Certificate Inventory Template - Know what you have before it expires

Certificate Inventory Template

Track your certificates before they surprise you

A pre-built spreadsheet for tracking certificate inventory. Not a replacement for a CLM, but a structured starting point for organizations that need visibility without enterprise tooling.

Excel Template

Full formatting included

Ready-to-use Excel file with all 4 tabs, conditional formatting, dropdown validation, and formulas. Just download and start tracking.

Google Sheets

Make a copy to your Drive

Pre-formatted Google Sheet with all 4 tabs, conditional formatting, dropdown validation, and a live dashboard.

CSV Only

Raw data, no formatting

Plain CSV with headers and sample data. Use this if you need to import into a different system or prefer to set up formatting yourself.

Already imported the CSV into Excel?

Here's how to add the same formatting as the Excel template:

1. Add the "Days Until Expiry" formula (Column M)

In cell M2, enter this formula and copy down:

=IF(L2<>"", L2-TODAY(), "")

2. Add conditional formatting for expiration alerts

Select column M, then go to Home → Conditional Formatting → New Rule:

  • Red fill: Format cells where value is less than 0
  • Orange fill: Format cells where value is between 0 and 29
  • Yellow fill: Format cells where value is between 30 and 89
  • Green fill: Format cells where value is greater than or equal to 90

3. Add dropdown validation (optional)

Create a "Dropdown Values" sheet with lists for Environment, Certificate Type, Issuing CA, etc. Then use Data → Data Validation → List to reference those ranges.

What's In The Template

ColumnDescriptionExample
Tracking IDYour internal referenceCERT-2025-0001
Friendly NameHuman-readable identifierProduction API Certificate
Common Name (CN)Certificate CNapi.acme.com
SANsAll Subject Alternative Namesapi.acme.com, api-v2.acme.com
Issuing CACertificate AuthorityDigiCert
Certificate TypeTLS, Client, CodeSign, etc.TLS
Environmentprod, staging, dev, etc.prod
Purpose/DescriptionWhat this cert is used forMain API endpoint TLS
Server/LocationWhere it's deployedapi-server-01, AWS ALB
Key TypeRSA-2048, ECC-P256, etc.RSA-2048
Valid FromCertificate start date2024-01-15
ExpiresExpiration date2025-01-15
Days Until ExpiryAuto-calculated=B2-TODAY()
OwnerTeam/person responsiblePlatform Team
Renewal OwnerWho handles renewalJohn Smith
Private Key LocationWhere key is stored/etc/ssl/private/
Renewal MethodManual, ACME, Venafi, etc.Manual
NotesAdditional contextRenewed annually in Q4

Built-In Expiration Alerts

The template includes conditional formatting that automatically highlights certificates based on their expiration status:

EXPIRED
Days Until Expiry < 0
URGENT
Days Until Expiry < 30
UPCOMING
Days Until Expiry < 90
OK
Days Until Expiry > 90

Included Tabs

1

Instructions

How to use the template

2

Certificate Inventory

Main tracking sheet

3

Dropdown Values

Environment, Type, CA lists (for data validation)

4

Dashboard

Summary stats (count by status, by CA, by environment)

Getting Started

Quick Start

  1. 1.Start with your 10 most critical certificates
  2. 2.Don't aim for perfection—get something documented
  3. 3.Set a calendar reminder to review monthly
  4. 4.Assign renewal owners, not just certificate owners

Pro Tips

  • Export from your CA portals to populate initial data
  • Use your naming convention for the Friendly Name column
  • Color-code environments for quick visual scanning
  • Add this as a recurring agenda item in team meetings

What's Next?