Why is certification important?
Certification provides assurance to users of biometric collection systems that certified products meet or exceed minimum FBI interoperability standards and will work with the Next Generation Identification (NGI) System. These standards ensure that the images used in the system are high quality and support all phases of identification for both fingerprint experts and the NGI.
What are the standards?
There are two standards currently in use for fingerprints: Appendix F and PIV-071006.
What device categories are certified?
Fingerprint printers, card scanners, and livescanners of multiple types can be certified, based upon the appropriate standards. In all cases,
a certified unit is a configuration of specific hardware and driver/support software optimized for usage with fingerprints.
Fingerprint Card Print Systems: Including software that generates 10-print cards of fingerprints, with sufficient
image quality to support fingerprint identification/matching. Typical laser writer printing software does not meet the requirements.
Fingerprint Card Scanner. Certification is performed either with or without automatic document feed (ADF). Output
resolution is within strict limits of either 500 ppi or 1000 ppi and the high image quality standards imposed by Appendix F apply.
There are multiple livescan categories, which differ in the required collection capabilities (single or multiple fingers, rollscan or flat, and
dimensions of capture area) and the image quality required. All livescan devices are certified with or without a membrane,
where "membrane" refers to a deformable substrate covering the finger platen.
The following table summarizes the basic categories with overview information on the specification applied and types of images involved. See the specification documents themselves for exact details.
Certification Category | Specification | ~ Capture Dimension (WxH inches) |
Types of Prints collected |
---|---|---|---|
Fingerprint Printer | Appendix F | ||
Fingerprint Card Scanner | Appendix F | 8 x 5 | |
Live-Scan (Tenprint) System | Appendix F | 1.6 x 1.5 roll 3.2 x 2.0 flat |
Rolls, plain & 4-finger |
Identification Flats | Appendix F | 3.2 x 3.0 | 4-4-2 flats |
PIV Single Finger | PIV-071006 | 0.5 x 0.65 | 1 finger flat |
Mobile ID (see below) | # Simultaneous. flats | ||
FAP 10 | PIV-071006 | 0.5 x 0.65 | 1 |
FAP 20 | PIV-071006 | 0.6 x 0.8 | 1 |
FAP 30 | PIV-071006 | 0.8 x 1.0 | 1 |
FAP 40 | PIV-071006 | 1.6 x 1.5 | 1-2 |
FAP 45 | Appendix F | 1.6 x 1.5 | 1-2 |
FAP 50 | Appendix F | 3.2 x 2.0 | 1-4 |
FAP 60 | Appendix F | 3.2 x 3.0 | 1-4 |
Extra capabilities such as palm capture require larger capture areas, but are only tested in conjunction with another category already on the list (e.g. Live-Scan, ID Flats or FAP 60).
What device configurations are eligible for Mobile ID certification?
Mobile ID devices operate in a mobile environment. Mobile ID devices operating in that environment may exhibit functionalities beyond those specified by their own set of requirements (Appendix F or PIV) based upon the Captured Dimensions referred to in the above table.
The following examples are currently found on the Certified Product List (CPL):
How do I get started?
Download and read a copy of the relevant standards and testing procedures documents (5MB). Obtain test targets and perform internal testing to see if device is capable of meeting the specifications. A TestTools CD is available with software for checking many of the requirements. If there is any question on targets or test target collection, discuss the test protocol with the testing agency. When satisfied that the configuration is of sufficient quality for certification, submit test images.
How long does it take?
1-2 months from original receipt of the test data, assuming there are no substantial problems.
How can I check on the status of my product?
A confirmation email is sent when test data is received. Other than communication with questions or problems, there are no status reports until a certification letter is issued. If you believe there is a problem communicate with the FBI or the testing group.
How will I be notified if there are problems?
You will receive an email from the testing group.
How will I notified if my product is certified?
You will receive an official certification letter from the FBI. The web-site will eventually be updated with the information as well.
Are there any caveats?
A card scanner is not certified for use with an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) unless specifically stated "with ADF." A certified
card scanner is a configuration of a specific scanner and driver/support software optimized for fingerprint scanning.
A print system is a certified configuration of a printer and fingerprint printing algorithm implemented in software or a
combination of software/firmware/hardware.
How can I get help?
MITRE makes several tools developed for CPL testing publicly available online. A larger set of tools covering almost all the certification tests is available on request to vendors who will be testing for certification. Click here to go to the MITRE site. http://www.mitre.org/tech/mtf/
How can I add my URL and an image of my certified product to the BioSpecs page?
Vendors may submit an image of the Certified Product to EBTSSupport@ic.fbi.gov for inclusion on the CPL listing on BioSpecs. The image must only be of the FBI Certified product; in JPG or GIF format; include company name and product name; and be resizeable to a max of 500 x 500. BioSpecs cannot be responsible for image clarity. Vendors are also welcome to provide a single firm URL and/or a product URL.
Please be sure to clearly indicate the specific product associated with the image.
What if my company’s name has changed?
Since the beginning of the FBI’s Product Certification Program, a considerable number of changes have occurred due to mergers, buy-outs, or name changes of listed companies. The product certification remains in effect for the product as tested regardless of changes in the company’s name, structure, or ownership. The normal procedure is to leave the company’s name unchanged on both the original certification letter and the NGI Certified Products List. Consequently, certification letters are generally not reissued, as all FBI certifications obtained prior to merger, acquisition, or name change survive in place and will automatically transfer.
