A tailored course, built for your situation
Reference of choice on cross-functional PCI DSS calls
Become the practitioner your peers proactively consult when payment compliance questions arise
$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
Payments compliance practitioner in financial services with exposure to audit and control frameworks, currently operating at assistant manager level with demonstrated accountability in fund accounting.
Who this is not for
Those seeking executive-level PCI DSS reporting playbooks or board-level risk narratives.
What you walk away with
- Recognized internally as the first point of contact for PCI DSS interpretation
- Respond confidently to peer requests on control scope and implementation evidence
- Shorten cross-team review cycles by providing accurate, sourced clarifications
- Strengthen influence without formal authority by building trusted-advisor status
- Position yourself ahead of promotion cycles with documented domain ownership
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Core structure of PCI DSS v4
Break down the standard’s updated control families and intent statements with practical examples from financial institutions.
12 chapters in this module
- Introduction to PCI DSS evolution
- Scope definition principles
- Role of segmentation in compliance
- Control objectives vs requirements
- Documentation expectations per control
- Version 3.2.1 to 4.0 changes
- Mapping controls to audit procedures
- Common misinterpretations clarified
- Evidence types by control
- ROC vs SAQ pathways
- Entity types and compliance paths
- How assessors interpret rigor
Module 2. Scoping beyond payment terminals
Identify in-scope systems across distributed environments including cloud-hosted fund accounting platforms.
12 chapters in this module
- CDE boundary definition
- Data flow mapping techniques
- Network segmentation validation
- Virtualization and scoping
- Cloud infrastructure inclusion
- Third-party processor boundaries
- Legacy system integration
- Tokenization scope impact
- Encryption in transit considerations
- API access and scope creep
- Shared services exclusion rules
- Ongoing scope reassessment
Module 3. Access control policy alignment
Build policies that satisfy Requirement 7 and 8 while matching operational needs in shared financial environments.
12 chapters in this module
- User role definitions
- Least privilege in practice
- Service account governance
- Privileged access monitoring
- MFA implementation scope
- Password policy baseline
- Session timeout standards
- Access revocation workflows
- Emergency access procedures
- Shared account controls
- Break glass account audit
- Role-based access reviews
Module 4. Network security configuration
Implement firewall and segmentation rules that meet Requirement 1 with real-world trade-offs documented.
12 chapters in this module
- Firewall rule documentation
- Default deny principles
- Change management integration
- Rule review frequency
- Router configuration standards
- Remote access restrictions
- Wireless network exclusion
- Cloud security groups
- VPC flow log alignment
- Intrusion detection integration
- Segmentation testing methods
- Penetration test coordination
Module 5. Secure system development
Apply PCI DSS Requirement 6 to internal tools supporting fund accounting and transaction reporting.
12 chapters in this module
- Secure coding policy basics
- Vulnerability scanning cadence
- Change control compliance
- Web application firewall use
- Code review procedures
- Patch management timelines
- Third-party software vetting
- Secure SDLC integration
- Development environment segregation
- Production deployment approvals
- Open source license compliance
- Incident linkage for flaws
Module 6. Vulnerability management execution
Run internal and external scans that produce actionable findings aligned with PCI expectations.
12 chapters in this module
- External scan vendor selection
- Internal scan frequency
- Critical patch thresholds
- False positive handling
- Remediation tracking
- Risk acceptance process
- Compensating controls
- Asset inventory accuracy
- Scanner coverage validation
- Scan exclusion justification
- Reporting for assessors
- Escalation workflows
Module 7. Log monitoring and review
Design monitoring practices that fulfill Requirement 10 with focus on auditability and detection.
12 chapters in this module
- Event logging baseline
- Log retention duration
- Centralized logging setup
- Time synchronization
- Log integrity protection
- Review procedures documentation
- Anomaly detection rules
- Failed login tracking
- Admin activity logging
- Log correlation use cases
- Forensic readiness
- Automation opportunities
Module 8. Testing and validation routines
Build internal testing plans that mirror assessor expectations and reduce last-minute fixes.
12 chapters in this module
- Internal audit scheduling
- Control testing methods
- Evidence collection process
- Sampling techniques
- Deficiency tracking
- Remediation verification
- Third-party test coordination
- Assessor Q&A preparation
- Walkthrough simulations
- Policy update alignment
- Findings reporting format
- Continuous monitoring goals
Module 9. Policy documentation mastery
Write and maintain the 14 required policies with clarity and operational relevance.
12 chapters in this module
- Scope statement drafting
- Policy approval process
- Review cycle definition
- Information security policy
- Acceptable use policy
- Network security policy
- Data protection policy
- Incident response policy
- Business continuity alignment
- Third-party policy inclusion
- Policy exception handling
- Version control practices
Module 10. Third-party risk integration
Extend PCI DSS rigor to vendors handling card data in custody or processing roles.
12 chapters in this module
- Vendor identification process
- Risk tiering model
- Contractual compliance clauses
- Attestation collection
- Subservice provider oversight
- Onsite assessment rights
- Remote monitoring use
- Non-compliance escalation
- Due diligence templates
- Annual validation process
- Insurance requirement alignment
- Exit procedures
Module 11. Incident response readiness
Develop procedures that meet Requirement 12 and ensure quick, compliant action during events.
12 chapters in this module
- Incident definition clarity
- Response team roles
- Notification procedures
- Forensic evidence preservation
- Law enforcement coordination
- Regulator reporting process
- Post-event review practice
- Compromise detection methods
- Customer communication plan
- Legal counsel integration
- Tabletop exercise design
- Recovery validation
Module 12. Sustaining compliance momentum
Maintain readiness between assessments with lightweight, repeatable processes.
12 chapters in this module
- Control ownership assignment
- Quarterly review calendar
- Evidence repository setup
- Automated monitoring tools
- Training refresh schedule
- Policy update alerts
- Internal audit coordination
- Assessor relationship management
- Readiness dashboard use
- Change impact review
- Compliance communication plan
- Lessons learned documentation
How this maps to your situation
- When scoping a cloud migration project
- Before an internal audit cycle begins
- During vendor risk assessment reviews
- After an assessor request for evidence
Before vs. after
Before
Frequently consulted on narrow fund accounting details but not proactively included in broader compliance design discussions.
After
Peers across risk, IT, and audit routinely loop you in when shaping PCI DSS approaches, treating you as a trusted technical reference.
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 to be completed alongside current responsibilities over 6-8 weeks.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic compliance courses, this program focuses exclusively on PCI DSS v4 implementation in financial services environments, with examples pulled from fund accounting and custody operations. It skips high-level overviews and delivers actionable clarity on control application.
Frequently asked
Is this course suitable for someone in fund accounting?
Yes, this course is designed for practitioners like you who intersect with PCI DSS through operational systems, custody platforms, and control reviews. It focuses on practical application, not theoretical compliance.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Will this help me advance in my role?
Yes, by mastering PCI DSS fluency, you’ll naturally gain visibility as a key contributor during cross-functional initiatives, positioning you for broader responsibilities.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3 hours per module, designed to be completed alongside current responsibilities over 6-8 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