What is one of the requirements for maintaining QSA qualification?

Completing PCI SSC training annually is a crucial requirement for maintaining QSA qualification because it ensures that assessors stay current with the latest developments, best practices, and updates to the PCI DSS standards. The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) regularly updates its training materials to reflect any changes in compliance requirements or emerging cybersecurity threats. By requiring annual training, the PCI SSC fosters an environment in which QSAs remain knowledgeable and fully equipped to perform assessments accurately and effectively.

This requirement underscores the importance of ongoing education in a rapidly evolving field like cybersecurity, where new vulnerabilities and attack vectors frequently arise. Maintaining a high level of expertise is vital for QSAs to provide the best possible guidance to organizations seeking to achieve and maintain compliance with PCI DSS.