The process of obtaining a Certificate Authority (CA) license in China is regulated by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). According to the information available, the duration for getting a CA license in China can vary, but here's a general idea based on the search results:

1. Application Process: The application for a CA license involves submitting necessary information and supporting documents to the local Communication Administrations under MIIT . The processing timeline can take approximately 7-10 business days for all documentation to be complete .
2. Processing Time: After the official filing of the application, it typically takes about 20 business days for the processing of the ICP application, which is a prerequisite for operating as a CA in China . However, this time frame can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the efficiency of the processing agency.
3. Additional Considerations: It's important to note that the application process and all documentation must be entirely in Chinese, which can be a significant barrier for foreign companies . Additionally, the requirements for an ICP Commercial License, which is necessary for companies looking to generate income from their site, are more thorough and can take longer due to additional scrutiny .

Becoming a Certificate Authority (CA) is a complex process that involves meeting specific requirements and adhering to industry standards. Here's a guide on how to become a CA:

1. Understand the Role of a CA: A CA is responsible for verifying and issuing digital certificates that ensure secure communication over the internet. They play a crucial role in maintaining the trust and security of online transactions .
2. Meet Technical Requirements: Your root and intermediate certificates must be included in the trust stores of different platforms like Microsoft, Apple, the Chromium Project (Google Chrome), and Mozilla to gain public trust .
3. Adhere to Industry Standards: Compliance with industry standards such as the CA/Browser Forum Baseline Requirements is mandatory. These standards outline the rules for SSL/TLS management, code signing, and network security .
4. Undergo Extensive Audits: Compliance with programs like WebTrust Principles and Criteria and CA/B Forum Baseline Requirements requires thorough audits. Auditors assess CAs based on financial, security, and business principles .
5. Significant Investment: Establishing a public CA involves substantial resources for secure storage devices and IT infrastructure. Additionally, there are costs associated with hiring security experts, training programs, and ongoing compliance reviews .
6. Distribution Efforts: Distributing your root certificate to all relevant devices and platforms can take years unless you opt for cross-signing with existing CAs, which is becoming increasingly uncommon .
7. Legal Basis and Regulation: In China, CA operations are regulated by laws such as the "Electronic Signature Law" and the "Cybersecurity Law." CAs must obtain a "Electronic Certification Service License" from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and comply with relevant laws and regulations to ensure the security and credibility of digital certificates .
8. Application Process: For becoming a new CA, you must fill out an application form and send it to the relevant email address, such as [msroot@microsoft.com] for Microsoft's Trusted Root Certificate Program. Microsoft will review your application and may request additional documentation to determine if you meet the program requirements .
9. Create Your Own Private CA: For most organizations, setting up a private CA is more feasible. This involves distributing the root CA only within your internal network, allowing you to customize certificate profiles and policies according to your unique security needs .
10. Infrastructure and Key Management: Establish a robust IT infrastructure to support your private CA server. Generate root CA keys and certificates, and ensure the protection of cryptographic keys using hardware security modules (HSMs) .
11. Deployment of Root CA Certificates: Distribute the root CA certificates to all devices on your network to ensure seamless certificate validation .

Identifying whether a website uses an SSL certificate can be done through a few simple checks. Here's how you can determine if a website is secured with an SSL certificate:

1. Check the URL: The most obvious indication of an SSL certificate is the URL prefix. A secure website will display "https://" instead of "http://". The "s" stands for secure, indicating that the connection is encrypted.
2. Padlock Icon: In the address bar of most browsers, there will be a padlock icon to the left of the URL. This icon signifies that the website is using an SSL certificate to encrypt the data between the user and the server.
3. Certificate Details: By clicking on the padlock icon, users can view the certificate details. This will show the certificate's issuer, the organization that owns the certificate, and the certificate's validity period. This information confirms that the SSL certificate is active and has been issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
4. Green Address Bar: For Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates, the address bar turns green, indicating a higher level of trust and authentication. This is a visual cue that the website has undergone a rigorous vetting process by the CA.
5. Browser Warnings: If a website does not have an SSL certificate or if the certificate is expired or invalid, browsers will display warning messages. These warnings alert users that the connection is not secure and that their data may be at risk.
6. Technical Inspection: For a more technical approach, one can use online tools or browser extensions that check the SSL certificate status and provide detailed information about the encryption protocols and ciphers used.
7. Website Footer or Security Policies: Some websites may disclose their security practices, including the use of SSL certificates, in their privacy policy or security standards section, often found in the footer of the website.

