Validation and Certification {#lodging-val-cert}
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Work with your payment technology provider (PTP) to allocate time to complete the message-level validation (MLV) and EMV Level 3 certification with your lodging processing system. You must pass MLV before beginning EMV Level 3 certification. You must complete validation and certification before your system can go live. For more information, see [Prerequisites](/docs/cybs/en-us/lodging/developer/ctv/rest/lodging/lodging-intro/lodging-prereqs.md "").

Message-Level Validation {#lodging-mlv}
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Message-level validation (MLV) is a script-based field-level validation against `Cybersource` specifications.  
Your PTP uses amount-based test triggers to send transactions to a test environment and the Visa Certification Management System for decryption. The test results are XML or RESTful output, `Business Center` test transactions, and log prints.  
`Cybersource` uses these tests to validates the results:

* Cross edit checks
* Data element validation
* Interchange compliance
* Data mapping validation

EMV Level 3 Certification {#lodging-emvl3-cert}
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This topic is an overview of the Level 3 certification with `Cybersource` and `Visa Platform Connect`. For details on how to design an EMV Level 3 certified payment application, see EMV Book 3 on the EMVCo website: <https://www.emvco.com>  
Certification is a formal process that is used to validate the device and application compliance with card scheme acceptance requirements. The certification team uses a brand test tool and simulator. The process involves these elements:

* Using a card simulator such as ICC or Fime.
* Failed case analysis and resolution.
* For Mastercard certification, your PTP submits results to Mastercard and pays the costs for approved partners that Mastercard uses.
* For Visa certification, `Cybersource` submits results to Visa.
* Waivers from the card schemes for exceptions.
* Card scheme responses or Letter of Approval (LOA) to signify acceptance and Level 3 certification.  
  The processes and support for Global Card Present Connect projects and direct merchant and acquirer projects are different, but the timelines are essentially the same.