So, what gives?

Wait, aren't those different? Yes, but employers often ask for both. The Fiscal Certificate (regarding taxes and fines) . Usually, it is valid for 90 days (3 months) from the date of issue.

If you wait for the job offer, you will lose the position to someone who already has their "fresh" CIC ready.

The CIC is a static snapshot of your record. It states that "as of [Date X], this person has no records of compromising integrity." Your behavior after that date is unknown to the document.

Disclaimer: This information is accurate as of the current legal framework (Legislation 118/2019). For specific legal advice regarding your case, consult a Romanian attorney.

Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all. Most HR departments will tell you they want a CIC issued within the last 6 months. However, if you read the specific legislation (Law 118/2019 and subsequent amendments), the law does not impose a fixed expiration date for the certificate itself.

Do not confuse the two. If your employer says your "integrity certificate" expired, double-check if they are actually referring to your fiscal standing. Even if your CIC doesn't have a printed expiration date, it becomes effectively invalid the moment you commit a specific act.

If you have ever applied for a job in Romania’s retail, security, or critical infrastructure sectors, you have definitely encountered the Certificate of Behavioral Integrity (CIC) .