A tailored course, built for your situation
Deeper command of the PCI DSS framework for strategic implementation
Master the architecture, controls, and deployment patterns that define authoritative PCI DSS execution
$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.
Who this is for
Senior compliance and risk practitioner with financial services background, advising on AI-driven financial systems
Who this is not for
Junior auditors, entry-level compliance staff, or teams focused solely on checkbox implementation without strategic intent
What you walk away with
- Complete internalization of the PCI DSS control hierarchy and clause dependencies
- Ability to anticipate auditor line of questioning based on control design
- Skill in mapping overlapping requirements across NIST CSF and ISO 27001
- Confidence in leading cross-functional teams through readiness cycles
- Speed in producing defensible, reusable compliance artefacts
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Structure of the PCI DSS standard
Break down the document hierarchy, scope clauses, and applicability rules. Understand how version updates alter obligation thresholds.
12 chapters in this module
- Introduction to PCI DSS v4
- Scope definition clause
- Applicability thresholds
- Self-assessment types
- Roles in validation
- Reporting requirements
- Validation body types
- ROC and AOC
- Service provider levels
- Merchant segmentation
- Exclusion rules
- Compliance timeframes
Module 2. Control objective deep dive
Map each control to its purpose, evidence requirement, and common failure points. Learn how objectives shape audit logic.
12 chapters in this module
- Control 1: Firewall config
- Control 2: Default passwords
- Control 3: PAN handling
- Control 4: Encrypted transmission
- Control 5: Malware protection
- Control 6: Secure development
- Control 7: Access policies
- Control 8: MFA enforcement
- Control 9: Physical security
- Control 10: Logging rules
- Control 11: Intrusion detection
- Control 12: Security policy
Module 3. Scope scoping and boundary setting
Define cardholder data environment boundaries with precision. Learn how network segmentation reduces liability footprint.
12 chapters in this module
- Identifying CDE
- Data flow mapping
- Network segmentation
- Tokenization boundaries
- Cloud scope rules
- Third-party inclusion
- Outsourcing impact
- Hybrid environment
- Scope reduction
- Penetration test scope
- Tokenization vs encryption
- Scope validation
Module 4. Control mapping to NIST CSF
Align PCI DSS controls with NIST CSF functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover.
12 chapters in this module
- NIST ID.AM to PCI
- PR.AC mapping
- PR.DS linkages
- DE.CM integration
- RS.CO alignment
- RC.IM sync
- PR.IP controls
- DE.CE correlation
- PR.PT mapping
- AU log rules
- CM control mods
- IR plan triggers
Module 5. Control mapping to ISO 27001
Crosswalk requirements between PCI DSS and ISO 27001 Annex A controls with documented rationale patterns.
12 chapters in this module
- A.5.1 policy
- A.6.1 organization
- A.6.2 mobile
- A.7.1 screening
- A.8.1 inventory
- A.8.2 classification
- A.9.1 access
- A.9.2 management
- A.10.1 encryption
- A.12.1 operations
- A.13.1 network
- A.18.1 compliance
Module 6. Evidence collection protocols
Build audit-ready evidence packages: interview templates, system reports, policy versions, and configuration snapshots.
12 chapters in this module
- Interview checklists
- System logs
- Configuration exports
- Policy versioning
- Change records
- Patch logs
- Access reviews
- Role matrices
- Validation scripts
- Encryption proofs
- Backup evidence
- Retention reports
Module 7. SoA creation and review
Draft a Statement of Applicability with commentary that anticipates assessor feedback and documents rationale.
12 chapters in this module
- SoA structure
- In-scope systems
- Control rationale
- Exclusion justification
- Implementation status
- Evidence reference
- Risk assessment link
- Third-party attestation
- Compensating controls
- Assessor comments
- Version history
- Sign-off process
Module 8. Compensating controls
Design defensible compensating controls when primary measures aren’t feasible. Learn the assessor’s evaluation criteria.
12 chapters in this module
- Necessity rule
- Effectiveness proof
- Documentation bar
- Implementation proof
- Oversight requirement
- Risk acceptance
- Review frequency
- Change control
- Alternative check
- Management approval
- External validation
- Time limits
Module 9. Internal readiness assessment
Conduct internal audits using weighted scoring models and risk-based prioritization frameworks.
12 chapters in this module
- Pre-assessment checklist
- Control weighting
- Risk scoring
- Findings categorization
- Remediation tracking
- Gap closure
- Team coordination
- Vendor review
- Evidence completeness
- Timeline planning
- Resource allocation
- Final review
Module 10. External assessment preparation
Prepare for QSA engagement with structured documentation, walkthrough schedules, and stakeholder coordination plans.
12 chapters in this module
- QSA selection
- Pre-engagement call
- Document pack
- Walkthrough agenda
- Team roles
- Evidence room
- Interview prep
- Escalation path
- Response templates
- Re-review rules
- Reporting cycle
- Final submission
Module 11. Continuous compliance operations
Embed ongoing monitoring, alerting, and review cycles to maintain compliance between audits.
12 chapters in this module
- Monthly reviews
- Quarterly testing
- Change validation
- User access recert
- Log monitoring
- Intrusion alerts
- Patch cadence
- Vendor updates
- Policy refresh
- Training proof
- Audit trail
- Dashboard reporting
Module 12. Framework evolution tracking
Monitor PCI SSC updates, draft revisions, and industry interpretation shifts to stay ahead of obligation changes.
12 chapters in this module
- PCI SSC portal
- Draft review
- Version timeline
- Migration planning
- Stakeholder comms
- Control adaptation
- Training updates
- Gap analysis
- Vendor alignment
- Policy refresh
- Internal rollout
- Audit prep shift
How this maps to your situation
- Preparing for first PCI DSS audit
- Leading readiness after cloud migration
- Advising fintech on compliance architecture
- Upgrading from older PCI version
Before vs. after
Before
Relies on external consultants or fragmented internal knowledge to navigate PCI DSS requirements
After
Leads PCI DSS implementation with full command of framework logic, evidence standards, and audit dynamics
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 8 hours of focused reading and implementation planning, paced across 4 weeks
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic compliance trainings, this course focuses exclusively on operationalizing PCI DSS with precision, no fluff, no awareness-level content, no theoretical models. You get implementation-grade knowledge used by lead practitioners in financial institutions.
Frequently asked
Who is this course for?
Senior compliance engineers, risk leads, and security architects who must implement or advise on PCI DSS in complex environments.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Is this relevant if I’m on PCI DSS v3.2?
Yes. The course covers v4 transition planning and provides crosswalks to ensure continuity.
$199 one-time. Approximately 8 hours of focused reading and implementation planning, paced across 4 weeks.
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