---
title: "Alliance Activities : LEAP : CSCIP Body of Knowledge - Secure Technology Alliance"
language: "en-US"
canonical_url: "https://www.securetechalliance.org/activities-leap-cscip-body-of-knowledge/"
source_url: "https://www.securetechalliance.org/activities-leap-cscip-body-of-knowledge/"
content_type: "text/markdown"
---

[Home](https://www.securetechalliance.org/)Alliance Activities : LEAP : CSCIP Body of Knowledge

# Alliance Activities : LEAP : CSCIP Body of Knowledge













# CSCIP Body of Knowledge

![](https://www.securetechalliance.org/wp-content/wp-content/resources/logos/sca_cscip.jpg)

**Smart Card Fundamentals**

- Basic smart card components, structure, functions

- IC types (memory, protected memory, microcontroller, RF)

- Card design and card body

- Formats (card, USB token, SIM, embedded, other)

- Communications interfaces (contact, contactless, dual interface)

- Memory size and types

- Operating systems (native, Java, Multos, other)

- Smart card system design features

- Manufacturing process

- Readers (POS, PC, access control)

- Relevant smart card standards

- Smart cards and biometrics

- Specifications

**Security**

- Certifications (FIPS, Common Criteria)

- IC level (anti-tampering, masking)

- Card edge interface

- Encryption algorithms

- Security at system level

- Physical

- Logical

**Smart Card Application and Data Management**

- Single application cards

- Multi-application cards

- Chip initialization

- Key management (symmetric, asymmetric)

- Issuance

- Card life cycle management

- Relevant standards

**Smart Card Usage Models: Mobile and Near Field Communication**

- Smart card drivers and benefits

- SIMs

- UICCs

- Near Field Communication

- Sample smart card mobile and subscriber models

**Smart Card Usage Models: Identity and Security**

- Smart card drivers and benefits

- Identity cards and tokens

- ePassports

- Physical/logical access

- Smart cards and biometrics

- Smart cards and digital certificates

- Sample smart card identity and security models

- Relevant standards

- Identity and security application examples

- Privacy

**Smart Card Usage Models: Payments and Financial Transactions**

- Smart card drivers and benefits

- Bank cards (credit, debit, prepaid, ATM)

- EMV credit/debit payment

- Contactless payments

- Mobile/NFC payments

- Secure remote transactions for online banking/retail e-commerce

- E-purse, stored value cards (open and closed loop)

- Transit payment

- Parking payment

- Sample smart card payment models

- Relevant standards

**Other Topics: Technology Comparison and Implementation Considerations**

- Contactless smart cards vs. RFID

- Other card technologies

- Project management considerations




---

### Related:

- [Identity & Access Forum Virtual Meeting – August 14, 2024 ](https://www.securetechalliance.org/identity-access-forum-virtual-meeting-august-14-2024/)

- [Digital Identity vs. Digital ID ](https://www.securetechalliance.org/digital-identity-vs-digital-id/)

- [Mobile Driver’s License (mDL) and mDL Reader Interoperability Testing Guidance ](https://www.securetechalliance.org/mobile-drivers-license-mdl-and-mdl-reader-interoperability-testing-guidance/)

- [Mobile Identity Use Cases in Financial Services ](https://www.securetechalliance.org/mobile-identity-use-cases-in-financial-services/)









        [
            **
        ](#)