Demystifying EMV Level 2 Certification: The Latest Trends in EMV L2 Kernel Testing
- SEO User
- Sep 10, 2024
- 2 min read

Learn about the EMV Level 2 certification process and see the latest trends and innovations in EMV L2 kernel testing. Stay informed about industry updates and developments.
In payment technology, EMV Level 2 certification is crucial for making sure payment terminals are secure and work well with each other. This certification ensures that terminals meet the required standards and handle transactions safely. In this blog post, we’ll look into the EMV Level 2 certification process and explore the latest trends and innovations in EMV L2 kernel testing.
EMV Level 2 Certification Process?
Payment terminal manufacturers must go through strict testing to make sure their devices meet EMV Level 2 standards. The certification process includes several stages: testing the hardware, testing the software, and evaluations by certification authorities.
Hardware Testing
During hardware testing, the payment terminal is checked to make sure it meets certain physical requirements. This includes testing the card reader, PIN pad, and display. The process also verifies that the terminal can securely encrypt cardholder data and protect against tampering or skimming.
Software Testing
Software testing checks the payment terminal’s embedded software, especially the EMV kernel, which processes EMV transactions. This stage ensures the terminal meets EMV standards, handles different transaction types like chip-and-PIN and chip-and-signature, and works well with various card issuers and payment networks for smooth transactions.
Certification Authority Evaluations
Certification authority evaluations are carried out by specialized third-party entities that focus on EMV certification. They check that the payment terminal meets the security and functionality requirements set by EMVCo. The authority reviews test results from hardware and software testing to ensure everything complies with the standards. Successfully completing this process shows that the payment terminal can securely handle EMV transactions, protect cardholder data, and provide a smooth customer experience.
Trends and Innovations in EMV L2 Kernel Testing
Contactless Payment Support: Enabling Secure and Convenient Transactions
As contactless payments grow in popularity, EMV L2 kernel testing has adapted to ensure terminals handle these transactions securely. Testing now checks if terminals can communicate with NFC devices, authenticate transactions, and prevent fraud. This support is crucial for businesses to offer fast and convenient payment options, like tap-and-go and mobile wallets. Advances in testing ensure that terminals meet standards for secure and smooth contactless payments.
Mobile Payment Integration: Enhancing Payment Flexibility
As smartphones become more common, EMV L2 kernel testing now includes mobile payments. This testing ensures that payment terminals work with mobile wallet apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. It checks if terminals can handle mobile transactions securely and efficiently, verifying data transfer and encryption. By supporting mobile payments, businesses can offer customers a convenient and secure way to pay with their smartphones.
Biometric Authentication: Enhancing Security and Convenience
Biometric authentication is becoming more common in payments, adding extra security and ease. EMV L2 kernel testing now checks if terminals can accurately use features like fingerprint or facial recognition. Testing ensures biometric methods are secure and effective, protecting user data from spoofing. This technology enhances security, user experience, and reduces reliance on PINs. EverExpanse offers customized EMV L2 kernels and testing for major payment schemes. Staying updated on EMV L2 certification and trends helps businesses provide secure, efficient, and future-ready payment solutions.



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