<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "macOS: 10.0.0 - 10.7.0"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "Security",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/Security/SecCertificateCopyPreference",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Function",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Function",
    "modules" : [
      "Security"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:@F@SecCertificateCopyPreference"
  },
  "title" : "SecCertificateCopyPreference"
}
-->

# SecCertificateCopyPreference

Retrieves the preferred certificate for the specified name and key use.

```
OSStatus SecCertificateCopyPreference(CFStringRef name, uint32 keyUsage, SecCertificateRef*certificate);
```

## Parameters

`name`

A string containing an email address (RFC822) or other name for which a preferred certificate is requested.

`keyUsage`

A key use value, as defined in `Security.framework/cssmtype.h`. Pass `0` to ignore this parameter.

`certificate`

On return, a reference to the preferred certificate, or `NULL` if none was found. In Objective-C, call the <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/CoreFoundation/CFRelease> function to release this object when you are finished with it.

## Return Value

A result code. See [Security Framework Result Codes](/documentation/Security/security-framework-result-codes).

## Discussion

This function is typically used to obtain the preferred encryption certificate for an email recipient.

### Special Considerations

Use [`SecCertificateCopyPreferred(_:_:)`](/documentation/Security/SecCertificateCopyPreferred(_:_:)) for new development instead.

---

Copyright &copy; 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)