Test vs Live
Test uses Let’s Encrypt Staging. Live uses Let’s Encrypt Production. The HTTP API host is the same. Trust, rate limits, and inventory are separate.
Canonical guide
See /docs/environments for the full Test and Live model. This page is the short version.
Test environment
Test API keys and orders target the official Let’s Encrypt Staging ACME directory. Staging leaves are not trusted by browsers. Use them to prove automation without creating publicly trusted certificates.
Live environment
Live API keys and orders target official Let’s Encrypt Production for publicly trusted DV certificates.
Separate keys
sk_test_ and sk_live_ are immutable scopes. A Test key cannot create Live resources by changing JSON.
Related
Environments /docs/environments. Getting started /docs/getting-started.