Navigating the EMV L3 Certification Process: A Comprehensive Guide for Secure Payments

The EMV L3 certification process starts with clearly defining what needs to be certified. This involves several important steps:

Defining the scope of certification is a crucial part of the EMV L3 process. This means identifying which products, systems, or processes, like payment terminals or POS systems, need to be certified. It's important to clearly outline this scope to make sure everything is tested and meets EMV standards.

Steps required to obtain EMV L3 certification

Step 1: Define the scope of certification

Identify Features

Before starting certification, determine the specific features of the payment terminal or device that need certification. This includes card reading, authentication, and transaction processing.

Ensure EMV Compliance

Make sure these features meet EMV standards to ensure the device works well and is secure in the payment system.

Define Scope Exclusions

Clearly state what is not included in the certification to manage expectations and be transparent about what is and isn’t certified.

Step 2: Testing and Validation

During the testing and validation phase of EMV L3 certification, various tests are done to ensure the products or systems meet the required standards. This includes checking if they work correctly (functional testing), are secure (security testing), and can work with other systems (interoperability testing).

Functional Testing

Functional testing checks that the payment terminal or device works as required by EMV standards. This includes testing card insertion, reading, PIN entry, transaction approval, and receipt printing. The aim is to make sure the device performs these tasks correctly and efficiently.

Security Testing

Security testing is crucial for EMV L3 certification. It checks if the payment terminal can protect sensitive payment data and prevent fraud. This includes testing security features like key management, data encryption, and tamper resistance. It also involves checking for protection against threats like skimming, card cloning, and unauthorized access.

Interoperability Testing

This testing checks if the payment terminal works well with different parts of the payment system, like cards, card issuers, and payment networks. It ensures the terminal can handle various card types and brands, and successfully process transactions in different payment environments.

Step 3: Submit Test Results

Once testing is finished, the next step is to send the test results to the certification authority.

Compile Test Report

Testers create a detailed report summarizing the test results. This report gives an overview of the payment terminal's performance and notes any issues or concerns.

Submit to Certification Authority

Send the completed test report and necessary documents to the certification authority for review. They will check if the device meets EMV standards and is ready for certification.

Step 4: Fix Issues and Re-Test

During testing, you might find areas where the payment terminal doesn’t meet compliance. Fix these issues and re-test the device to ensure it meets all standards.

Issue Resolution

Once issues or non-compliance are found during testing, create a plan to fix them. This might involve fixing software bugs, improving security, or enhancing functionality.

Remediation Plan

Develop a detailed plan to address the issues, including specific actions, deadlines, and responsibilities to ensure the payment terminal meets EMV standards.

Re-testing

After implementing the fixes, re-test the device to confirm that the issues are resolved, and the device meets all EMV L3 certification requirements. This process continues until compliance is achieved.

Step 5: Obtain Certification

The final step is receiving approval for EMV L3 certification.

Certification Approval

After testing and validation, the certification authority grants approval, confirming that the payment terminal or device meets EMV standards.

Certification Documentation

Once certified, provide documentation to stakeholders, showing the device complies with global standards and boosting trust within the payment industry.

EMV Level 3 certification is a multifaceted process that demands meticulous attention to detail, rigorous testing and commitment to continuous improvement. By navigating through the defined scope, testing and validation, submission of test results and the remediation and re-testing phases, stakeholders can ensure that payment terminals not only meet but exceed the standards set by the EMV consortium, fostering a secure and reliable foundation for electronic payments on a global scale.

We are a team of payment experts with over ten years of experience in providing excellent card payment solutions and services. At EverExpanse, we use our deep industry knowledge and advanced technology to offer secure and dependable payment solutions that meet industry standards.