Certifications

EMV Level 1
Type Approval applies to the physical characteristics of the card reader (e.g. the right size reader to take an EMV card, is the read head in the right position etc.), indeed really the important part is the Interface Module (IFM) not in fact the whole terminal.
Level 1 additionally addresses the electrical requirements to power up a smart card safely, read its list of stored Applications ID‘s and handle protocol communication options (such as T=0 and T=1) between the smart card and the IFM.

EMV Level 2
Type Approval governs application software aspects. It only applies to a credit/debit card application, other types of applications such as E-Purse or Loyalty, although they can co-reside on an EMV card, are outside of any EMV level 2 testing or certification processes.

Where?Independent testing laboratories have been accredited by EMVCo to undertake certification of EMV smart card systems. These labs are located around the world to simplify accessibility. Each performs testing according to procedures provided to them by Europay, MasterCard, and Visa. Details of approved organizations can be found at the EMVCo web site.

Who is EMVCo ?
They are responsible for the management of the EMV specifications, their onward development, promotion and handling of a formal certification process has been transitioned from the three individual payment schemes, during year 2000, to a new limited liability joint company called EMVCo LLC. Additional payment organizations have also decided to adopt the EMV standards for their own card programs; these include American Express and JCB International. Any future enhancements to the EMV specifications have been guaranteed to be fully backward compatible, making it safe to invest today in cards and systems.

Europe, Middle East, Africa: +32 (0)2 609 9700
United States: +1 508 366 3400,
Asia/Pacific: +65 6323 0906
Australia: +61 2 8920 9666/+61 1800 468 376

Contact Details  / VASCO Worldwide