Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) Certification Explained

A neutral, educational overview of OCPP certification and why it matters for public EV charging interoperability.

What is OCPP?

The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open communication standard developed to allow electric vehicle charging stations and backend management systems from different vendors to communicate with one another.

By using a standardized protocol, charging infrastructure operators can avoid vendor lock-in and maintain flexibility when selecting hardware, software platforms, or network service providers.

Why interoperability matters for public charging

Interoperability is a foundational principle for publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure. It enables:

• Hardware and software from different manufacturers to work together
• Charging stations to be switched between network providers
• Long-term scalability as technology and regulations evolve

Because of these benefits, many publicly funded or incentive-supported charging programs reference OCPP compliance as a technical expectation.

Commonly used OCPP versions

OCPP 1.6

OCPP 1.6 is widely deployed and remains common across existing AC and DC charging installations. It supports core operational features such as remote start/stop, transaction records, and basic diagnostics.

OCPP 2.0.1

OCPP 2.0.1 introduces enhanced security, improved device management, and support for advanced charging use cases, including smart charging and future vehicle-to-grid readiness.

What does OCPP certification mean?

OCPP certification verifies that a charging station or charging management system implements the protocol correctly according to defined test cases.

Certification testing is conducted by independent laboratories designated under the Open Charge Alliance framework to ensure consistency worldwide.

General steps in the OCPP certification process

1. Review published OCPP certification and test procedures
2. Validate protocol implementation using official test tools
3. Document supported features using a Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement (PICS)
4. Undergo testing at an accredited laboratory
5. Receive certification confirmation upon successful review

Role of test tools and PICS documentation

Before formal testing, manufacturers often use official test tools to identify implementation gaps early.

The PICS document defines exactly which protocol features are supported by the device or system being tested, ensuring transparency during evaluation.

Why certification is often referenced by incentive programs

Many state or utility-supported EV infrastructure programs require evidence of interoperability and open standards.

OCPP certification is commonly referenced as one way to demonstrate that charging equipment meets these interoperability expectations, without mandating a specific network provider.

Key considerations for manufacturers and site hosts

• Certification costs and timelines should be planned early
• Protocol version selection should align with long-term deployment goals
• Interoperability reduces future operational risk

Summary: OCPP certification plays an important role in supporting open, interoperable EV charging ecosystems. While requirements vary by jurisdiction and program, understanding OCPP helps manufacturers, developers, and site hosts design infrastructure that is future-ready and broadly compatible.