Is There a PCI DSS Certification? Compliance vs Certification Explained

Correct Language to Use

• Compliant / validated for PCI DSS v4.0.1 for the stated period and scope
• Attestation of Compliance (AOC) on file
• Report on Compliance (ROC) completed by a QSA (when required)

What to Request from TPSPs

Request an official AOC (and ASV summaries as applicable), plus a clear responsibility matrix. Do not accept marketing certificates as substitutes for Requirements 12.8 and 12.9 evidence. Organizations receiving non-official certificates are under no obligation to accept them - ask for documentation on PCI SSC templates.

How CyberSilo Helps

• Evidence packs that support real SAQ and ROC paths - not fake certificates
• CSA for control status tied to official validation artefacts
• TPSP inventory and AOC tracking workflows

Frequently Asked Questions

Are QSA companies "certified"?

QSA Companies and Employees are qualified by PCI SSC and listed publicly - that is different from entity PCI DSS certification.

Can we use the PCI SSC logo on our certificate?

PCI SSC states organizations do not have permission to use SSC or DSS logos on documents purporting compliance except official forms and documents.

What should we give enterprise customers?

An official AOC (and ASV summaries as applicable), plus a clear responsibility matrix - not a marketing certificate.

Related PCI Resources

ROC and AOC · QSA vs ISA vs ASV · Fines and penalties · PCI vs SOC 2 · PCI vs ISO 27001 · Merchants vs service providers