Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

PCI-DSS Compliance Report

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

PCI-DSS Compliance Report

Report Header

Client Name:

Assessment Type:

Assessment Period

Start Date:

End Date:

Scope of Assessment

In-scope systems include cardholder data environment (CDE), payment applications, and connected systems. Briefly describe scope and segmentation controls below.

Executive Summary

Provide a concise summary of compliance posture, major findings, and overall determination.

Controls Testing Summary (Requirements 1–12)

For each PCI DSS requirement below indicate the status and provide concise evidence or testing notes. Status options: Compliant, Non-Compliant, Not Applicable.

Findings and Remediation Plan

Document each non-compliant finding, assigned severity, remediation actions, responsible party, and target completion date.

Vulnerability Scans and ASV Results

Compensating Controls

Where full requirement compliance is not met, document applied compensating controls and justification below.

Attestation and Limitation of Liability

The undersigned assessor certifies that the testing and validation documented herein were performed in accordance with recognized industry practice for PCI DSS assessments. This report reflects conditions observed at the time of assessment. The assessor's certification is limited to the scope and methodology described and does not constitute a warranty that cardholder data is not at risk at other times or under other conditions. Client acknowledges responsibility for remediation and ongoing maintenance of security controls identified in this report.

I certify, to the best of my knowledge, that the information in this report is accurate and complete and that the scope and testing methodologies are reported fully.

Signatures

Assessor (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

Client Officer (Printed Name):

By:

Date:

Enter text

What the PCI-DSS Compliance Report Documents

A PCI-DSS Compliance Report documents the scope, controls, assessment methods, findings, and remediation actions related to an entity's cardholder data environment (CDE). It summarizes control testing results, external vulnerability scans, and evidence collected by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) or by an authorised internal assessor for smaller entities, and often includes an Attestation of Compliance (AOC) or Report on Compliance (ROC) for validation. The report is used by acquiring banks, service providers, and internal stakeholders to demonstrate compliance with the PCI Security Standards and to identify gaps that require remediation.

Why a Formal PCI-DSS Report Matters

A professional PCI-DSS Compliance Report provides an auditable record of control effectiveness, supports merchant and service-provider validation, helps meet acquirer or contractual requirements, and creates a documented roadmap for remediation to reduce cardholder data risk.

Why a Formal PCI-DSS Report Matters

Who Prepares and Relies on the Report

Organizations use PCI-DSS Compliance Reports to verify cardholder data protections and to communicate compliance status to acquirers, customers, and regulators.

  • Merchants processing card payments, of any volume, for acquirer validation and breach risk management.
  • Service providers handling or transmitting cardholder data required to provide evidence to clients and acquirers.
  • Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) and internal audit teams who perform testing and prepare formal attestation.

The report is relevant to security, compliance, and business teams that control or depend on payment data flows and to third parties that must verify compliance posture.

Core Sections to Include in a Professional Report

A complete PCI-DSS Compliance Report organizes findings and evidence into distinct sections so reviewers can quickly assess scope, tested controls, vulnerabilities, and remediation status.

Executive Summary

High-level compliance status, scope summary, and key findings so executives and acquirers can understand overall risk and required actions.

Scope Description

Clear definition of environment boundaries, in-scope systems, network segmentation, and components considered part of the cardholder data environment (CDE).

Control Testing Results

Per-control assessment evidence, pass/fail status, sample sizes, and test dates tied to specific evidence files and screenshots.

Vulnerability Scans

External ASV scan summaries, internal scan results, high/critical findings, and verification that rescans cleared prior failures.

Compensating Controls

Documented compensating controls where standard controls cannot be implemented, including justification and mitigating evidence.

Remediation Roadmap

Prioritized remediation actions, owners, target dates, and verification steps for confirming issues are resolved.

Stepwise Process to Produce the Report

Follow a structured sequence to gather evidence, perform testing, and produce a defensible compliance deliverable.

  • 01
    Define Scope: Map systems, networks, and third parties in scope.
  • 02
    Collect Evidence: Gather logs, configs, and scan outputs.
  • 03
    Conduct Testing: Perform control checks and ASV scans.
  • 04
    Compile Report: Document findings, remediation, and signatures.

How to Configure an Online Workflow for the Report

Configure document fields, signer order, and evidence uploads to streamline collection and e-signing.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Sequential signer order; require full name and date
Date Field Auto-fill as MM/DD/YYYY when signer completes
Evidence Upload Allow PDF and image attachments per control item
Audit Trail Enable full event logging for each signer action

Where to Submit or Share the Final Report

The delivery destination depends on contractual and acquirer requirements; maintain an internal archive and share authoritative copies externally as required.

