What is a PCI QIR?

A PCI QIR, or Payment Card Industry Qualified Integrator and Reseller, is a professional or organization that has been certified by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to implement, configure, and/or support payment systems and applications in a manner that is compliant with the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

The PCI QIR program was established to ensure that payment system integrators and resellers have the knowledge and expertise necessary to maintain the security of cardholder data and minimize the risk of data breaches. This is especially important for small-to-medium-sized merchants who often rely on third-party providers for their payment processing needs.

To become a PCI QIR, an individual or organization must:

1. Complete a comprehensive training program offered by the PCI SSC, which covers PCI DSS requirements, secure installation, and maintenance of payment applications.
2. Pass an examination that demonstrates their understanding of the PCI DSS requirements and best practices for secure payment processing.
3. Maintain their certification by meeting the PCI SSC's ongoing requirements, such as completing annual revalidation and staying up-to-date with any changes to the PCI DSS.

Merchants can benefit from working with a PCI QIR, as they can have greater confidence in the security and compliance of their payment systems, knowing that they are being implemented and maintained by a qualified professional.