How to Pass iBeta Level 1 Certification?

The iBeta Level 1 certification is the first step in proving that a biometric system can withstand basic spoofing attempts. Passing this stage demonstrates compliance with the ISO/IEC 30107-3 Presentation Attack Detection (PAD) standard and builds trust with regulators, clients, and end-users.

So, how can biometric vendors successfully prepare for and pass iBeta Level 1 certification? Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Understand Level 1 Certification Requirements

Before starting the process, it’s important to know the rules of Level 1 testing:

• Number of attempts:
  
  • 150 spoof attempts
    
  • 50 genuine authentication attempts
    
• Attack constraints:
  
  • Spoofs must be created using materials costing no more than USD 30.
    
  • Spoofs must be created and tested within 8 hours.
    
• Pass/Fail standard:
  
  • 0% spoof acceptance allowed (no spoof should be successful).
    
  • Genuine acceptance must remain high to ensure usability.
    

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2. Build Strong Liveness Detection

Since Level 1 attacks are low-cost and simple, systems must demonstrate basic spoof resistance. Key techniques include:

• Flatness detection: Distinguish between a 2D image and a 3D face.
  
• Replay detection: Spot screen glare, pixel distortion, and repetitive patterns in video replays.
  
• Texture analysis: Identify the difference between paper, ink, or screens vs real skin.
  
• Depth sensing: Use camera depth or optical cues to reject photos and cutouts.
  

💡 Tip: Combine multiple techniques instead of relying on a single method. Multi-layered liveness detection greatly increases success rates.

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3. Conduct Internal Pre-Testing

Do not rely solely on iBeta’s lab test. Before submitting your system:

• Simulate attacks internally: Use printed photos, paper masks, and smartphone video replays.
  
• Measure error rates: Track False Accept Rate (FAR) and False Reject Rate (FRR) under test conditions.
  
• Iterate on weaknesses: If spoofs are successful, refine your liveness detection.
  

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4. Balance Security and Usability

Passing certification isn’t just about blocking spoofs — the system must still recognize genuine users easily.

• Keep FRR low: Minimize false rejections so users aren’t frustrated.
  
• Test across different environments: lighting, camera quality, angles.
  
• Ensure performance on diverse demographics: skin tones, facial features, age groups.
  

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5. Engage with iBeta Early

Communicating with iBeta before submission can help clarify requirements:

• Confirm whether you’re pursuing general PAD certification, FIDO biometric certification, or Android biometric compliance.
  
• Align on timeframes and scope.
  
• Understand how results will be reported.

This reduces the chance of surprises during official testing.

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6. Optimize for Certification Success

To maximize the likelihood of passing:

• Use redundancy: Implement multiple liveness checks (texture + depth + motion).
  
• Fine-tune thresholds: Ensure spoof detection is strict enough without over-rejecting real users.
  
• Test on various devices: Especially important for mobile-based biometric apps.
  
• Prepare documentation: Be ready to explain how your system handles spoof attempts.
  

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7. Common Reasons for Failing Level 1

Avoiding common pitfalls can dramatically improve your success rate:

• Over-reliance on one method (e.g., only flatness detection).
  
• High false reject rate, leading to poor user experience.
  
• Failure under certain lighting or hardware conditions.
  
• Limited demographic testing, resulting in bias.
  
• Insufficient internal testing before submission.
  

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8. Benefits of Passing iBeta Level 1

Once your system passes, you’ll gain:

1. Global credibility: Recognition as a spoof-resistant biometric system.
2. Regulatory approval: Alignment with ISO/IEC 30107-3 standards.
3. Customer trust: Assurance for banks, healthcare, and government clients.
4. Eligibility for Level 2 testing: A stepping stone toward advanced certification.
   

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Quick Checklist: How to Pass iBeta Level 1

✔ Understand certification requirements (150 spoofs, 50 genuine, ≤ USD 30 materials, 8 hours).
✔ Build strong liveness detection (flatness, texture, replay, depth).
✔ Run internal tests with low-cost spoofs before submission.
✔ Balance spoof resistance with usability (low FRR).
✔ Communicate with iBeta about scope and process.
✔ Avoid common pitfalls like bias or single-method reliance.

Conclusion

Passing iBeta Level 1 certification requires a biometric system to withstand all basic spoof attempts while keeping usability intact. Success depends on a combination of robust liveness detection, thorough pre-testing, usability optimization, and careful preparation.

For vendors, Level 1 certification is more than a test — it’s the foundation for market credibility, compliance, and trust, paving the way toward more advanced Level 2 certification.