A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering PCI DSS for Assistant Managers in Financial Services
Build unshakeable command of payment security frameworks to lead compliance with confidence
$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.
Falling back on inherited checklists that don’t reflect the real control environment
The situation this course is for
Most practitioners rely on outdated summaries or third-party summaries that miss nuance. Without direct command of the standard, they delay decisions, defer to external consultants, or risk non-compliance during fast-moving audits.
Who this is for
Assistant-level compliance and risk practitioners in financial services who own control implementation but lack full command of the underlying framework
Who this is not for
Senior executives looking for board-level summaries, or technical auditors already certified in PCI DSS 4.0
What you walk away with
- Navigate the full PCI DSS control set with zero hesitation
- Map requirements directly to internal policies and evidence sources
- Explain control rationale to cross-functional teams without referencing third-party guides
- Anticipate auditor questions and prepare responses in advance
- Own the PCI DSS review cycle from scoping to sign-off
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Introduction to PCI DSS Structure and Scope
Understand the layout, objectives, and applicability of the PCI DSS standard. Identify which sections govern your environment.
12 chapters in this module
- What PCI DSS is designed to protect
- Core compliance objectives
- Scope definition principles
- Cardholder data environment boundaries
- Merchant levels and validation types
- Self-Assessment Questionnaire types
- Roles in PCI DSS compliance
- Obligations of service providers
- How acquirers enforce compliance
- Key terms in the standard
- Version differences summary
- Accessing official PCI SSC resources
Module 2. Build and Maintain Secure Networks
Master control requirements for network security, firewall configuration, and segmentation.
12 chapters in this module
- Firewall rule management basics
- Default password and SNMP string changes
- Secure router configuration principles
- Network segmentation objectives
- Isolating cardholder data
- Firewall review frequency
- Documentation of firewall rules
- Prohibited services and ports
- Secure remote access methods
- Network diagram requirements
- Router and switch hardening
- Secure configuration standards
Module 3. Protect Cardholder Data
Learn how encryption, storage limitations, and data handling rules apply in real environments.
12 chapters in this module
- Primary Account Number storage rules
- Masking displayed card numbers
- Encryption of stored data
- Encryption key management basics
- No storage of sensitive authentication data
- Tokenization and truncation
- Data retention policies
- Encryption during transmission
- Wireless network data protection
- Secure disposal of card data
- Logging access to card data
- Data flow documentation
Module 4. Maintain Vulnerability Management
Implement anti-virus, secure coding, and patch management practices that satisfy control 5 and 6.
12 chapters in this module
- Anti-virus deployment scope
- Malware protection on all systems
- Automatic updates enabled
- Endpoint detection exceptions
- Secure development lifecycle
- Development vs production separation
- Disable unused services
- Patch management cadence
- Critical patch application window
- Vulnerability scanning schedule
- Secure coding standards
- Third-party software review
Module 5. Implement Strong Access Control
Control physical and logical access to systems that store or process card data.
12 chapters in this module
- Unique IDs for system access
- Two-factor authentication requirements
- Physical access restrictions
- Media access controls
- User access review frequency
- Access rights for shared accounts
- Administrator access logging
- Remote access security
- Session timeouts
- Role-based access principles
- Access revocation process
- Emergency access procedures
Module 6. Regularly Monitor and Test Networks
Set up logging, monitoring, and alerting that meet audit expectations.
12 chapters in this module
- Log generation requirements
- Critical system events to log
- Log retention duration
- Centralized log management
- Log review procedures
- Time synchronization
- Intrusion detection systems
- File integrity monitoring
- Wireless attack detection
- Quarterly penetration testing
- External vulnerability scans
- Internal vulnerability scans
Module 7. Maintain an Information Security Policy
Develop, distribute, and enforce policies that meet PCI DSS requirement 12.
12 chapters in this module
- Annual policy review
- Policy dissemination evidence
- Confidentiality agreements
- Information security responsibilities
- Policy for mobile devices
- Risk assessment frequency
- Risk mitigation documentation
- Formal security awareness program
- Phishing simulation requirements
- Third-party risk assessment
- Incident response plan basics
- Business continuity planning
Module 8. Understanding SAQ Types and Applicability
Match your business model to the correct Self-Assessment Questionnaire.
12 chapters in this module
- SAQ A eligibility
- SAQ A-EP nuances
- SAQ B and B-IP
- SAQ C-VT
- SAQ C
- SAQ D for merchants
- SAQ D for service providers
- SAQ P2PE-HW
- Attestation of compliance
- Evidence collection per SAQ
- Reviewing SAQ responses
- Validating third-party assertions
Module 9. Preparing for External Audits
Anticipate assessor questions and prepare documentation in advance.
12 chapters in this module
- Engaging a QSA
- Pre-audit documentation request
- Evidence organization
- Interview preparation
- Network diagram expectations
- Policies and procedures review
- Testing scoping
- Control validation methods
- Sampling techniques
- Remediation tracking
- Follow-up timelines
- Final report review
Module 10. Building Internal Audit Readiness
Create repeatable processes for internal reviews and readiness checks.
12 chapters in this module
- Internal audit frequency
- Checklist development
- Control testing procedures
- Evidence collection workflow
- Gap tracking system
- Remediation assignment
- Status reporting cadence
- Management sign-off process
- Audit trail for changes
- Cross-department coordination
- Documentation ownership
- Audit simulation exercises
Module 11. Managing Third-Party Compliance
Verify vendor adherence and manage shared responsibility.
12 chapters in this module
- Third-party risk assessment
- Vendor compliance validation
- Contractual obligations
- Shared responsibility model
- Cloud provider documentation
- Managing SaaS providers
- PaaS and IaaS compliance
- Service provider reporting
- Subservice provider oversight
- Due diligence process
- Ongoing monitoring
- Termination and transition
Module 12. Driving Continuous Compliance
Institutionalize practices that maintain compliance beyond annual audits.
12 chapters in this module
- Continuous monitoring tools
- Automated control checks
- KPIs for compliance health
- Ownership model
- Change control integration
- New project onboarding
- Training refresh schedule
- Policy update workflow
- Control owner accountability
- Executive reporting
- Compliance culture
- Adapting to PCI DSS updates
How this maps to your situation
- Preparing for your first PCI DSS audit
- Leading internal compliance across multiple systems
- Responding to an external assessor’s findings
- Driving maturity beyond checkbox compliance
Before vs. after
Before
Relying on third-party summaries and incomplete checklists, delaying decisions until external consultants arrive.
After
Confidently navigating the full PCI DSS framework, leading internal teams, and delivering audit-ready results independently.
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 6-8 hours of focused reading and implementation planning, designed for completion within two weeks alongside regular duties.
If nothing changes
Continuing to depend on outdated resources increases the chance of failed audits, unnecessary remediation costs, and reduced influence when compliance decisions arise.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic compliance overviews or paid consulting hours, this course gives you permanent, article-level mastery of PCI DSS, on your schedule, at practitioner depth, without oversimplification.
Frequently asked
Who is this course for?
Assistant Managers and mid-level practitioners in financial services or fintech who lead internal compliance efforts but need deeper command of the PCI DSS standard.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Will this help me pass an audit?
Yes. The course teaches you how to interpret and apply each control so you can prepare evidence and responses that satisfy assessors.
$199 one-time. Approximately 6-8 hours of focused reading and implementation planning, designed for completion within two weeks alongside regular duties..
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