This part of the multi-part standard specifies the concepts, test types and conformance testing methodologies to test biometric data interchange records or computer algorithms that create biometric data interchange records. The biometric data interchange records are specified in the INCITS biometric data interchange format standards.

This part defines two types (A and B) and three levels (1, 2 and 3) of conformance testing, with a general description and methodology for each one. In the case of the first two levels, there are many common test elements, and so the assertion language for specifying Level 1 and Level 2 test assertions is defined in this standard. This multi-part standard is not concerned with testing of other characteristics of biometric products or other types of testing of biometric products (i.e., acceptance, performance, robustness, security). This part of the multi-part standard explicitly does not cover the following areas:

• Detailed test elements and assertions or descriptions of any mandatory standard datasets required for testing. They are provided in the other parts of this standard, which each describe conformance testing for a specific biometric data interchange format standard.
• Conformance testing methodologies for the CBEFF structures, which are specified in the INCITS biometric data interchange format standards as the required encapsulators of the biometric data interchange records.
• Type B testing, defined as testing claims by implementations under test that they can use conformant biometric data interchange records.