Qsa

QSA stands for Qualified Security Assessor, a professional designation issued by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC). QSAs are information security auditors who assess merchants and service providers for compliance with the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). They work for or as contractors to PCI SSC-approved QSA companies and may perform assessments across various industries that handle payment card data.

During an assessment, a QSA conducts on-site validation of controls, tests security measures, and gathers evidence to determine whether the organization meets PCI DSS requirements. They review network architecture, access controls, cardholder data protection, vulnerability management, logging and monitoring, and incident response. Where applicable, QSAs coordinate external vulnerability scanning with Approved Scanning Vendors (ASVs) and assist with scoping and remediation planning. The outcome of a QSA assessment is typically a Report on Compliance (ROC) and, for many merchants, an Attestation of Compliance (AOC).

Becoming a QSA requires employment by or contract with a PCI SSC-approved QSA company, successful completion of PCI SSC training, passing the QSA examination, and ongoing education to maintain certification. QSAs must adhere to PCI SSC standards and maintain independence, confidentiality, and integrity in carrying out assessments.

QSAs play a central role in the PCI DSS ecosystem, enabling banks, processors, and merchants to demonstrate and validate compliance requirements. The process is designed to encourage consistent assessment practices, though organizations may encounter variations in scope and remediation timelines depending on size, environment, and risk.