permitted to practice a profession, which could be active or inactive, and does not specifically capture the ongoing status of the certificate itself. Therefore, "Active" is the term that most accurately conveys the idea of a certificate that is not only valid but also allows the holder to practice their profession right now.