Why is certification important?
Certification provides assurance to users of biometric collection systems that certified products meet or exceed minimum FBI interoperability standards and will work with the Next Generation Identification (NGI) System. These specifications ensure that the images used in the system are high quality and support all phases of identification for both fingerprint experts and the NGI.
How can I find what I need?
The web-site search tools can help you narrow the list to configurations which match your program requirements. Note, that only basic capabilities and assurance of image quality certification are included in this list. For example, both half-palm and full palm capabilities are indicated as ‘palm’. The user is expected to do adequate research to ensure a product meets their end needs.
Does the FBI recommend any particular product?
No, the FBI does not recommend any particular product. Law enforcement programs may have requirements for an image quality spec (say Appendix F) or capabilities (1000 ppi or ADF) which restrict the number of relevant products, but individual products are not recommended.
What else should be considered when choosing a device from the Certified Product List (CPL)?
A certified unit corresponds to a specific combination of hardware and software configured together to deliver images of impressions that are palatable to both examiners and NGI. The conditions under which such images are generated during certification tests are almost ideal because it would be both onerous and costly for vendors to replicate all conditions under which end users may use their products. Therefore, end users are encouraged to consider the following discussion topics with vendors, topics that are among those not covered by IQS certification (this list is by no means comprehensive):
What is the difference between the specifications?
What is the difference between all the livescan categories?
There are multiple livescan categories, which differ in the required collection capabilities (single or multiple fingers, rollscan or flat, and dimensions of capture area) and the image quality required. All livescan devices are certified with or without a membrane, where "membrane" refers to a deformable substrate covering the finger platen.
The following table summarizes the basic categories with overview information on the specification applied and types of images involved. See the specification documents themselves for exact details.
Certification Category | Specification | ~ Capture Dimension (WxH inches) |
Types of Prints collected |
---|---|---|---|
Fingerprint Printer | Appendix F | ||
Fingerprint Card Scanner | Appendix F | 8 x 5 | |
Live-Scan (Tenprint) System | Appendix F | 1.6 x 1.5 roll 3.2 x 2.0 flat |
Rolls, plain & 4-finger |
Identification Flats | Appendix F | 3.2 x 3.0 | 4-4-2 flats |
PIV Single Finger | PIV-071006 | 0.5 x 0.65 | 1 finger flat |
Mobile ID (see below) | # Simultaneous. flats | ||
FAP 10 | PIV-071006 | 0.5 x 0.65 | 1 |
FAP 20 | PIV-071006 | 0.6 x 0.8 | 1 |
FAP 30 | PIV-071006 | 0.8 x 1.0 | 1 |
FAP 40 | PIV-071006 | 1.6 x 1.5 | 1-2 |
FAP 45 | Appendix F | 1.6 x 1.5 | 1-2 |
FAP 50 | Appendix F | 3.2 x 2.0 | 1-4 |
FAP 60 | Appendix F | 3.2 x 3.0 | 1-4 |
Extra capabilities such as palm capture require larger capture areas, but are only tested in conjunction with another category already on the list (e.g. Live-Scan, ID Flats or FAP 60).
Mobile ID FAP Levels
Mobile ID devices are certified for a given FAP level (10 – 60) based upon their maximum capability; i.e. the ability to capture 1, 2, or 4 fingers and overall platen size. The requirements for each FAP level, however, are defined as the minimum number of fingers captured simultaneously and the minimum platen size required. Devices that are certified at a higher FAP level can also function as a lower FAP level device, if desired, as they also satisfy the requirements of lower FAP levels. For example, a FAP 30 device could submit images as FAP 10 or 20. Similarly, a FAP 60 device can operate as FAP 50 or even as FAP 10. A single Mobile ID FAP level should not be the sole metric used when defining product requirements. Operational needs should also be considered, such as rolled image capture, platen size, and/or overall device dimensions. Candidate devices that meet those needs may fall into multiple FAP levels.
What should I be aware of?
Before buying COTS devices, realize that it is the combination of scanner and specific driver/support software, or
printer and specific printing algorithm that is certified.
A card scanner is not certified for use with an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) unless specifically stated "with ADF." A certified card
scanner is a configuration of a specific scanner and driver/support software optimized for fingerprint scanning.
A print system is a certified configuration of a printer and fingerprint printing algorithm implemented in software or a combination
of software/firmware/hardware.
What does 'series' mean in the printer listings?
Printer manufacturers offer many configurations around a base model. In general, the term series is intended to certify the base model and these configurations as long as they preserve the image quality delivered by the base model. Specifically, configurations denoted by suffixes such as 'dn', 'dtn', 'n', 'tn', 'dw', '/B', '/N', '/DT', '/DX', 'D', and 'DN' are all certified. However, a numerical change to the name of a base model is excluded. For example, the Xerox Phaser 4500 series encompasses the 4500/B, 4500/N, 4500/DT, and 4500/DX, but not the Xerox Phaser 4510. Due to the prevalence of such configurations, the term series as defined herein is implicit in the certified printer listings which do not mention it.
What does 'duplex' mean in the card scanner listings?
This term is used to distinguish card scanners capable of simultaneously capturing both sides of a card in one pass from those which capture a single side. Both imagers of certified duplex card scanners are independently tested and certified.