# VIPA Getting Started
VIPA is Verifone's interface for **POS integration** with Verifone payment devices. It lets integrators accept EMV debit and credit cards on Verifone terminals.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
Please login or register to gain access to the detailed material on this page.
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
LoginRegister for an Account
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
Before you Begin
Confirm these three things first:
* your target device family
* your deployed VIPA version
* your integration model
VIPA supports two integration models:
* terminal-managed EMV processing on the Verifone device
* external-kernel processing with the device used for secure card and PIN handling
Choose the Right Specification
Start with the specification that matches your estate.
{% if visitor.isSet === true %}
* [8.x Interface Specification](broken://spaces/lgQH7gn83JbwDliEhFdR/pages/07eQYUN8tNInmEjLYRth)
* [7.x Interface Specification](broken://spaces/lgQH7gn83JbwDliEhFdR/pages/uGJTbZiG7LcbP0Bqm0Ie)
* [6.9.x Interface Specification](broken://spaces/lgQH7gn83JbwDliEhFdR/pages/Cxg7pixu4HyM0PThhOIN)
* [6.8.x Interface Specification](broken://spaces/lgQH7gn83JbwDliEhFdR/pages/bsNZemDPkx5gq9S3ATrT)
{% endif %}
**What the specification gives you**
* protocol structure for POS-to-device messaging
* transaction flows for contact, contactless, and mixed-card scenarios
* command reference for device and payment features
* configuration, authentication, and security requirements
{% hint style="warning" %}
Pick one specification version as your source of truth.
Do not mix command rules across versions.
{% endhint %}
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="7.x Interface Specification" %}
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Understand the Product Model
| |
|---|
| Discover how VIPA fits your POS architecture and transaction model. |  |
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} OverviewVIPA Design
{% endif %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Prepare the Terminal Environment
Set up communication, configuration files, and deployment expectations first.
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Runtime setup" %}
Use the configuration section for runtime setup.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} VIPA Configuration
{% endif %}
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Package rollout" %}
Use the upgrade section when you manage package rollout.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} VIPA Upgrade
{% endif %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Build the Transaction Flow
Map your POS state machine to VIPA behaviour.
Start with contact and contactless flows.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} VIPA Use CasesContactless - Command Flow
{% endif %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Implement the Command Layer
Use the command reference after you understand the flow.
Start with templates, core EMV transaction commands, and device interaction.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} VIPA FunctionalityTemplatesEMV Contact – Level 2
{% endif %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Add Security and Validate Behaviour
Add security, authentication, and compliance checks before pilot rollout.
Keep PCI requirements and appendices close during testing.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} Security FunctionalityAuthenticationPCI Requirements
{% endif %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="6.9x Interface Specification" %}
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Understand the Product Model
| |
|---|
| Discover how VIPA fits your POS architecture and transaction model. | |
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} OverviewVIPA Design
{% endif %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Prepare the Terminal Environment
Set up communication, configuration files, and deployment expectations first.
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Runtime setup" %}
Use the configuration section for runtime setup.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} VIPA Configuration
{% endif %}
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Package rollout" %}
Use the upgrade section when you manage package rollout.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} VIPA Upgrade
{% endif %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Build the Transaction Flow
Map your POS state machine to VIPA behaviour.
Start with contact and contactless flows.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} VIPA Use CasesContactless - Command Flow
{% endif %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Implement the Command Layer
Use the command reference after you understand the flow.
Start with templates, core EMV transaction commands, and device interaction.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} VIPA FunctionalityTemplatesEMV Contact – Level 2
{% endif %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Add Security and Validate Behaviour
Add security, authentication, and compliance checks before pilot rollout.
Keep PCI requirements and appendices close during testing.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} Security FunctionalityAuthenticationPCI Requirements
{% endif %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="6.8x Interface Specification" %}
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Understand the Product Model
| |
|---|
| Discover how VIPA fits your POS architecture and transaction model. | |
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} OverviewVIPA Design
{% endif %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Prepare the Terminal Environment
Set up communication, configuration files, and deployment expectations first.
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Runtime setup" %}
Use the configuration section for runtime setup.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} VIPA Configuration
{% endif %}
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Package rollout" %}
Use the upgrade section when you manage package rollout.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} VIPA Upgrade
{% endif %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Build the Transaction Flow
Map your POS state machine to VIPA behaviour.
Start with contact and contactless flows.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} VIPA Use CasesContactless - Command Flow
{% endif %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Implement the Command Layer
Use the command reference after you understand the flow.
Start with templates, core EMV transaction commands, and device interaction.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} VIPA FunctionalityTemplatesEMV Contact – Level 2
{% endif %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Add Security and Validate Behaviour
Add security, authentication, and compliance checks before pilot rollout.
Keep PCI requirements and appendices close during testing.
{% if visitor.isSet === false %}
{% columns %}
{% column %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Login
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
{% endif %}
{% if visitor.isSet === true %} Security FunctionalityAuthenticationPCI Requirements
{% endif %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
POS Integration Checklist
Use this checklist before certification or pilot rollout.
* [x] Confirm the target device family and VIPA version.
* [x] Choose one specification version as the primary reference.
* [x] Configure communication and required runtime settings.
* [x] Implement message framing and template handling.
* [x] Build the transaction flows your POS supports.
* [x] Add only the command groups you need.
* [x] Validate error handling and unsolicited message behavior.
* [x] Apply security, authentication, and PCI requirements.
* [x] Test contact, contactless, fallback, and cancellation flows.
* [x] Keep the appendices available during debugging.
---
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Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:
```
GET https://docs.verifone.com/vipa/vipa-getting-started.md?ask=
```
The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.