Choosing the right SSL certificate is crucial for ensuring the security and trustworthiness of your website. Here's a guide on how to select an SSL certificate:

1. Understand Certificate Types: SSL certificates are categorized into three main types: Domain Validation (DV), Organization Validation (OV), and Extended Validation (EV) .

   • DV SSL Certificates: These are the most basic level of SSL certificates. They only verify the ownership of the domain and are typically issued quickly, often within minutes. DV certificates are suitable for small websites, blogs, or sites that do not handle sensitive information .
   • OV SSL Certificates: These provide a higher level of trust than DV certificates. They require the Certificate Authority (CA) to verify the legal existence of the organization applying for the certificate. OV certificates are suitable for medium-sized businesses, online stores, and websites that need to establish a certain level of trust with their visitors .
   • EV SSL Certificates: These offer the highest level of assurance. They require a comprehensive background check of the organization, including legal status and operational details. EV certificates are typically used by high-profile websites, such as financial institutions and large e-commerce platforms, that require the strongest level of consumer trust .
2. Assess Your Website's Needs: Consider the type of data your website handles. If it's a site that doesn't collect sensitive information, a DV SSL might be sufficient. For e-commerce sites or businesses that handle financial transactions, OV or EV SSL certificates are recommended for their higher trust indicators .
3. Consider Your Budget: SSL certificates vary in price, with DV being the most affordable and EV being the most expensive. Determine what you can afford while also ensuring that the certificate meets your security needs .
4. Check Compatibility and Support: Ensure that the SSL certificate you choose is compatible with all major browsers and devices. Additionally, consider the customer support provided by the SSL certificate vendor, as this can be crucial in case you encounter any issues .
5. Evaluate the Certificate Authority (CA): Choose a CA that is well-known and has a strong reputation. Companies like DigiCert, Symantec, and GlobalSign are recognized for their strict verification processes and wide compatibility .
6. Consider Additional Features: Some SSL certificates come with additional features such as warranty, vulnerability assessment, and PCI compliance scans. These can provide extra protection and peace of mind .
7. Plan for Renewal: SSL certificates have a finite lifespan, typically one to two years. Plan for renewal to avoid security risks and maintain the trust of your users .

the different types of SSL certificates and what they represent:

1. Domain Validated (DV) Certificates: These are the most basic level of SSL certificates. They validate that the applicant owns the domain for which the SSL certificate is being issued. DV certificates are typically issued within minutes and are the quickest and most cost-effective way to get industry-standard encryption. They are ideal for websites that do not collect sensitive personal or financial information, such as blogs and informational sites .
2. Organization Validated (OV) Certificates: OV certificates provide a higher level of trust than DV certificates. They require the Certificate Authority (CA) to verify the legal existence of the organization applying for the certificate, in addition to domain control. This process can take a few days and provides more assurance to users about the legitimacy of the organization. OV certificates are suitable for business websites and e-commerce sites that need to convey a higher level of trust to their visitors .
3. Extended Validation (EV) Certificates: EV certificates offer the highest level of assurance. They require a comprehensive background check of the organization, including legal status and operational details. EV certificates are recognized by web browsers with a green address bar, indicating the highest level of trust and security. They are typically used by high-profile websites, such as financial institutions and large e-commerce platforms, that require the strongest level of consumer trust .

These different types of SSL certificates cater to various needs, from basic encryption to more robust trust and validation, allowing website owners to choose the level of security and trust that best fits their online presence and business requirements.