How to Get PCI DSS Certification
In the world of online payments and payment card transactions, data security is a priority for businesses to protect their customers and themselves by avoiding financial and reputational risks. The PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) certification is a critical piece of the security puzzle and a compliance requirement for any company processing credit or debit card payments. This certification ensures that businesses have the proper security measures in place to safeguard sensitive cardholder data against breaches and cyberattacks.
Failure to comply with PCI DSS can result in fines, legal consequences, and loss of customer trust. So, achieving and maintaining PCI DSS compliance is a business and regulatory necessity.
This guide provides an in-depth look at how to achieve and maintain PCI DSS certification.
What is PCI DSS Certification?
PCI DSS certification is a globally recognized security standard designed to ensure businesses securely process, store, and transmit cardholder data. It is required for any organization that handles credit card transactions, including e-commerce companies, retailers, financial institutions, and service providers. Achieving PCI DSS compliance protects businesses from data breaches, enhances consumer trust, and avoids fines for non-compliance. Learn more about PCI DSS here.
Who Needs to Get PCI DSS Certification?
Any business that processes, stores, or transmits cardholder data must obtain PCI DSS certification. This applies to companies of all sizes and industries, from small online retailers to large financial institutions. Even businesses that use third-party payment processors must ensure that their service providers comply with PCI standards. Find out who needs to be PCI compliant.
Benefits of Getting PCI DSS Certification
Regulatory Compliance – PCI DSS compliance ensures businesses meet industry standards for handling sensitive payment data, reducing legal risks.
Protects Customer Data – Encryption, tokenization, and access controls help safeguard cardholder information from unauthorized access.
Reduces the Risk of Data Breaches – Implementing PCI DSS security measures helps prevent data leaks and cyberattacks.
Maintains Business Reputation – Security breaches can severely damage brand trust. PCI certification demonstrates commitment to protecting customer data.
Avoids Financial Penalties – Non-compliance can result in heavy fines from regulatory authorities and payment processors.
Increases Customer Trust – Customers are more likely to transact with businesses that prioritize security and demonstrate compliance.
Strengthens Business Continuity – Secure systems reduce the likelihood of disruptions caused by security incidents, ensuring smooth operations.
Understanding the PCI DSS Requirements
PCI DSS consists of 12 core security requirements designed to protect cardholder data. Businesses seeking certification must implement these security controls:
Install and maintain a firewall to protect cardholder data.
Avoid vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and security settings.
Protect stored cardholder data through encryption and access controls.
Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks.
Use and regularly update anti-virus software to protect against malware.
Develop and maintain secure systems by applying patches and updates.
Restrict access to cardholder data based on business need-to-know.
Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access.
Restrict physical access to cardholder data.
Monitor and track all access to network resources and cardholder data.
Regularly test security systems and processes.
Maintain a policy that addresses information security for all personnel.
Learn more about becoming PCI compliant.
Steps to Getting PCI DSS Certification
1. Determine Your PCI DSS Level
PCI DSS categorizes businesses into four levels based on transaction volume. The level determines the type of assessment required.
Level 1: Merchants processing over 6 million transactions annually.
Level 2: Merchants processing 1–6 million transactions annually.
Level 3: Merchants processing 20,000–1 million transactions annually.
Level 4: Merchants processing fewer than 20,000 transactions annually.
Learn more about PCI DSS levels.
2. Complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) or QSA Audit
SAQ: Businesses at Levels 2–4 can complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) to assess compliance. Businesses in these levels may be eligible to complete an SAQ instead of undergoing a full Report on Compliance (ROC) audit, which is required for Level 1 merchants (over 6M transactions per year). However, the ability to use an SAQ depends on how a business handles cardholder data and whether they meet eligibility criteria for different SAQ types.
QSA: Level 1 merchants must undergo a formal PCI DSS audit by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA).
Understand PCI SAQs and PCI QSAs.
3. Perform a Gap Analysis and Risk Assessment
Businesses should conduct a gap analysis to identify areas where they fall short of PCI DSS compliance. A risk assessment helps prioritize security vulnerabilities.
4. Remediate Identified Gaps
Organizations must fix any security weaknesses identified during the assessment phase. This could involve updating security systems, improving access controls, or encrypting stored cardholder data.
5. Complete Attestation of Compliance (AOC)
After meeting PCI DSS requirements, businesses must submit an Attestation of Compliance (AOC) to validate their compliance status.
6. Maintain Ongoing Compliance
PCI DSS compliance is not a one-time effort—it requires continuous monitoring, annual assessments, and periodic security updates.
How Much Does PCI Certification Cost?
The cost of PCI DSS certification varies based on business size, transaction volume, and compliance level. Key cost factors include:
SAQ Completion: $50–$10,000
External ASV Scans: $500-$10,000 per year
Penetration Testing: $5,000–$30,000+
QSA Audit (Level 1 merchants): $40,000–$70,000
Remediation Costs: $10,000–$500,000, depending on security infrastructure needs
Read our detailed breakdown of PCI compliance costs.
How IXOPAY Can Help You Achieve PCI Certification
PCI DSS certification is a vital step for businesses handling card transactions, ensuring data security and regulatory compliance. While the process requires effort and investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. By following the right steps and leveraging automation and expert solutions, businesses can streamline their PCI certification journey and maintain a secure payment environment.
Navigating PCI DSS compliance can be complex and resource-intensive, but IXOPAY simplifies the process with industry-leading security solutions. Our platforms provide:
Tokenization Services: Protect sensitive payment data by replacing it with secure tokens.
Encryption and Secure Storage: Ensure end-to-end encryption and compliance with PCI DSS standards.
Compliance Monitoring: Stay on top of evolving security requirements with continuous monitoring.
Payment Orchestration: Optimize transactions across multiple payment gateways for secure, seamless processing.
Achieve PCI DSS certification faster and more efficiently with IXOPAY. Contact us today to learn how we can help secure your business and maintain compliance effortlessly.