Decoding EMV Testing: Understanding the Impact of Level 2 and Level 3 Certification

Elevate your EMV testing capabilities to new heights, focusing on excellence in Level 2 and Level 3 testing for robust payment solutions.

In EMV testing, Level 2 and Level 3 processes are essential for ensuring the security and functionality of payment systems. Level 2 testing evaluates the communication between the payment terminal and the card chip, ensuring that the hardware and software components are interoperable and compliant. Level 3 testing goes further by examining transaction-specific details, ensuring the system performs correctly in various real-world scenarios. Together, these testing levels enhance the security and reliability of EMV-enabled payment systems, improving both security and user experience in electronic transactions.

1. What is EMV Level 2 testing?

EMV Level 2 (L2) testing evaluates the terminal's EMV Level 2 kernel— the software inside the terminal that handles EMV processing—to ensure it complies with EMV Chip Specifications. This involves testing the software to confirm it supports the necessary EMV payment application functions.

2. How does the EMV Level 2 testing and approvals process work?

EMV Level 2 testing is conducted by EMVCo accredited external test labs worldwide, under an EMVCo-managed accreditation program. The process for product providers typically includes:

• Registration:

The product vendor registers with EMVCo.

• Laboratory Selection:

The vendor selects an accredited lab for evaluation.

• Testing:

The lab tests the product and submits a report to the vendor.

• Approval:

EMVCo reviews the test report and issues a Letter of Approval (LOA). Approved products are listed on the EMVCo website.

3. What benefits does EMV Level 2 testing and approval offer to the payments industry?

L2 testing and approval allow card, device, and terminal manufacturers to certify their products as compliant with EMV Specifications for performance and compatibility before deployment. This ensures that merchants and consumers can rely on familiar, convenient, and reliable chip card-based payments globally.

4. What is Level 3 testing?

Level 3 testing verifies that merchant terminals comply with payment system policies and procedures. Payment systems require that chip terminals undergo L3 testing to confirm they are ready for integration into payment acceptance environments.

The terminal, complete with EMVCo-approved hardware (L1), software kernel, and payment application (L2), must be configured correctly before being connected to a test environment or host simulator that mimics authorization responses from payment systems.

5. What benefits does EMV Level 3 testing and approval offer to the payments industry?

L3 testing ensures that an EMV-compliant payment terminal will work seamlessly with merchant or bank systems for end-to-end transaction acceptance. It verifies that a new or upgraded terminal (hardware and/or software) meets the specific requirements and recommendations of individual payment systems before being released to the market.

Partner with EverExpanse to stay ahead in the evolving payments landscape. Our expertise in EMV Level 2 and Level 3 testing ensures your payment systems are secure, compliant, and reliable. Enhance your payment processes and customer satisfaction with EverExpanse comprehensive support and industry-leading solutions