A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering PCI DSS for Senior Operations Leaders
Turn compliance rigor into operational velocity
$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.
Compliance cycles that stall under review or stretch timelines
The situation this course is for
Even well-structured programs slow down when controls aren’t mapped clearly from the start. Evidence gaps, rework, and extended review cycles delay go-live dates and strain cross-functional alignment. The cost isn’t just time, it’s momentum.
Who this is for
Senior operations leaders responsible for delivering compliant, auditable programs on time, with minimal rework and clear ownership across teams.
Who this is not for
Junior compliance staff, consultants without program ownership, or those focused solely on audit preparation without delivery responsibility.
What you walk away with
- Map PCI DSS controls directly to operational workflows in half the time
- Produce clean, audit-ready documentation on first submission
- Reduce review cycles by standardising evidence collection
- Deploy compliant systems faster using repeatable implementation patterns
- Own the end-to-end compliance track from design to sign-off
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Understanding PCI DSS Scope and Boundaries
Define system scope accurately to prevent overreach and reduce compliance overhead. Learn to identify cardholder data flows and isolate in-scope systems.
12 chapters in this module
- Scope identification principles
- Cardholder data environment mapping
- Out-of-scope validation techniques
- System boundary documentation
- Stakeholder alignment on scope
- Common scope creep triggers
- Vendor inclusion criteria
- Network segmentation basics
- Data flow diagramming
- Scope sign-off workflow
- Scope review cadence
- Scope change control
Module 2. Building a PCI DSS Readiness Assessment
Conduct internal assessments that mirror auditor expectations, reducing findings and rework. Use structured checklists to evaluate control maturity.
12 chapters in this module
- Readiness checklist design
- Control maturity scoring
- Self-assessment timing strategy
- Gap identification methods
- Prioritising high-risk domains
- Internal review roles
- Evidence sampling approach
- Finding classification system
- Remediation tracking
- Stakeholder reporting format
- Pre-audit validation
- Readiness sign-off
Module 3. Policy Development Aligned to PCI DSS
Create policies that satisfy requirements and integrate into daily operations. Avoid shelfware by grounding policies in real workflows.
12 chapters in this module
- Applicable control mapping
- Policy intent clarity
- Role-based responsibilities
- Enforceability criteria
- Review and update cycles
- Cross-functional input
- Version control system
- Policy distribution method
- Compliance evidence tie-in
- Exception handling process
- Policy audit trail
- Policy sign-off
Module 4. Secure Configuration Standards
Establish baseline configurations for systems in scope. Ensure consistency and auditability through automated validation.
12 chapters in this module
- Baseline definition process
- Server hardening templates
- Network device standards
- Configuration drift monitoring
- Approved software list
- Change control integration
- User access to configs
- Vendor default removal
- Configuration review frequency
- Automated compliance checks
- Remediation workflow
- Audit evidence packaging
Module 5. Access Control Policy and Implementation
Design access structures that meet PCI DSS while supporting operational needs. Enforce least privilege without blocking productivity.
12 chapters in this module
- Role-based access design
- Privileged account management
- Access request workflow
- Segregation of duties rules
- Account review process
- Session timeout policy
- Authentication methods
- Multi-factor adoption path
- Emergency access controls
- Access revocation timing
- Logging and alerting
- Audit trail completeness
Module 6. Vulnerability Management Program
Run continuous scanning and remediation cycles that satisfy PCI DSS and reduce risk. Prioritise findings based on exploitability and context.
12 chapters in this module
- Scanning scope definition
- Internal vs external scans
- Approved scanner selection
- Scan frequency planning
- Vulnerability severity tiers
- Remediation SLAs by risk
- Compensating controls path
- Ticketing integration
- Status reporting rhythm
- False positive handling
- Retest process
- Evidence documentation
Module 7. Penetration Testing and Attack Simulation
Plan and manage annual penetration tests that meet PCI DSS standards. Use findings to improve defenses and demonstrate due diligence.
12 chapters in this module
- Test scope agreement
- External vs internal test split
- Approved tester selection
- Rules of engagement
- Social engineering inclusion
- Physical testing options
- Finding validation
- Remediation tracking
- Executive summary format
- Technical report storage
- Follow-up test planning
- Test sign-off
Module 8. Log Management and Monitoring
Collect, retain, and review logs in line with PCI DSS requirements. Use monitoring to detect anomalies and support investigations.
12 chapters in this module
- Log source identification
- Centralised logging setup
- Retention period alignment
- Log integrity controls
- Time synchronisation
- Monitoring rule design
- Alert triage process
- Incident correlation
- Log review frequency
- Audit trail accessibility
- Search capability
- Log retention verification
Module 9. Change and Patch Management
Implement structured change controls that ensure security and compliance. Streamline patching without sacrificing stability.
12 chapters in this module
- Change request submission
- Change approval workflow
- Emergency change path
- Patch timing strategy
- Vendor patch validation
- Testing environment use
- Rollback planning
- Deployment tracking
- Post-change verification
- Change documentation
- Audit alignment
- Change freeze periods
Module 10. Third-Party Risk and Vendor Compliance
Manage vendor relationships in scope for PCI DSS. Obtain and validate evidence without overburdening suppliers.
12 chapters in this module
- Vendor identification process
- In-scope service mapping
- Contractual requirements
- Attestation of Compliance review
- Vendor assessment frequency
- Onsite audit coordination
- Subservice provider tracking
- Risk tiering model
- Remediation follow-up
- Vendor termination impact
- Continuous monitoring
- Vendor compliance dashboard
Module 11. Reporting and Audit Preparation
Prepare for audits with confidence by organizing evidence, coordinating stakeholders, and anticipating assessor questions.
12 chapters in this module
- Evidence collection calendar
- Document naming standard
- Version control
- Assessor communication plan
- Stakeholder briefing
- Finding response protocol
- Compensating control documentation
- Executive summary drafting
- Audit timeline alignment
- Post-audit action plan
- Report distribution
- Audit closure
Module 12. Sustaining Compliance Over Time
Build ongoing compliance into operations so controls remain effective. Avoid degradation between audits.
12 chapters in this module
- Control ownership model
- Review cadence design
- Automated control checks
- Staff training refresh
- Policy updates
- Incident response testing
- Lessons learned capture
- Benchmarking improvement
- Leadership reporting
- Continuous monitoring tools
- Program maturity tracking
- Future requirement anticipation
How this maps to your situation
- Onboarding new systems into PCI DSS scope
- Preparing for annual compliance assessment
- Reducing audit findings and rework
- Streamlining cross-team compliance delivery
Before vs. after
Before
Compliance efforts require multiple review cycles, last-minute fixes, and fragmented evidence collection.
After
Working artefacts are delivered faster, with structured controls, clean documentation, and fewer review loops.
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters total)
- 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 to be completed alongside active program delivery.
If nothing changes
Programs continue to face delays from avoidable rework, auditors spend more time verifying controls, and cross-functional teams experience friction due to unclear expectations.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic compliance overviews or auditor-facing guides, this course is built for practitioners who must deliver compliant systems on time, with methods that reduce rework and accelerate evidence collection.
Frequently asked
Who is this course designed for?
Senior operations leaders responsible for delivering PCI DSS compliant programs with speed and confidence.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Does the course include templates?
Yes, every module includes downloadable templates and real-world examples.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3 hours per module, designed to be completed alongside active program delivery..
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