Head-to-head
Coalfire vs Schellman: PCI DSS assessment compared
Both are top-tier PCI assessors -- the choice is volume-and-scale (Coalfire) versus independence-and-seniority (Schellman).
Side by side
| Fact | Coalfire | Schellman |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Denver, Colorado | Tampa, Florida |
| Founded | 2001 | 2002 |
| Firm type | Cybersecurity and compliance assessment firm (QSA company) | Independent attestation and assessment firm (QSA company) |
| ROC planning range | $25K–$150K (published planning range (Sept 2026)) | $25K–$150K (published planning range (Sept 2026)) |
| Typical fieldwork window | 4–12 wk | 4–12 wk |
| Frameworks (per firm) | PCI DSS, SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, FedRAMP | PCI DSS, SOC 1, SOC 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP, HITRUST |
Choose Coalfire if…
You want a high-volume global PCI practice with hundreds of assessments a year. Full Coalfire profile →
Choose Schellman if…
You want independence-first assessors and senior teams for regulated or multi-framework programs. Full Schellman profile →
Independent directory note. Facts compiled from the firms' public materials, verified September 2026. Not an endorsement, not a paid placement. Planning ranges are not quotes.
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