What differentiates a Self-Assessment Questionnaire from a Report on Compliance?

The distinction between a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and a Report on Compliance (ROC) lies primarily in their complexity and target audience. A Self-Assessment Questionnaire is designed to be a more straightforward tool that allows smaller merchants and service providers to evaluate their own compliance with the PCI DSS standards. It provides a simplified approach, as these smaller entities often have less complex payment environments and lower transaction volumes.

In contrast, a Report on Compliance is a more detailed and comprehensive assessment intended for larger organizations that process more transactions and may have more complicated systems in place. This report requires an assessment by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) and involves a thorough review of compliance efforts.

The other options either mischaracterize the purpose and audience of the SAQ or incorrectly imply that participation in the SAQ is legally mandated or exclusive to certain types of organizations, such as non-profits, which is not accurate. Thus, the clarity around the SAQ's role as a simpler compliance tool for smaller merchants is what makes that answer correct.