The California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP) evaluates and approves weighing and measuring devices for commercial use, ensuring accuracy, safety, and fraud prevention. For EV charging stations, CTEP certification guarantees that every transaction is transparent and fair for consumers.
CTEP compliance is essential for legally collecting fees in California. It protects your revenue, builds consumer trust, and helps you avoid costly enforcement actions and potential fines.
What is the California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP)?
The California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP) is a mandatory certification program administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Measurement Standards (DMS). Originally created to ensure that weighing and measuring devices meet accuracy standards, CTEP expanded to include commercial EV chargers in January 2020.
CTEP treats EV chargers as measuring devices because they quantify and transfer electrical energy to vehicles. The program’s core mission centers on consumer protection, ensuring that EV drivers pay only for the exact amount of electricity they receive, with complete transparency throughout the charging process.
Why CTEP matters for EV charging stations
CTEP certification addresses several critical industry challenges. First, it eliminates billing discrepancies that could undermine consumer confidence in EV charging. Second, it establishes standardized user experiences across different charger manufacturers and network operators. Finally, CTEP requirements help prevent fraudulent or substandard equipment from entering the California market, raising quality standards for all participants.
The certification process ensures that every commercial charger delivers consistent, reliable service that matches the convenience and transparency consumers expect from traditional fuel stations.
CTEP requirements and timelines
Who needs to comply?
All commercial Level 2 and Level 3 EV chargers installed or sold for public use in California must comply with CTEP requirements if they collect fees based on electricity consumption. This includes chargers at retail locations, workplaces that charge employees, public parking facilities, and dedicated charging stations.
Network operators must also ensure compliance by integrating with NTEP/CTEP-compliant charging point management systems (CPMS). Beyond hardware certification, operators must support comprehensive EVSE functionality, including:
- transparent pricing displays
- accurate kWh measurement and recording
- continuous pricing calculations during sessions (even without internet connectivity),
- transaction integrity protection
- clear power output labeling
- field-tested accuracy verification,
- and detailed receipt generation for all charging sessions.
Free charging stations, like those provided by employers for their staff, don’t require CTEP certification.
Key compliance CTEP dates
The implementation of CTEP requirements follows a structured timeline:
- January 1, 2021: All new commercial AC chargers must comply with CTEP upon installation
- January 1, 2023: All new DC chargers must comply upon installation
- January 1, 2031: All AC chargers installed before 2021 must achieve compliance
- January 1, 2033: All DC chargers installed before 2023 must achieve compliance
Standards and Regulations
CTEP requirements build upon the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44, specifically section 3.40 covering Electric Vehicle Fueling Systems. However, California enhances these federal standards with stricter environmental durability and operational transparency requirements. This reflects the state’s diverse climate conditions and consumer protection priorities.
What does CTEP Certification require?
- Accuracy
EV chargers must precisely measure and display kilowatt-hours (kWh) delivered to vehicles. The measurement system must maintain accuracy under various operating conditions and display readings. This aims to ensure that customers can easily read and understand during charging sessions.
- Transparency
Chargers must clearly display the total energy delivered, price per kWh, and total session cost in real-time. CTEP mandates that chargers provide either printed or digital receipts. They have to show the session date and time, detailed energy cost breakdown per kWh, and total energy delivered. This transparency requirement ensures customers have complete visibility into their charging costs.
- Reliability
Both hardware and software components must include tamper-proof features that prevent unauthorized modifications. This is mainly done to avoid inaccurate measurements. Enhanced sealing requirements specific to California ensure system integrity throughout the device lifecycle.
- Durability
Charging equipment must maintain accuracy under extreme weather conditions, including high heat, cold, and humidity. California’s diverse climate zones require chargers to perform reliably from coastal fog to desert heat, ensuring consistent service statewide.
- Identifiability
Chargers must display clear labeling with manufacturer information, model designation, and serial numbers. This is done to enable easy identification and tracking. This requirement supports maintenance scheduling, regulatory compliance verification, and quality control processes.
Step-by-step CTEP certification process
The CTEP certification process involves three main phases:
Phase 1 Application:
Submit a Certificate of Approval (COA) application to the DMS with a $500 non-refundable application fee. The application requires detailed technical specifications and compliance documentation.
