Compliance FAQs: NIST IT Security Validation Program

This content last updated 07/03/2024. (Note: Content may not be the most current.)

• Does NIST certify IT systems, products, or modules?
• What is the Purpose of the IT Security Validation Program?
• What are CSD IT Security Validation Programs?
• Where can I find a list of validated products and modules as well as vendor lists?
• Where can I find an accredited laboratory?

Does NIST certify IT systems, products, or modules?

No, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) does not provide certification for Information Technology (IT) systems, products, or modules. However, NIST operates a number of IT Security Validation Programs. Under these programs, vendors use third-party, independent, private-sector, accredited testing laboratories to have their products tested. Products and modules that conform to validation program test requirements are awarded validations by NIST.

What is the Purpose of the IT Security Validation Program?

The goal of the IT Security Validation Program is to promote the use of validated products that conform to IT standards and provide Federal agencies and other users with a security baseline to use in procuring systems, products, or modules. The results of the independent testing performed by laboratories accredited by the NIST National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) provide this baseline. NIST Computer Security Division (CSD) is the validation authority that validates the test results and issues validation certificates.

What are CSD IT Security Validation Programs?

NIST has validation programs for the following:

• Cryptographic Modules and Algorithms
       CAVP: Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program
       CMVP: Cryptographic Module Validation Program
• NIST Personal Identity Verification Program (NPIVP)
• Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) Program

Where can I find a list of validated products and modules as well as vendor lists?

NIST posts and maintains the Module Validation Lists on the CSD Web site. The FIPS 140-1 and FIPS 140-2 validation lists contain those cryptographic modules that have been tested and validated under the Cryptographic Module Validation Program as meeting requirements for FIPS PUB 140-1 and FIPS PUB 140-2. A validation certificate has been issued for each of the modules listed.

The module list includes associated vendors and has an advanced search option to find a specific vendor’s validated modules as well as many other search criteria.

NIST also posts and maintains Algorithm Validation List, PIV Validation Lists (PIV Card Applications and PIV Middleware), and SCAP Validated Products and Modules.

Where can I find an accredited laboratory?

National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) maintains the authoritative list of accredited laboratories. The validation programs mentioned in this document use the “Cryptographic and Security Testing” laboratories.

NIST also posts all NPIVP independent third-party laboratories that conduct testing for PIV card application and PIV middleware test methods.

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