Who may not engage in the certified profession?

The correct answer is that inactive certificate holders may not engage in the certified profession. Certified professionals are those who have met all requirements, including any necessary training and renewal processes, to provide legal document preparation services. When an individual has an inactive certificate, it indicates that they have not maintained their certification status, often due to failure to fulfill continuing education requirements or voluntarily placing their certification on hold.

In contrast, active certificate holders are in good standing and are authorized to practice, while applicants for certification are in the process of obtaining their credentials but have not yet received certification. Therefore, they are still eligible to become active in the profession upon completion of the required steps. It is only those with inactive certificates who lack the authority to engage in certified activities.