PA-DSS applications are in scope for PCI DSS?

• A. Not in scope
• B. In scope for PCI DSS
• C. Only in scope for merchants
• D. Only in scope for service providers

Answer: (B)

PA-DSS applications sit directly in the part of the environment that handles cardholder data. PCI DSS covers all systems, networks, and processes that store, process, or transmit card data, and PA-DSS validated payment applications are part of that ecosystem. The purpose of PA-DSS is to ensure the application itself won’t introduce vulnerabilities, but this does not remove the broader PCI DSS obligations. So, whether you’re a merchant or a service provider, using a PA-DSS payment application means you’re in scope for PCI DSS, and you must ensure the entire environment—application, host systems, network, and procedures—meets PCI DSS requirements.