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An Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) is a company approved by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to perform external vulnerability scans for applicable PCI DSS requirements. An ASV scan is one part of a payment-card security assessment; it does not certify that a business meets every PCI DSS requirement.
What does “Approved Scanning Vendor” mean?
PCI SSC defines an ASV as a company approved to conduct external vulnerability scanning services. The Council’s program qualifies the provider and its scanning service-and-tool set, called an “ASV scan solution,” to conduct scans against the external-scanning requirements in PCI DSS Requirement 11.3.2. PCI SSC’s program listings overview explains the approval program; its glossary gives the shorter definition.
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The distinction matters: “ASV” describes an approved company and solution, not a generic scanner or a product label. Buying vulnerability-scanning software, or using a provider that offers ordinary scanning, does not by itself establish that the provider is a PCI SSC-approved ASV.
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An ASV performs an external vulnerability scan of in-scope, internet-facing systems and reports its findings. PCI DSS requirements and the entity’s validation path determine whether the scan applies and which systems are in scope. The current PCI DSS materials are available from PCI SSC’s PCI DSS page.
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ASVs have a different role from Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs). ASVs conduct external scans; QSAs are qualified organizations that perform PCI DSS assessments. The terms “ASV,” “QSA,” “auditor” and “vulnerability scanner” are not interchangeable. PCI SSC discusses these roles in FAQ 1598.
Does an ASV scan mean a business is PCI DSS compliant?
No. PCI SSC’s June 2025 FAQ 1234 says that the report details scan results and is not evidence that other PCI DSS requirements have been reviewed or are in place. A passing scan may support evidence for the applicable external-scan requirement, but the business must address its other validation obligations separately.
The same FAQ says the official report templates in the ASV Program Guide are required; a vendor’s supplemental documents do not replace the official forms. Acquirers or payment brands may also request reports, so confirm any additional reporting expectations with the organization that accepts your compliance validation.
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When are ASV scans required, and how often?
PCI SSC’s June 2025 FAQ describes quarterly external vulnerability scans by a PCI SSC ASV under Requirement 11.3.2.1. The applicable requirements depend on the entity’s PCI DSS validation path and scope, so check the current PCI DSS materials and confirm applicability with your acquirer or payment brand rather than assuming every merchant has identical obligations.
SAQ A example
PCI SSC’s July 2024 resource guide on vulnerability scans and ASVs gives a specific example for SAQ A merchants. It says the scan applies to the e-commerce merchant system that hosts a webpage redirecting payment transactions to a PCI DSS-compliant third-party service provider, or hosts that provider’s embedded payment page or form. In that guide’s SAQ A context, evidence of a passing ASV scan is required at least once every three months. This example is not a universal scope rule for every merchant.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does a company become an ASV?
PCI SSC describes a qualification process involving an application and a remote test against Council infrastructure designed to simulate a customer network. The test includes vulnerabilities and misconfigurations for candidates to identify and report, and evaluates scan administration, scan performance and reporting. Successful companies are added to the ASV list and are subject to annual reapproval. See PCI SSC’s Become an ASV page for current application instructions.
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The published application sequence asks candidates to review the ASV Program Guide and Qualification Requirements, register through the PCI SSC Portal, submit company documentation and a signed test agreement, and complete the lab test. The test includes simulated customer scoping conversations, scanning PCI SSC’s test perimeter, and producing executive and detailed reports. Candidates should consult the live program page and current program documents before applying.
A 2020 PCI SSC interview quoted its VP Global Head of Programs, Gill Woodcock, saying: “An ASV is a company approved by PCI SSC to perform external vulnerability scans of internet-facing environments of merchants and others.” The interview also described training and annual employee requalification at that time; because this is dated program context, candidates should verify current qualification documents before relying on those details.
Quick Recap
How to find and evaluate an ASV
- Check PCI SSC’s current listing. Start with the Council’s ASV program listings, then verify the individual company’s status. PCI SSC says the listing is frequently updated and may not always be current.
- Confirm the scan solution fits your scope. Ask whether the provider’s approved solution covers the systems and external addresses included in the scope confirmed for your environment.
- Ask about reports and retesting. Confirm use of the required official PCI SSC templates, how the provider handles scope questions, and how it supports retesting.
- Complete your own due diligence. PCI SSC approval means the provider met the Council’s requirements for PCI data security scanning; it is not an endorsement of the company’s business practices. Apply your normal vendor due-diligence process and review commercial terms.
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