What is an EMV level 3 certification?
Understanding EMV Level 3 Certification: A Complete Guide
If you've ever used a chip card at a payment terminal, you've interacted with EMV technology. But behind that simple tap or insert is a complex certification process that ensures your payment is secure. For payment terminal manufacturers and software developers, EMV Level 3 certification represents the pinnacle of this validation process—and understanding it is crucial for anyone working in the payments industry.
What is EMV?
EMV stands for Europay, Mastercard, and Visa—the three companies that originally developed this global standard for chip card payments. EMV technology uses embedded microchips in payment cards to create unique transaction codes that can't be reused, making it significantly more secure than the old magnetic stripe system.
The Three Levels of EMV Certification
EMV certification isn't a single test—it's a comprehensive, multi-tiered process. Think of it like building a house: you need a solid foundation before you can add walls, and you need walls before you can add a roof. EMV certification works the same way.
Level 1 focuses on the physical and electrical characteristics of the terminal. Does the chip reader make proper contact with the card? Can it read the chip reliably? This level ensures the hardware itself meets basic specifications.
Level 2 examines the terminal's ability to process EMV transactions at the application level. Can it properly communicate with the card's chip? Does it follow the correct transaction flow? This level validates that the software can handle EMV protocols correctly.
Level 3 is where everything comes together. This is end-to-end certification that validates the entire payment ecosystem—from the moment a card is inserted to when the transaction is approved or declined by the card issuer.
What Makes Level 3 Certification Special?
EMV Level 3 certification is the most comprehensive and challenging tier. While Levels 1 and 2 can be conducted in controlled laboratory environments, Level 3 testing simulates real-world conditions by connecting to actual payment networks.
During Level 3 testing, your payment terminal or application must successfully communicate with the card networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and process live test transactions. The certification verifies that your solution can:Properly format and transmit transaction data to payment processors
✔️ Handle various transaction scenarios (purchases, refunds, offline transactions)
✔️ Correctly interpret and respond to authorization response
✔️ Manage error conditions and edge cases
✔️ Comply with each card brand's specific requirements
Why Does Level 3 Certification Matter?
Without EMV Level 3 certification, your payment terminal or application simply cannot process live chip card transactions on major payment networks. It's not optional—it's a mandatory requirement for anyone who wants to accept EMV payments. For businesses deploying payment solutions, Level 3 certification provides critical benefits:
Security assurance: You know the payment solution has been rigorously tested against industry standards and can protect cardholder data.
Network compliance: Major card brands require Level 3 certification before they'll allow a device on their networks.
Liability protection: In many regions, merchants using non-certified terminals may be liable for fraudulent transactions.
Customer confidence: Certification demonstrates commitment to security and professional standards.
The Certification Process
Achieving EMV Level 3 certification typically involves working with an accredited test laboratory that has been approved by the card networks. The process usually takes several months and includes:
1. Pre-certification preparation: Ensuring your solution passes internal testing and is ready for formal evaluation
2. Level 1 and Level 2 completion: These are prerequisites for Level 3
3. Test case execution: Running hundreds of test scenarios covering normal transactions, error conditions, and edge cases
4. Network connectivity testing: Validating communication with actual payment processors
5. Brand-specific testing: Each card network has unique requirements that must be individually certified
6. Approval and listing: Once certified, your solution is added to the card brands' approved device lists
Beyond Certification: Ongoing Compliance
It's important to understand that EMV Level 3 certification isn't a one-time achievement. Payment technology evolves, security threats change, and card networks update their requirements. Any significant changes to your payment application or terminal typically require re-certification or at minimum, formal change notifications to maintain compliance.
The Bottom Line
EMV Level 3 certification represents the payment industry's commitment to security and interoperability. While the process can be complex and time-consuming, it ensures that payment terminals and applications meet rigorous standards before they're deployed in the real world.
For payment solution providers, achieving Level 3 certification is a significant milestone that demonstrates technical capability and commitment to security. For merchants and consumers, it provides confidence that their payment transactions are protected by industry-leading standards.
Whether you're developing a new payment terminal, creating a custom payment application, or simply trying to understand why certification matters, EMV Level 3 represents the gold standard in payment security validation—ensuring that every chip card transaction is processed securely, reliably, and in compliance with global payment standards.
About Mojave
With nearly 130 EMV Level 3 certifications completed across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America, Mojave Technologies has the proven experience to guide your payment solution through the entire certification process from start to finish. Whether you need full-service support or specialized guidance for teams with existing technical capabilities, we offer tailored programs to meet your certification needs.
👉 EMV L3 Certification: https://mojave.co/emv-certification/
👉 EMV No-Code Certification: https://mojave.co/emv-no-code-certification/
📆 Meet with Our Certification Team: https://meet.mojave.co