Phase 2 Evaluation:
Work alongside a certified CTEP evaluator to test and document compliance with all requirements. Evaluators conduct comprehensive testing that includes:
- accuracy verification
- durability assessment
- functionality validation.
Additional evaluator fees apply, typically covering services, equipment, travel, and per diem costs.
Phase 3 Approval:
Upon successful evaluation, the DMS issues a COA and adds the approved device to the official DMS database. This listing serves as public verification of compliance status.
CTEP vs NTEP – What’s the difference?
Understanding the distinctions between California’s CTEP and the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) helps charging point operators effectively navigate compliance requirements.
While both certification programs aim to ensure EV charger accuracy standards and consumer protection, they differ in scope and requirements. NTEP provides a national framework adopted by most US states, focusing on basic measurement accuracy and fraud prevention based on NIST Handbook 44 standards. CTEP builds upon this foundation but adds California-specific enhancements that reflect the state’s leadership in EV adoption and environmental standards. For charging point operators, CTEP represents a more comprehensive certification that often satisfies NTEP requirements while meeting California’s stricter standards.
Important Note: To operate in California, both certifications may be required. CTEP generally meets or exceeds NTEP standards, so devices with CTEP certification typically qualify for NTEP approval as well, enabling nationwide deployment.
Why CTEP matters for the EV industry
CTEP certification is all about consumer protection. It builds trust in the EV charging infrastructure by guaranteeing accurate and transparent billing, which helps eliminate consumer concerns about unfair charges. This assurance encourages more people to adopt electric vehicles.
Beyond consumer protection, CTEP certification raises the bar for hardware quality. It discourages low-quality or fraudulent equipment from entering the market. This, in turn, benefits the entire industry by:
- reducing maintenance costs
- minimizing service disruptions
- and creating a better user experience for everyone.
Finally, CTEP ensures a uniform user experience across various charging networks and hardware. This standardization makes charging your EV as reliable and straightforward as filling up at a gas station, which is a major boost for EV adoption.
How can a CPO prepare for CTEP compliance?
Charging point operators (CPOs) should begin CTEP preparation by conducting comprehensive reviews of current hardware and software systems to identify compliance gaps. Four key preparation steps include:
- Step 1: Reviewing measurement accuracy capabilities and display functionality
- Step 2: Evaluating receipt generation systems for mandatory documentation requirements
- Step 3: Assessing tamper-proofing features and environmental durability specifications
- Step 4: Implementing open, interoperable EV charging management software that supports CTEP compliance requirements
Real-world example: In 2025, AMPECO partnered with i-charging to deliver fully NTEP/CTEP-compliant charging solutions in the United States. By integrating i-charging’s CTEP-certified DC fast chargers with AMPECO’s Charging Point Management System (CPMS), the collaboration enables network operators to meet California’s strict measurement and transparency standards—ensuring fair, accurate, and legally valid billing for EV drivers.
Read more: AMPECO and i-charging partner for compliant DC charging
Who enforces CTEP compliance?
The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Measurement Standards (DMS) enforces CTEP compliance. DMS inspectors conduct field audits of commercial charging stations to verify that equipment meets certification requirements and operates according to approved specifications.
What happens if a charger is non-compliant?
Non-compliant chargers may be prohibited from collecting fees for charging services in California. DMS can issue violation notices, require immediate corrective action, or mandate equipment replacement. Continued non-compliance may result in fines and legal action against the charging point operator.
How long does certification take?
The CTEP certification process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application submission to COA approval, depending on evaluator availability and the complexity of testing required. Simple AC charger evaluations may complete faster, while DC fast chargers with advanced features may require additional time for comprehensive testing.
Are there penalties for non-compliance?
Yes, operating non-compliant commercial charging equipment can result in monetary penalties, enforcement actions, and orders to cease fee collection until compliance is achieved. The severity of penalties depends on factors such as the nature of violations, compliance history, and cooperation with corrective measures.
Is CTEP compliance required for private or free-to-use chargers?
No, CTEP compliance is only required for commercial chargers that collect fees based on electricity consumption. Private chargers, workplace chargers provided free to employees, and other non-commercial charging equipment do not need CTEP certification. However, any charger that bills customers based on kWh usage must comply regardless of ownership structure.
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