CAT 3000v3
The CPT verification capability with a Tcl-based environment for writing your own test scripts. You can write what the standard scripts do not cover: issuer-specific tags, custom APDU sequences, Java Card applets and negative tests.
The testing problems this solves
CAT 3000v3 addresses the part of card issuance and personalisation that the standard scripts cannot express. You can develop issuer-specific tags, custom APDU sequences and negative tests in house. Systematic testing removes the gaps, reliance on individuals and lack of reproducibility that tend to appear at this stage.
Scope of verification
The CPT verification capability with a Tcl-based environment for writing your own test scripts.
| Aspect | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Development language | Tcl, supplied with the Tcl API, sample scripts, a procedure library for card operations, and API documentation |
| What you can write | Sending APDUs such as SELECT, READ RECORD and GET DATA; analysing responses; checking TLV structures; conditional branching; and running tests across several applications in sequence |
| Verdicts and output | Generating pass, fail, warning and observation verdicts; the result tree; the engineering log; and your own reports |
| Where it fits | Issuer-specific tags; custom APDU sequences; bespoke Java Card applets; electronic ID, PKI and loyalty; and negative testing with abnormal responses |
| Combined cards | Multi-application cards combining, for example, EMV, transit and employee identity |
| Configuration | v3, v3CL and v3ML; the interfaces supported depend on the configuration |
Supported terminals and environments
Intended for the card issuance process and as a script development environment. The application types supported are confirmed at quotation.
Main functions
| Script development | The industry-standard Tcl scripting language, with an API controlling card operations, user interaction, result display and log generation, and a Tcl library of established chip card test procedures. Both the API and the library are fully documented |
|---|---|
| Multi-application testing | Run script-based tests individually, or chain them so that a single card insertion covers several applications, including checking both chip and magnetic stripe data |
| Use | Development and verification of bespoke payment applications and multi-application cards, such as EMV with loyalty. The standard test suite for EMV payment applications is included |
| CL configuration | CAT 3000v3CL is fully compatible with CPT 3000v3CL and provides a capable Level 2 test platform whatever the payment application |
| Operating environment | Windows 7, 10 and 11, 32-bit and 64-bit. Works with the 3K7 and other readers |
Choosing between the CPT and CAT series
CPT checks whether a card matches a defined specification; CAT lets you develop the checking logic itself. The certification modules are additional software that runs on CPT or CAT, not standalone products.
| Product | Main role | Interfaces covered | Custom script development |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPT 3000v3 | PVT for contact EMV cards and magnetic stripe | Contact IC and magnetic stripe | Generally none; QuickTest settings are used instead |
| CPT 3000v3CL | PVT including contactless and dual interface | Contact, contactless, magnetic stripe and NFC devices | Generally none |
| CPT 3000v3ML | Verification of mobile payment and SIM/UICC | NFC, SWP, contact and contactless | Generally none |
| CAT 3000v3 / CL / ML | CPT functionality plus custom test script development | Depends on the configuration | Yes (Tcl) |
| Certification test modules | Scheme-specific PVT and certification testing | Through modules | Defined by the scheme |
| G2V2 Tachograph Card Test Tool | Verification of digital and smart tachograph cards | ISO/IEC 7816 contact | — |
Platform generations (v3 and v4)
Please confirm this at procurement. According to Barnes support information, the current core version of CPT 3000v3 and CAT 3000v3 is 3.71.0 (31 March 2026), and for CPT v4 it is 4.3.1.239 (15 May 2026). The v3 line continues to receive current versions for the Visa Europe Self-Service and other scheme certification modules and for quality control. The Mastercard, Visa Global Self-Service, JCB and Discover certification modules, however, are provided on CPT v4. Supported modules, library versions and certification schemes are re-confirmed at the time of deployment.
| Situation | What we recommend |
|---|---|
| You are continuing to inspect existing cards on an installed CPT 3000v3 | Continuing maintenance on v3 may be possible |
| New deployment | In principle CPT v4 should be considered first |
| You use an older module for a particular scheme | We check v3 compatibility case by case |
| The latest Visa or Mastercard self-certification | This configuration is likely to require v4 |
| You have existing custom CAT scripts | We check whether migration to v4 is possible, Tcl compatibility, and conversion cost |
| You own a reader dedicated to v3CL or v3ML | We check whether it can be reused with v4 |
Buying the base unit does not by itself enable certification for every scheme. The base unit, the CL and ML functions, the scheme modules, Host Simulation, the HSM connection, the reader, and maintenance and script updates may each be a separate licence or option. For new proposals we recommend v4 as the base platform, with the required modules configured individually.
Example configurations
Which elements you need depends on the use case. At quotation we always confirm the interface scope of the reader and the licences.
| Use | Components |
|---|---|
| Standard configuration for EMV cards | CPT v4 or CPT 3000v3, a Barnes 3K7 Triple Interface Reader, the PVT scripts for the schemes concerned, the certification module for those schemes, and annual maintenance with script updates |
| Configuration including cryptographic verification | The above plus the Host Simulation Module and issuer keys, or the HSM Interface and the HSM concerned |
| Developing your own card application | CAT 3000v3CL or its successor, Tcl Script Development, contact and contactless readers, and Host Simulation or an HSM if required |
| Mobile and UICC | The ML configuration of CPT or CAT, an SWP reader, an NFC reader, real handsets, and the mobile scheme scripts concerned |
| Tachograph card | The G2V2 Tachograph Card Test Tool, an ISO/IEC 7816 reader, the G1, G2V1 and G2V2 test suites, the licence for the card types concerned, test certificates and key sets, and an HSM if required |
Where it is used
- Setting up card issuance and QC verification for a new development
- Regression after a configuration change or update
- Coverage checks ahead of certification
Relationship to certification
What this product performs is a conformance check on the issued card. It can be used for pre-certification testing before submission to the scheme, but passing here does not guarantee passing formal certification.