To renew a certificate, the renewal application must be submitted before which date?

The renewal application must be post-marked before the expiration date to ensure that the application is received and processed in a timely manner. This requirement is crucial because it allows the governing body to review the application and approve the renewal without any lapse in certification. Submitting the application on or after the expiration date would result in a delay that might affect the individual's ability to operate legally and maintain compliance with state regulations.

In contrast, submitting the application in-person on the expiration date does not guarantee that it will be approved before the certification lapses. Waiting until the start of the new fiscal year isn’t a requirement for renewal, as this does not align with the timing of certification periods. Finally, submitting at the end of the calendar month of expiration could lead to issues as it may not provide sufficient processing time before the certification expires. Thus, ensuring the application is post-marked before the expiration date is the most prudent approach.