EMV Certification Tests are essential for businesses that accept credit and debit cards. The EMV chip technology, developed in Europe in the 1990s, has gradually become the standard for processing transactions worldwide. EMV, which stands for Europay, Mastercard, and Visa, is a security protocol that reduces the risk of card fraud by encrypting the data stored on the chip. EMV certification tests are designed to ensure that point-of-sale (POS) devices, payment processors, and acquiring banks comply with the EMV standards. In this blog post, we'll explore what EMV certification tests are, how they work, and the benefits of automating the tests.
EMV certification tests involve a series of rigorous tests performed by accredited laboratories to verify the compliance of a payment device or card with EMV standards. The tests typically cover four categories: functionality, security, interoperability, and protocol. The functionality tests ensure the device or card works as intended and can process transactions according to the EMV specifications. The security tests verify that the device or card can protect the sensitive data of the cardholder, including the PIN, from unauthorized access or tampering. The interoperability tests ensure that the device or card can work with other EMV-compliant devices and systems. Finally, the protocol tests verify that the device or card can communicate securely with the payment network according to the EMV protocols.
There are different levels of EMV certification, and each level corresponds to a different set of requirements and standards. Level 1 certification covers the physical and electrical characteristics of the card or device, such as the size, shape, and durability of the card, and the electrical signals and protocols used for communication. Level 2 certification covers the software and firmware of the device, including the cryptographic algorithms, the application processing, and the payment network interfaces. Level 3 certification covers the overall system, including the interaction between the device, the payment processor, and the acquiring bank, and the end-to-end security of the transaction.
In this article, we will focus on Level 3 Tests. This level of testing is typically performed by the payment processor or the retailer executing tests as requested by the payment processor or acquirer. The tests themselves are prescriptive tests defined by the EMVCo companies. The tests are exposed through accredited payment-specific tools such as those provided by our partner ICC Solutions Limited, a UK-based company at the forefront of this field.
IntelliQA and ICC Solutions have teamed to enable fully automated Payment Certification Test execution. ICC Solutions has implemented an API to expose the tests, to which IntelliQA has added advanced test automation and robotics to mimic how a human user would perform the tests. The solution runs successfully, as will be demonstrated at the MAG Show in Atlanta on 10-13th September 2023.
So, what are the business benefits associated with this technology?
Improved Efficiency
One of the most significant advantages of automated payment certification tests is improved efficiency. Automation enables the execution of payment certification scenarios in a shorter time, which enables businesses to ensure continuous compliance with regulatory requirements. Once automated, the tests execute for very little additional effort, which means the test execution can be included as regular regression tests. The results are not submitted for certification on each run; they provide confidence that inadvertent breakages have not been introduced to the platform.
Enhanced Accuracy
Automating payment certification testing enables businesses to improve accuracy, thereby reducing risk. Automated tests can check for errors that may be missed during manual testing. Tests can also flag any anomalies identified within a payment system, making identifying and fixing errors easier.
Cost-Effective Solution
Automating payment certification tests can help businesses save significantly on expenses compared to manual testing. Automation reduces the cost of hiring and training staff for manual testing and reduces the need for expensive testing consultancy.
Improved Reporting and Analytics
Automated payment certification testing enables businesses to collect and analyze results. These data insights can help businesses make more informed decisions, streamline operations, and improve overall performance.
Faster Deployment
Manual payment certification testing can be time-consuming, and deadlines for deploying payment processing applications may get compromised. However, automating the process helps businesses to speed up the testing process and increase the chances of hitting their go-live targets.
In conclusion, the benefits of automating payment certification tests cannot be emphasised enough. Automation makes it easier to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, reduce risk, cut costs, streamline operations, and optimize performance.
The advanced solution developed by IntelliQA and ICC Solutions will help you to realise the benefits faster by utilising our technology and expertise.
Contact us
Please get in touch if you need support with automated payment testing solutions, and our sales team would be happy to discuss this with you. Contact us at +44 1707 906177 or sales@intelliqa.com
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