This test tool, which has been brought to market in a joint collaboration between Barnes and FIME, allows issuers to accurately and efficiently prepare for the MasterCard CPV certification process, mitigating the risk of issues arising during the final certification stage.

Barnes and FIME began their collaboration in 2011 to combine expertise and effectively meet the requirements of MasterCard. They have continued their cooperation to advance the comprehensive CPV test solution - which comprises Barnes CPV module, Barnes CPV PRO module and PersevalPRO FIME-CPV - for pre-certification of MasterCard and MasterCard® PayPass™ cards. The test tool has been approved by MasterCard after extensive qualification tests, which confirmed that the tool had collectively incorporated the personalisation functionality and security requirements outlined by the payment system.

Banks, card manufacturers and personalisation bureaux can purchase the tool independently to pre-test a product's adherence to MasterCard standards prior to official certification.

Christian Delporte, Head of Chip Engineering at MasterCard Worldwide, comments: "We are pleased to see test tools come to market that support the latest CPV requirements. This enables MasterCard issuers to undertake the latest testing and have confidence that their products will successfully perform during the certification stages. As we strive towards a world beyond cash, supporting partners such as Barnes and FIME is extremely important as they, in turn, harness technology to meet the standards we established but are now respected the world over."

FIME will use the updated tool in its official capacity as an accredited MasterCard service provider to generate the test results required for a product to achieve MasterCard certification. Within FIME's consulting division, it will also use the testing solution to continually evaluate a customer's new payment card activity to ensurre that products being brought to market align with MasterCard CPV requirements.

At the same time Barnes CPV module is available to existing and new users of Barnes' CPT 3000v3 and CAT 3000v3, and a separate CPV PRO which includes supplementary tests. The combination of these will allow developers to pre-validate cards prior to approval, using the same tests as employed by FIME's MasterCard approved laboratories.

Brian Summerhayes, Managing Director at Barnes International, a global leader in the development and supply of chip card test tools, says: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with FIME and provide the market with the first MasterCard CPV tool which meets these latest requirements. Using a test tool throughout the development stages of a new product reduces time to market by eliminating costly and time consuming issues arising during the final certification stage."

Vincent Poty, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at FIME, an independent global leader in consulting and integration testing services for smart devices and secure chip-based applications, adds: "FIME's extensive knowledge of CPV requirements complements Barnes' long history of building MasterCard testing tools to resourcefully maintain this product to meet the highest standard, and support the most recent specifications. As a MasterCard accredited service provider, it demonstrates our ability to effectively meet its latest certification needs and ensure customers receive the highest level of service."