MasterCard today unveiled a new EMV chip terminal testing and certification program aimed at speeding chip adoption by U.S. merchants.

• Acquirers will have more responsibility and flexibility for terminal testing as a part of their own internal processes and schedules. Acquirers can now follow recommendations and use MasterCard terminal testing procedures or they can choose alternative testing processes and tools that support the integrity of their existing procedures. MasterCard has also cut the number of needed tests by 58 percent, minimizing mandatory tests and allowing acquirers to use their discretion and expertise in deciding when terminals are ready for deployment.
• VARs will receive more and dedicated resources to help accelerate terminal deployments. The new resources will help VARs navigate terminal configurations, test processes and ramp up in-field issue resolution. For example, if the cardholder experience is impacted by a terminal, documentation will exist to assist in resolving the issue in a timely manner.
• Acquirers and VARs will benefit from published guidelines on standard terminal test configurations which will improve the testing cycle and simplify testing processes. Standard terminal configuration packages will be available for certain industry segments, such as quick-serve restaurants and big box retailers.