  • Acquirer Submission: Provide ROC/AOC to acquiring bank on request
  • Client Distribution: Share service-provider attestations with affected customers
  • Regulatory Requests: Produce documents for investigations or audits
  • Internal Archive: Retain signed copies and evidence in secure storage

Technical Requirements for Digital Completion and Submission

Ensure the platform supports secure file types, strong authentication, and immutable audit logs for any electronic execution.

  • Supported Formats: PDF, DOCX, and archived evidence (ZIP)
  • Integrations: Connectors for cloud storage and ticketing systems
  • Security Controls: TLS in transit; AES-256 at rest

Use a solution that produces tamper-evident signed PDFs, preserves a complete audit trail, and supports strong signer authentication consistent with ESIGN and UETA requirements.

Timing and Recurring Requirements to Track

Track recurring scans and assessment cadence so compliance evidence remains current and accepted by acquirers and assessors.

Annual Assessment:

Full ROC/AOC typically performed annually for Level 1 entities

Quarterly ASV Scans:

External vulnerability scans required at least quarterly

Immediate Remediation:

High/critical findings often require prompt remediation (30–90 days)

Ad-hoc Requests:

Provide evidence to acquirers or clients on demand

Evidence Retention:

Keep test artifacts covering assessment period and rescans

Key Milestones from Planning to Closure

A milestone view helps coordinate stakeholders and ensures timely verification of remediation before re-attestation.

01

Planning and Scoping

Define CDE boundaries and responsibilities for assessment

02

Control Testing

Perform detailed evidence testing across in-scope systems

03

Report Compilation

Draft ROC/AOC with linked evidence and findings

04

Remediation Verification

Re-test fixed items and confirm closure prior to final attestation

Security and Compliance Details to Record

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3; AES-256 at rest
Certifications: PCI DSS certified; SOC 2 Type II
HIPAA BAA: BAA required for PHI handling
Audit Trail: Immutable event log for all signer actions
Authentication: Multi-factor options; strong signer attribution
21 CFR Part 11: Supports electronic records requirements

Consequences of an Inaccurate or Missing Report

Card Brand Fines: Fines and increased fees from card networks
Acquirer Sanctions: Possible suspension or increased oversight
Liability Exposure: Greater forensic and breach liability risk
Fraud Losses: Higher potential for undetected card compromise
Contract Breach: Client or vendor contract violations
Reputational Harm: Damage to customer trust and brand

Common Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Failing to define an accurate CDE scope leads to missed controls and invalid assessments if in-scope systems are omitted.
  • Relying on outdated scans or expired evidence creates gaps; ensure quarterly ASV scans and fresh test artifacts are attached.
  • Providing incomplete evidence links or screenshots without contextual notes makes verification difficult for QSAs and acquirers.
  • Assuming all electronic signatures meet acceptance without documenting signer intent and consent per ESIGN/UETA may lead to disputes.

How a PCI-DSS Report Differs from an Internal Security Assessment

Compare formal PCI-DSS attestations with internal assessments to choose the appropriate level of validation and external assurance.

Criteria PCI-DSS Report Internal Assessment
External Validation
Deliverable roc / aoc internal memo
Frequency annual as needed
ASV Scan Required optional

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing Compliance Reports

Compare common vendor pricing and feature availability for e-signing and distributing PCI-DSS Compliance Reports. signNow is listed first per comparative format.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes (tiers) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Real-World Examples of Digital Compliance Workflows

These examples show how organizations used digital signing and structured workflows to manage compliance-related documents and attestations.

Tech Data — Bob Dutkowsky

Tech Data used digital execution to streamline customer and internal workflows.

  • Integration with enterprise systems reduced manual steps.
  • "Tech Data uses airSlate SignNow to improve our internal and external customer service while increasing our speed to revenue."

BIS — Dan Rotelli

BIS selected a platform for compliance and auditability.

  • SOC 2 focus aided trust with partners.
  • "We felt most comfortable with airSlate SignNow given their SOC 2 certification and strict focus on ESIGN and UETA act compliance."

Frequently Asked Questions About the PCI-DSS Compliance Report

Answers to common questions about legal validity, signature methods, retention, and what to do when evidence is incomplete.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users