A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering PCI DSS for Senior Software Developers and Tech Leads
Build compliant, resilient payment systems 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.
Avoid last-minute audit scrambles by designing compliance in from day one
The situation this course is for
Too many engineers treat PCI DSS as an afterthought, leading to rework, delayed releases, and misaligned controls that only surface during audits.
Who this is for
Senior software engineers and tech leads in regulated financial environments who own or influence payment-adjacent systems
Who this is not for
Junior developers, auditors, or compliance officers without hands-on system design responsibilities
What you walk away with
- Own end-to-end PCI DSS implementation for payment-integrated systems
- Produce audit-ready system diagrams and control mappings without oversight
- Anticipate scope creep in merchant integrations using clear segmentation blueprints
- Defend control design choices with precise references to PCI DSS requirements
- Serve as escalation point for peer teams integrating payment data flows
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Understanding PCI DSS Scope and Boundaries
Learn how to define system scope accurately to reduce compliance overhead and avoid unnecessary controls.
12 chapters in this module
- What qualifies as CDE
- Identifying cardholder data
- Data flow mapping techniques
- Network segmentation essentials
- Out-of-scope justification
- Common scope pitfalls
- Third-party inclusion rules
- Tokenization boundaries
- Encryption in transit scope
- Service provider scoping
- Scope reduction tactics
- Documenting scope decisions
Module 2. Building Secure Network Architectures
Design network layouts that satisfy Requirement 1 and support long-term scalability.
12 chapters in this module
- Firewall rule documentation
- Router configuration standards
- DMZ placement strategy
- Internal segmentation firewalls
- Default deny policies
- Secure remote access setup
- Network diagram templates
- Change management integration
- Firewall rule reviews
- Router log retention
- Network architecture sign-off
- Test environment alignment
Module 3. Implementing Strong Access Control Measures
Enforce access policies that meet Requirements 7 and 8 with precision.
12 chapters in this module
- Role-based access definitions
- User provisioning workflows
- Access review frequency
- Password complexity rules
- Multifactor authentication design
- Physical access logging
- Admin privilege separation
- Emergency account protocols
- Session timeout enforcement
- Access revocation timing
- Authentication system audits
- Credential storage compliance
Module 4. Maintaining Secure Systems and Applications
Integrate secure coding and configuration practices into development pipelines.
12 chapters in this module
- Secure SDLC adoption
- Code review checklists
- Penetration testing cadence
- Vulnerability scanning integration
- Patch management timelines
- Secure configuration baselines
- Web application firewall rules
- File integrity monitoring
- Change detection alerts
- Malware prevention controls
- Development environment isolation
- Production deployment gates
Module 5. Protecting Cardholder Data at Rest
Apply encryption and tokenization strategies that satisfy Requirement 3.
12 chapters in this module
- Data discovery methods
- Classification tagging
- Encryption key lifecycles
- Tokenization system design
- PAN truncation logic
- Clear text data prohibitions
- Database encryption options
- Key vault integration
- Decryption access rules
- Key rotation schedules
- Data retention policies
- Encryption validation tests
Module 6. Securing Transmission of Card Data
Implement TLS and secure protocols to meet Requirement 4.
12 chapters in this module
- TLS version enforcement
- Certificate lifecycle management
- End-to-end encryption design
- Wireless network protections
- Secure email handling
- API authentication patterns
- Session protection methods
- Man-in-the-middle defenses
- Encryption key exchange
- Network traffic logging
- Third-party connection security
- Remote access encryption
Module 7. Building and Maintaining a PCI DSS Compliance Program
Develop internal processes that sustain compliance across teams and systems.
12 chapters in this module
- Compliance roadmap creation
- Internal audit schedules
- Policy documentation standards
- Training program development
- Quarterly review cycles
- Compliance tracking tools
- Remediation workflows
- Executive reporting rhythm
- Vendor compliance checks
- Change impact assessments
- Compliance communication plans
- Program maturity assessment
Module 8. Conducting Effective Self-Assessments
Lead internal evaluations that mirror official audits and drive improvement.
12 chapters in this module
- SAQ selection rules
- ROC preparation steps
- Evidence collection methods
- Control testing techniques
- Gap identification process
- Remediation prioritization
- Stakeholder coordination
- Interview preparation
- Documentation completeness
- Third-party validation
- Findings reporting format
- Follow-up review timing
Module 9. Managing Third-Party Risks
Ensure service providers meet PCI DSS obligations without direct control.
12 chapters in this module
- Vendor risk classification
- Due diligence checklists
- Contractual compliance terms
- Attestation of Compliance review
- Monitoring third-party audits
- Subservice provider oversight
- Breach response coordination
- Right-to-audit clauses
- Vendor exit planning
- Ongoing monitoring tools
- Compliance escalation paths
- Shared responsibility models
Module 10. Implementing Robust Logging and Monitoring
Meet Requirement 10 with actionable logging practices.
12 chapters in this module
- Critical system logging
- Log format standards
- Centralized log collection
- Log retention duration
- Time synchronization
- Log review frequency
- Alerting mechanisms
- Event correlation methods
- Log integrity protection
- Access to logs restriction
- Forensic readiness
- SIEM integration strategies
Module 11. Preparing for External Assessments
Navigate interactions with QSA firms and regulatory reviewers confidently.
12 chapters in this module
- QSA selection criteria
- Assessment timelines
- Evidence package assembly
- Interview coordination
- Deficiency response drafting
- On-site review logistics
- Control demonstration methods
- Audit trail preparation
- Executive summary writing
- Follow-up submission process
- Assessment outcome tracking
- Post-audit action plans
Module 12. Scaling Compliance Across Development Teams
Extend PCI DSS practices across organizations effectively.
12 chapters in this module
- Compliance champion networks
- Cross-team alignment tactics
- Standardized control implementation
- Shared documentation repositories
- Compliance onboarding flows
- Metrics for compliance health
- Feedback loops with security
- Toolchain integration
- DevOps compliance gates
- Architecture review integration
- Incident response coordination
- Compliance knowledge sharing
How this maps to your situation
- Preparing for new payment integration
- Facing upcoming QSA assessment
- Onboarding third-party vendors
- Responding to auditor findings
Before vs. after
Before
Compliance is reactive, fragmented across teams, and driven by audit cycles.
After
You proactively own compliance for payment systems and lead peer teams with confidence.
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 8-10 hours over 4 weeks, designed for working professionals.
If nothing changes
Without structured knowledge, engineers risk misapplying controls, increasing audit findings and delay in product delivery.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic compliance overviews, this course delivers actionable, system-specific guidance tailored to engineers who build and maintain regulated systems.
Frequently asked
Who is this course for?
Senior software developers, tech leads, and architects who design or maintain systems that process, store, or transmit cardholder data.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Do I need prior PCI DSS experience?
No , but experience with secure system design will help you progress faster.
$199 one-time. Approximately 8-10 hours over 4 weeks, designed for working professionals..
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