CAVP

The CAVP (Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program) is a U.S. government program run by NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology). Its purpose is to test and validate implementations of cryptographic algorithms to ensure they comply with official standards.

CAVP provides:

1. Standard test vectors

Vendors must run their cryptographic implementations (e.g., AES, SHA-2, HMAC, RSA, DRBGs…) against official NIST test suites.

2. Independent laboratory testing

Testing is performed by NIST-accredited labs (under NVLAP).

3. Validation certificates

If an implementation produces the correct results for all required tests, NIST issues a CAVP validation certificate.
This certificate states that the implementation conforms to the NIST standard.