ISO/IEC 10373 specifies the technology-independent test methods needed to ensure that identification cards conform to the base (requirements) standards in which their basic characteristics are defined, such as ISO/IEC 7810.
Which test methods are there under ISO/IEC 10373? The test methods under ISO/IEC 10373 are as follows.
ISO/IEC 10373 consists of the following parts, under the general title Identification cards – Test methods:
- Part 1: General characteristics
- Part 2: Cards with magnetic stripes
- Part 3: Integrated circuit cards with contacts and related interface devices
- Part 5: Optical memory cards
- Part 6: Proximity cards
- Part 7: Vicinity cards
- Part 8: USB-ICC
- Part 9: Optical memory cards: Holographic recording method
How do test standards make cards reliable?
The standard defines methods for measuring many characteristics, from the card's physical dimensions to its electrical behavior. For example, Part 6 (proximity cards) is used for contactless cards, and the relevant part for longer-range cards.
Card manufacturers and test laboratories use these methods to prove that their products comply with the standard. This way, cards from different manufacturers work smoothly with different terminals.
It is common to reference this standard in card tenders and certification processes.
