A tailored course, built for your situation
Deeper command of the PCI DSS control framework
Master the underlying structure of PCI DSS to lead audits with confidence and precision
$199 one-time
24-hour access provisioning
30-day money-back guarantee
Hand-built implementation playbook
12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Spending too much time reacting to audit findings instead of shaping the process upfront
The situation this course is for
Even experienced practitioners get caught in back-and-forth with assessors because they lack full command of how evidence maps to specific PCI DSS mandates. This leads to rework, delayed sign-offs, and diluted influence in cross-functional reviews.
Who this is for
Senior compliance or risk leader operating at or above VP level in financial services, directly involved in audit preparation, control validation, or third-party assessment oversight
Who this is not for
Entry-level compliance staff, auditors looking for checklists, or consultants seeking templates to resell
What you walk away with
- Confident interpretation of all 12 PCI DSS requirements and their subpoints
- Clear mapping from control intent to evidence collection across people, process, and technology
- Ability to anticipate auditor questions and prepare responses in advance
- Internal credibility to lead remediation planning without external dependency
- Repeatable method for validating control effectiveness across multiple business units
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Understanding the PCI DSS Framework
Break down the structure of the standard, version alignment, and how requirements cascade into control families.
12 chapters in this module
- What PCI DSS governs
- Scope of applicability
- Version differences
- Control families
- Requirement numbering
- Self-assessment types
- ROC vs AOC
- Attestation levels
- Key definitions
- Compliance thresholds
- Covered entities
- Exclusion rules
Module 2. Scope Definition and Network Segmentation
Master the criteria for defining cardholder data environment boundaries and validating segmentation controls.
12 chapters in this module
- Identifying CDE
- Logical segmentation
- Physical boundaries
- Proxy server roles
- Firewall rule validation
- Network diagrams
- Data flow mapping
- Scope reduction tactics
- Outsourcing considerations
- Third-party accountability
- Tokenization impact
- Encryption scope
Module 3. Requirement 1: Firewall Configuration
Build detailed knowledge of firewall policy design, rule documentation, and change control expectations.
12 chapters in this module
- Approved list requirement
- Rule justification
- Default deny
- Change management
- Rule review frequency
- Configuration standards
- Router access controls
- Admin privileges
- Logging expectations
- Testing procedures
- Documentation format
- Audit evidence
Module 4. Requirement 2: System Password Security
Understand secure configuration baselines and how default credentials violate compliance.
12 chapters in this module
- Default passwords
- Vendor defaults
- Insecure configurations
- Secure baselines
- Account naming
- Password policies
- Multi-factor exceptions
- Service accounts
- Privileged access
- Credential storage
- Session timeouts
- Remote access
Module 5. Requirement 3: Protect Stored Data
Learn how encryption, tokenization, and data retention intersect with compliance obligations.
12 chapters in this module
- Data retention limits
- Encryption keys
- Tokenization scope
- Masking rules
- Truncation standards
- Key management
- Key rotation
- Secure storage
- Access to keys
- Decryption logging
- Data lifecycle
- Audit trail design
Module 6. Requirement 4: Encrypt Transmission
Map secure transmission methods across networks and validate encryption implementation.
12 chapters in this module
- Open wireless rules
- Public networks
- WPA2 requirements
- TLS versions
- Certificate management
- Man-in-the-middle risk
- End-to-end encryption
- Email transmission
- File transfer
- Mobile device encryption
- VPNs
- Session protection
Module 7. Requirement 5: Malware Protection
Detail antivirus deployment standards and how exceptions impact compliance status.
12 chapters in this module
- Antivirus scope
- Automatic updates
- Scan frequency
- Threat detection
- False positive handling
- Excluded files
- Whitelisting rules
- Log review
- Incident response
- Malware definitions
- Zero-day planning
- Remediation tracking
Module 8. Requirement 6: Secure Development
Apply PCI DSS software development requirements to internal and third-party applications.
12 chapters in this module
- Secure coding standards
- Code reviews
- Penetration testing
- Vulnerability scanning
- Third-party code
- Custom code
- Patch management
- Change control
- Error handling
- Logging standards
- Admin interfaces
- Session management
Module 9. Requirement 7: Access Control Design
Design role-based access that satisfies least privilege and aligns with business functions.
12 chapters in this module
- Need-to-know basis
- Access requests
- Role definitions
- Segregation of duties
- User provisioning
- Access reviews
- Approval workflows
- Emergency access
- Session timeouts
- Access revocation
- Audit trail capture
- Privileged access
Module 10. Requirement 8: Authentication Management
Implement strong identity controls with multi-factor and biometric validation.
12 chapters in this module
- Two-factor methods
- Biometric storage
- Password complexity
- Account lockout
- Reset procedures
- Shared accounts
- Service account passwords
- Authentication logs
- Token devices
- Single sign-on
- Identity proofing
- Credential issuance
Module 11. Requirement 9: Physical Security
Validate facility controls that protect systems processing cardholder data.
12 chapters in this module
- Data center access
- Visitor logs
- CCTV coverage
- Locking mechanisms
- Media handling
- Waste disposal
- Equipment removal
- Visitor escort
- Secure storage
- Facility audits
- Remote site rules
- Disaster recovery
Module 12. Requirement 10: Logging and Monitoring
Build comprehensive audit trails that prove control effectiveness over time.
12 chapters in this module
- Log generation
- Event types
- Log retention
- Log review
- Automated alerts
- Time synchronization
- Log integrity
- Access to logs
- Centralized logging
- SIEM integration
- Correlation rules
- Evidence retention
How this maps to your situation
- Preparing for annual PCI DSS audit
- Responding to assessor findings
- Onboarding new payment processing systems
- Validating third-party compliance
Before vs. after
Before
Reactive preparation, fragmented understanding of control mapping, frequent back-and-forth with assessors
After
Proactive ownership of audit narrative, unified command of PCI DSS structure, efficient evidence collection
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
- Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Delivery and format
- Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Time investment: Approximately 3 hours per module, designed for completion over 6, 8 weeks with real-world application.
If nothing changes
Without structured mastery, teams default to checklist compliance, leading to repeated findings, extended cycles, and diminished influence in strategic conversations about payment security.
How this compares to the alternatives
Generic PCI DSS overviews offer surface-level summaries. This course delivers deep fluency in control logic, intent, and evidence , giving you the clarity to lead rather than follow in every compliance conversation.
Frequently asked
How is this different from a standard PCI DSS training course?
This is not awareness training. It’s a mastery-level breakdown of how controls are interpreted, validated, and defended during real audits.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Can I apply this to our current audit cycle?
Yes , each module includes templates and examples you can use immediately in active engagements.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3 hours per module, designed for completion over 6, 8 weeks with real-world application..
Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.
30-day money-back guarantee·
144 chapters·
Hand-built playbook included·
Account access within 24 hours