galleypower,
It does vary from country to country. Often it is written in the licence what the State of Licence Issue expects or there is an AIC.
Often it is OK to sign the licence except where the rating has expired and in that cases some Authorities say that it is OK to do the test but they will make the entry in the licence.
If in doubt, a quick call to the relevant Authority. If it is Saturday / Sunday and the candidate's rating is going to expire before Monday (not unusual!!!!!) then do the test and wait until you have spoken to the Authority before you write anything in the licence. They all accept the LPC it is only the paperwork that varies!!