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Assessment

PCI DSS Compliance

Aprio’s Qualified Security Assessors conduct PCI DSS assessments and issue Reports on Compliance for merchants and service providers across every merchant and service provider level.

Protect cardholder data. 

Secure payment systems. 

Maintain continuous compliance.

Aprio covers every PCI DSS provider level

Any organization that accepts payment cards has agreed to meet PCI DSS requirements. The standard doesn’t care how large you are, how many transactions you process, or how long you’ve been in business. It is a continuous security requirement enforced by the card brands and acquiring banks behind every transaction, and gaps in your controls don’t wait for an annual assessment to surface.

Aprio’s Qualified Security Assessors know what your acquiring bank will scrutinize in the report, where your controls are likely to have gaps, and what needs to stay in place between assessments to keep your program compliant against PCI DSS v4.0 year-round. That’s the difference between a compliance program that holds up and one that has to be rebuilt every year.

Our PCI DSS Assessment Process

Aprio runs the same rigorous process across every PCI engagement, regardless of merchant or service provider level.

  • Scope Definition

    Identifying which systems, networks, and processes touch cardholder data — and whether your organization qualifies for a Self-Assessment Questionnaire or requires a formal QSA assessment.

  • Gap Assessment

    An evaluation of your current controls against PCI DSS v4.0 requirements. Identifies what needs to be remediated before the formal QSA assessment begins.

  • Remediation Support

    Advisory support to address gaps before the formal assessment, with particular focus on network segmentation issues that can significantly extend your timeline if left unaddressed.

  • QSA Assessment

    Formal on-site or remote assessment by Aprio’s QSA team against all applicable PCI DSS requirements.

  • Report on Compliance (ROC)

    Formal documentation of assessment results issued by Aprio as an accredited QSA firm. Required for Level 1 merchants and service providers.

  • Attestation of Compliance (AOC)

    Summary document provided to acquiring banks and card brands confirming your compliance status.

The Two Phases of Compliance

Your Phase: Scope Management

The size and definition of your cardholder data environment determines how long your assessment takes and what it costs. Scope containment is one of the most impactful things you can do on your side of the assessment timeline. Organizations that segment their network, minimize the systems that touch cardholder data, and document their data flows before the assessment begins move through the process significantly faster. Automations or GRC tools can help you keep documentation current and controls operating consistently.

Aprio’s Phase: Assessment & Report

Once your cardholder data environment is defined and your controls are in place, we conduct the formal assessment, document findings, and deliver the Report on Compliance and Attestation of Compliance your acquiring bank and card brands require. If you’re leveraging a GRC Tool, Aprio’s QSA team can connect to your existing environment to access evidence.

Some QSAs are more credible than others.

The firm behind your certification matters. These are the reasons merchants and service providers choose Aprio for PCI DSS.

We’re Qualified Security Assessors

Only a QSA can issue a PCI DSS Report on Compliance. Aprio’s dedicated QSA team has conducted assessments across merchants and service providers of every level and complexity.

We See Across Frameworks

PCI DSS controls have significant overlap with SOC 2 and ISO 27001. Aprio maps controls at the evidence level — so if you’re pursuing more than one certification, the work you do for PCI doesn’t have to be repeated for the next one.

We’re A True Partner

PCI DSS compliance runs on an annual cycle. If your cardholder data environment changes, if you add new payment channels, or if v4.0 requirements create new obligations, Aprio already knows your environment and can adjust faster.

Proven Results

Merchants and service providers trust Aprio to identify compliance risk and help them protect customer data.

1,000+ PCI DSS certifications completed by Aprio

“Working with Aprio helped streamline our audit process and reduce costs— but most importantly provided comfort to our clients that we meet industry standards.”

Director of Infrastructure, Engineering, & Information Security at a Multinational eCommerce Fulfillment Company

See how Aprio helped Outsystems streamline audits for PCI DSS and other certifications

Read More

Pursuing multiple frameworks? PCI DSS controls overlap with:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to achieve PCI DSS certification?

Most organizations reach audit readiness in 3–5 months, depending on environment complexity and existing control maturity.

What is PCI DSS, and why is it important?

PCI DSS is the security standard that card brands and acquiring banks require for any organization that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data. It outlines 12 core requirements for securing payment environments and applies to merchants and service providers of every size and industry.

What is a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA)?

A Qualified Security Assessor is an independent security organization certified by the PCI Security Standards Council to assess compliance with PCI DSS requirements and issue Reports on Compliance. Only a QSA firm can conduct a formal PCI DSS assessment for Level 1 merchants and service providers.

What is the difference between a ROC and an AOC?

A Report on Compliance is the formal documentation of a QSA assessment, required for Level 1 merchants and service providers. An Attestation of Compliance is a summary document confirming compliance status, provided to acquiring banks and card brands. Aprio issues both as an accredited QSA firm.

Can PCI DSS compliance be integrated with broader cybersecurity programs?

Yes. PCI DSS controls have significant overlap with SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST frameworks. Aprio maps controls across frameworks so evidence collected for PCI DSS doesn’t have to be rebuilt for the next certification you pursue.

Do I need a QSA assessment or can I self-assess?

It depends on your transaction volume. Level 1 merchants and service providers are required to undergo a formal QSA assessment. Organizations at lower compliance levels may qualify for a Self-Assessment Questionnaire. Aprio’s scope definition process determines which applies to your organization.

What is network segmentation and why does it matter for PCI DSS?

Network segmentation isolates your cardholder data environment from other systems and networks. Proper segmentation reduces the number of systems in scope for your PCI assessment — which directly reduces assessment cost, complexity, and timeline. It is one of the most impactful steps an organization can take before a formal QSA engagement begins.

What changed in PCI DSS 4.0?

PCI DSS v4.0 introduced new requirements including expanded multi-factor authentication, more flexibility through the customized approach to meeting control objectives, and stronger requirements around encryption and authentication. It replaced v3.2.1, which was retired in March 2024.

How often do I have to validate PCI compliance?

Validation is required annually for most organizations, with the exact process depending on your merchant or service provider level. Level 1 merchants and service providers require an annual on-site assessment by a QSA. Other levels may qualify for an annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire instead.

Let’s talk PCI DSS.

Tell us where your cardholder data environment stands. We’ll tell you what your assessment looks like. Scope Your PCI Assessment