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FAQGLOBALFIPS 140-3

FIPS 140-3 Algorithm certificates FAQ

Use CAVP algorithm certificates as scoped evidence for tested cryptographic algorithm implementations inside a FIPS 140-3 module claim.

This page explains what to check before reusing an algorithm certificate in module evidence, customer responses, or procurement reviews.

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Author
Sorena AI
Published
May 9, 2026
Updated
Jul 24, 2026
Questions
3

Structured answer sets in this page tree.

Primary sources
3

Cited legal and guidance references.

Publication metadata
Sorena AI
Published May 9, 2026
Updated Jul 24, 2026
Overview

Short answer: an is evidence that a particular cryptographic algorithm implementation was tested by for a stated implementation version and operational environment. It does not by itself prove that a product or module is validated to FIPS 140-3 under .

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3 of 3 questions
Question 1

What does an algorithm certificate prove under FIPS 140-3?

A supports the algorithm part of a FIPS 140-3 evidence package. It shows that the named implementation was tested for the algorithm capabilities and operational environments recorded by CAVP. An accredited CST laboratory separately tests the cryptographic module that integrates and uses that implementation, and reviews and validates the submission.

That distinction matters in public claims. A product team should not describe a product as FIPS 140-3 validated merely because one embedded algorithm has a certificate. The module still needs its own validation record and Security Policy for the claimed module boundary.

  • Use the certificate to identify the tested algorithm implementation, implementation version, and operational environment.
  • Use the module certificate and Security Policy to support a FIPS 140-3 module-validation claim.
  • Keep customer and procurement wording separate: -tested algorithm implementation is not the same claim as -validated cryptographic module.
Citations
Recommended next step

Build a clean FIPS 140-3 certificate evidence map

Connect each CAVP certificate to the module boundary, Security Policy row, operational environment, and customer-facing claim it supports.

Assessment workflow
Map certificates to controls

Turn certificate checks into accountable evidence tasks and review triggers.

Explore next step
Research workflow
Check a scoped claim

Review whether a certificate supports the exact module, environment, and customer claim.

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Talk to Sorena
Talk through implementation

Review the certificate evidence map, public wording, and next validation questions with Sorena.

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Question 2

What should I check before reusing a certificate in module evidence?

Check the certificate number, algorithm capabilities and parameters, implementation version, and tested operational environment, then compare those details with the module configuration that will rely on the algorithm. IG 2.3.A requires the validated implementation to remain unmodified after integration and its environment to be identical to, or fully included in, the module's tested environment.

For software, firmware, and hybrid modules, the tested operational environment matters. If the algorithm was tested on a different operating system, processor, platform, or hypervisor arrangement, do not assume the certificate automatically covers the module under test.

  • Compare the certificate's implementation name and version with the implementation shipped in the module.
  • Compare the certificate's operating system, platform, processor, and hypervisor details with the module's tested operational environment.
  • Treat changed code, changed processor bit size, changed operating system, or changed hardware implementation as a reason to re-check testing coverage.
Citations
NIST CAVP validation search

Public lookup for confirming the certificate entry, algorithm name, implementation details, and listed operating environment.

Question 3

What evidence should be kept with algorithm certificates?

Keep enough evidence to show why the certificate supports the current module claim. Connect the entry to the module boundary, the Security Policy table or service row where the algorithm is used, required self-tests, and the operational environment tested for the module. A certificate for an approved algorithm does not make every parameter, mode, protocol use, or service approved.

Do not use stale certificate screenshots as the only evidence. Keep the public URL, certificate number, algorithm and implementation identifiers, module certificate or submission reference, Security Policy excerpt, and the date the evidence was checked.

  • Record the certificate number, algorithm name, implementation name, implementation version, and tested operational environment.
  • Map each certificate to the module service or Security Policy row that relies on that algorithm implementation.
  • Re-check the evidence when the algorithm implementation, module version, operating environment, processor acceleration path, supplier component, or module status changes.
  • For PAA or PAI use, verify whether the guidance requires testing in both software/firmware-only execution and accelerated execution.
Citations
Primary sources

References and citations

CMVP Implementation Guidance for FIPS 140-3
csrc.nist.gov
Referenced sections
  • Supports evidence fields for certificate binding, operating environment checks, and PAA/PAI testing considerations.
"the tested operational environment"
NIST CAVP validation search
csrc.nist.gov
Referenced sections
  • This source helps re-check the public certificate entry instead of relying only on copied text or screenshots.
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