Error message - 'This file is a certified PDF and could not be split'

[Ali34857933oac4]

Hello

I am having some trouble understanding what to do about the following error message - 

'This file is a certified PDF and could not be split'

I coordinate training and am required to issue training certificates to learners however, before they can be issued I must have them signed by the specific trainers. I use the 'request e-signatures' tool to do this.
When the signed certs are returned to my Adobe account, I then need to split the document into individual files i.e., cetificates.
So, I download and save the signed certs in one file to my computer - open that file in Acrobat - select the 'split PDF' tool - choose the file I want to split - use the scissor tool to split - click continue... This is when I am confronted with the 'This file is a certified PDF and could not be split' error message. 

I understand from some troubleshooting literature I have read so far that, if I were to 'uncertify' the document/files then this would remove the signature - is this correct?

And, does anyone know a way around this issue... Basically, I want to be able to split the document into its individual files with the signature still intact. 

Any help would be much appreciated!
Thank you 🙂

[John T Smith]

You need to ask program questions in the forum for the program you are using
To ask in the forum for your program please start at https://community.adobe.com/
Moving from Using the Community (which is about the forums) to the Acrobat forum

[Ali34857933oac4]

Thanks.

[shubhampath]

Hi, 

Digitally Signed PDF is locked for any kind of change other than permitted changes. Splitting is not permitted. Hence, This file is a certified PDF and could not be split' error message shows.

[JR Boulay]

Common sense would dictate that it would be possible to split a certified PDF, after the user has been warned that this would cause the new files to lose the certification/signature.