EMV Level 3 Certification Services
We specialize in EMV Level 3 certification for all major credit card processors and card brands. Fast, reliable payment device compliance with in-house testing tools.
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Reduce typical certification from 18–24 months down to 6–12 months with our FIME-certified in-house tools.
What is EMV Level 3 Certification?
EMV Level 3 (L3) certification is the final stage of payment terminal certification that validates your payment application works correctly with specific payment processors and acquirers. While Level 1 and Level 2 certifications focus on hardware and kernel compliance, Level 3 certification ensures end-to-end transaction processing between your terminal and the payment processor.
The L3 certification process involves rigorous testing of transaction flows including sales, refunds, voids, pre-authorizations, and tip adjustments. Each card brand — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover — has specific requirements validated through their approved testing tools.
Without proper EMV Level 3 certification, payment terminals cannot process chip card transactions through acquirer networks, making this certification essential for any business deploying POS systems or unattended payment devices.
Level 1 Certification
Certifies the physical hardware and electrical interface of the chip card reader.
Level 2 Certification
Certifies the EMV kernel software that communicates with the chip card.
Level 3 Certification — Our Specialty
Certifies the complete payment application and integration with specific processors, ensuring end-to-end transaction processing for each card brand.
No External Dependencies.
Complete In-House Capabilities.
Everything needed to complete your EMV L3 certification is owned and operated by our team — no third-party bottlenecks.
130+ Certifications
Proven track record with over 130 EMV L3 certifications completed across 4 continents. Our experience spans multiple processors, terminals, and industry verticals.
FIME-Certified Tools
Mojave owns FIME, MV, and ICC testing tools in-house. No third-party dependencies means faster turnaround and complete control over your certification timeline.
Accelerated Timeline
Reduce certification time from the industry standard 18–24 months to 6–12 months. Our streamlined process and expert team eliminate common bottlenecks.
Global Coverage
We service the United States, Canada, Latin America, Caribbean, and all of Europe. Regional certification requirements handled by our experienced team.
Custom Development
Full payment application development including multi-processor frameworks, TMS integration, and dual-mode operation (standalone or service layer).
End-to-End Support
From initial consultation through final certification and ongoing maintenance. We handle processor relationships, testing, and documentation.
A Structured Approach to
Fast-Track Your Certification
Our four-stage process is engineered to minimize rework, reduce timeline risk, and deliver successful certifications.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
Initial testing phase where we validate your payment application against processor specifications. This includes transaction flow testing, error handling, and receipt formatting. UAT identifies issues early, reducing costly rework during later stages.
Host Validation
Comprehensive testing of communication between your terminal and the processor host. We verify message formatting, timeout handling, reversal processing, and batch settlement. This stage ensures reliable transaction processing in production environments.
Pre-Certification Testing
Using our FIME, MV, and ICC testing tools, we run the complete card brand test suites internally. This pre-certification phase catches issues before official submission, dramatically reducing the risk of failed certification attempts.
Level 3 Certification
Final certification with card brands — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover. We manage the submission process, address any findings, and coordinate with processors until your terminal receives full EMV L3 certification approval.
EMV Certification Across
Diverse Payment Environments
Our expertise spans every vertical where payment terminals require certification — from retail POS to unattended kiosks.
Petroleum & Fuel
Gas station payment terminals and fuel dispensers
EV Charging
Electric vehicle charging station payment systems
Parking
Parking meters, garages, and lot payment kiosks
Unattended Retail
Vending machines and self-service kiosks
Retail POS
Traditional point of sale systems and terminals
Restaurant & Hospitality
Pay-at-table and quick service terminals
Laundromat
Coin-op and card-based laundry payment systems
Transit & Ticketing
Transportation and event ticketing kiosks
See How Our Streamlined Process
Delivers Faster Results
| Factor | Traditional Approach | Mojave Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Timeline | 18–24 months | 6–12 months |
| Testing Tools | Third-party rental or access | Owned FIME, MV, ICC tools in-house |
| Pre-Certification | Limited internal testing | Full card brand test suites run internally |
| Processor Experience | Varies by vendor | 130+ certifications across major processors |
| Geographic Coverage | Often region-specific | US, Canada, Caribbean, Latin America, Europe |
| Development Support | Certification only | Full payment app development + certification |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about EMV Level 3 certification and Mojave's process.
Traditional EMV L3 certification can take 18–24 months due to the complexity of testing requirements and coordination with multiple parties. With Mojave's in-house testing tools and experienced team, we typically complete certifications in 6–12 months, depending on the complexity of your payment application and the number of processors involved.
Level 1 certifies the physical hardware and electrical interface of the chip card reader. Level 2 certifies the EMV kernel software that communicates with the chip card. Level 3 certifies the complete payment application and its integration with specific payment processors, ensuring end-to-end transaction processing works correctly with each card brand.
All major card brands require L3 certification: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Each brand has its own test suite and requirements. Additionally, some regions have specific requirements (e.g., Interac in Canada). Mojave handles certification for all major card brands across multiple regions.
Yes, EMV L3 certification is processor-specific. If you want to work with multiple acquirers (e.g., First Data, TSYS, Worldpay), you need separate certifications for each. Mojave can develop a multi-processor framework that makes adding new processor certifications more efficient after the initial certification is complete.
Card brand certification requires specific testing tools: FIME tools for Visa and Mastercard, MV tools for certain processors, and ICC testing tools for various validation scenarios. These tools are expensive and require expertise to operate. Mojave owns all necessary testing tools in-house, eliminating the need for clients to purchase or rent equipment.
Mojave provides end-to-end services including complete payment application development, TMS (Terminal Management System) integration, and certification. We can build your L3 application from scratch, integrate with your existing systems, or work in standalone mode. Our development team has 30+ years of payment industry experience.
In-Depth Resources from
Our Payment Experts
What is an EMV Level 3 Certification?
A comprehensive guide to understanding the EMV L3 certification process and requirements. Essential reading before you begin.
EMV Level 3 Certification: Technical Insights
Technical deep-dive into streamlined testing solutions and certification best practices from our engineering team.
Get Your Free L3 Certification Consultation
Ready to fast-track your EMV Level 3 certification? Contact our team for a free consultation. We'll review your requirements and provide a certification quote within 24 hours.