How many continuing professional education (CPE) hours are required annually for QSA maintenance?

The requirement for continuing professional education (CPE) hours for maintaining QSA certification is set at 20 hours annually. This is in line with the need for professionals to stay current with developments in the payment card industry and to enhance their skills relevant to the field of security assessment. Attending conferences, workshops, or training sessions can contribute to these CPE hours, ensuring that QSAs remain knowledgeable about best practices, trends, and regulatory updates essential for effective compliance with the PCI DSS standards. Thus, 20 hours appropriately reflects the balance between professional development and practical application in maintaining the QSA designation, aligning with industry standards for ongoing education.