EMV Certification is Challenging – How to Address it

By addressing the challenges of EMV certification and taking the right steps, payment application developers can helps to ensure that their applications are certified and deployed quickly, securely and cost-effectively.

EMV (Europay, Mastercard and Visa) is a globally recognized standard for secure payment transactions. EMV chip technology provide a more secure method of payment by using dynamic data authentication, making it nearly impossible to counterfeit or replicate payment cards. To ensure the effectiveness and reliability of EMV chip technology, EMV kernel certification is required. However, obtaining this certification can be a challenging and time-consuming process for businesses and organizations that are involved in the development and deployment of EMV-compliant payment solutions. In this article, we will explore the challenges of EMV kernel certification and offer strategies and best practices for addressing them.

What is EMV kernel certification?

EMV kernel certification is the process of testing and validating the software component of a payment system that interacts with the EMV chip on a payment card. This certification ensures that the EMV kernel complies with the latest security standards and that it can process EMV transactions in a secure and reliable manner. The EMVCo organization is responsible for setting and enforcing the certification standards, which include various tests and requirements that must be met before certification is granted.

Challenges of EMV Kernel Certification

The EMV Kernel Certification process is challenging due to several reasons

There are several challenges that can arise during the EMV kernel certification process . Some of the most common include

Complex Testing Requirements

The certification process involves a comprehensive set of tests that must be performed to ensure the compatibility and security of payment applications. These tests can be complex and time-consuming and may require significant technical expertise and resources.

Interoperability Challenges

Payment applications must be compatible with a wide range of POS terminals and payment devices in order to be certified. This can be a significant challenge, as different devices may have different technical requirements and specifications.

Cost and Time to Market

The certification process can be expensive and time-consuming, which can increase the cost of developing and deploying payment applications and delay their time to market.

Technical Requirements

Payment applications must meet a wide range of technical requirements in order to be certified, including security and performance standards, as well as interoperability with existing systems.

How to address the EMV Kernel Certification Challenges?

There are several ways to address these challenges and improve the chances of successfully certifying an EMV kernel. Here are a few suggestions

Thoroughly understand the EMV specification

EMV kernel certification requires a deep understanding of the EMV specification, which defines the protocols and procedures that must be followed for a card transaction to be processed successfully. Make sure you and your team have a thorough understanding of the specification before beginning the certification process.

Use a certified test tool

Use a certified test tool to ensure that your EMV kernel complies with the EMV specification. These tools are designed to automate the testing process and helps identify any issues that may prevent your kernel from being certified.

Engage with a certification lab early

Certification labs can provide guidance on the certification process and helps you identify potential issues that may arise during the testing process. Engage with a certification lab early in the process to ensure you have the necessary support and resources throughout the certification process.

Ensure quality assurance throughout development

Develop a robust quality assurance process to ensure that your EMV kernel is developed to the highest standards. This will helps you identify any issues early in the development process, which can save time and resources in the long run.

Follow best practices

Follow best practices for software development, such as code reviews, unit testing and version control. This will helps ensure that your EMV kernel is developed to a high standard and is less likely to encounter issues during the certification process.

Stay up-to-date with the latest developments

Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the EMV specification and certification process. This will helps you ensure that your EMV kernel is compliant with the latest requirements and can be certified quickly and efficiently.

Overall, by addressing the challenges of EMV kernel certification and taking the right steps, payment application developers can helps to ensure that their applications are certified and deployed quickly, securely and cost-effectively.

Contact EverExpanse for EMVCo TTA and Certification, Card Payment Solutions.
Get in Touch