A tailored course, built for your situation
Deeper command of the PCI DSS control framework
Build unshakable depth in payment security compliance through structured mastery of controls, scope, and validation pathways
$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 technical practitioner responsible for implementing or validating compliance controls within financial services environments
Who this is not for
Entry-level auditors, non-technical compliance staff, or consultants seeking only surface-level familiarity with PCI DSS
What you walk away with
- Interpret PCI DSS requirements with confidence, citing exact clause context and implementation intent
- Map control scope accurately across hybrid infrastructure with clarity on in-scope components
- Anticipate assessor questions and prepare evidence packages proactively
- Lead internal reviews with structured reasoning, reducing rework cycles
- Differentiate true compliance from checkbox responses in design and audit phases
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Understanding PCI DSS scope and applicability
Learn how to define cardholder data environment boundaries with precision. This module walks through data flow mapping, segmentation validation, and boundary documentation to ensure accurate scoping from the start.
12 chapters in this module
- What PCI DSS governs
- Cardholder data defined
- Scope boundaries overview
- Data flow fundamentals
- CDE identification
- Segmentation basics
- Out-of-scope justifications
- Network diagrams as evidence
- System component list
- Scope reduction tactics
- Third-party inclusion
- Scope change triggers
Module 2. Building secure networks
Master Requirement 1 and 2 with detailed configuration templates and firewall rule rationale. Understand how network design impacts compliance sustainability and long-term audit readiness.
12 chapters in this module
- Firewall configuration rules
- Default deny principle
- Router management access
- DMZ architecture
- Wireless network controls
- WPA version applicability
- Bluetooth restrictions
- Remote access security
- Secure protocol enforcement
- Service disablement
- Network diagram updates
- Change control logging
Module 3. Protecting cardholder data
Cover encryption standards, key management, and storage policies under Requirement 3 and 4. Focus on data lifecycle controls and cryptographic best practices accepted by QSAs.
12 chapters in this module
- Data masking vs truncation
- Encryption of stored data
- Primary account number protection
- PAN truncation rules
- Sensitive authentication data
- No storage allowed
- Encryption in transit
- SSL TLS migration
- Key rotation frequency
- Key storage security
- Cryptographic module standards
- Tokenization benefits
Module 4. Maintaining vulnerability management
Detail anti-malware controls and secure system configurations under Requirement 5 and 6. Use real malware case studies and patch cadence benchmarks.
12 chapters in this module
- Malware prevention policy
- Anti-virus deployment scope
- Signature update frequency
- Malware scan execution
- Endpoint protection tools
- Secure configuration standards
- Baseline configuration management
- Vendor default removal
- Patch management cycle
- Critical patch timing
- Vulnerability scanning
- Internal external scans
Module 5. Implementing strong access control
Walk through user access policies, role definitions, and physical controls under Requirement 7, 8, and 9. Learn how to justify least privilege in complex environments.
12 chapters in this module
- Access need justification
- Role based access
- User provisioning
- Access review frequency
- Segregation of duties
- Physical access controls
- Facility entry logging
- Visitor access policy
- Media handling
- Media destruction
- Authentication methods
- Multi factor implementation
Module 6. Regular monitoring and testing
Cover logging, monitoring, and alerting frameworks under Requirement 10 and 11. Use sample SIEM configurations and incident timelines from real assessments.
12 chapters in this module
- Event logging requirements
- Log data elements
- Clock synchronization
- Log review frequency
- Log retention period
- Centralized logging
- File integrity monitoring
- Change detection tools
- Intrusion detection systems
- Penetration testing scope
- External testing frequency
- Internal testing frequency
Module 7. Maintaining an information security policy
Develop a living security policy aligned with PCI DSS Requirement 12. Includes policy review cycles, training records, and incident response integration.
12 chapters in this module
- Security policy content
- Policy review schedule
- Personnel security policy
- Background checks
- Acceptable use policy
- Policy distribution
- Security awareness training
- Phishing simulation
- Incident response links
- Breach reporting plan
- Business continuity alignment
- Policy enforcement evidence
Module 8. Navigating assessment validation
Understand the role of QSAs, SAQ types, and ROC preparation. Focus on evidence packaging and assessor communication strategies.
12 chapters in this module
- QSA engagement scope
- ROC fundamentals
- SAQ type determination
- Self assessment selection
- Attestation of compliance
- Evidence collection
- Assessor interviews
- Control testing walkthrough
- Findings remediation
- Compensating controls
- Time to remediate
- Validation timelines
Module 9. Managing third-party risk
Apply PCI DSS expectations to vendor relationships. Covers due diligence, contract language, and ongoing oversight mechanisms.
12 chapters in this module
- Third party due diligence
- Vendor risk classification
- Compliance expectations
- Contractual clauses
- Service provider oversight
- Sub service provider flow
- Distributed responsibility
- Shared control models
- Assessment delegation
- Vendor reporting
- Contract renewal triggers
- Incident notification terms
Module 10. Designing for continuous compliance
Shift from point-in-time validation to embedded compliance. Focus on automation, telemetry alignment, and engineering-driven control validation.
12 chapters in this module
- Continuous monitoring setup
- Automated evidence collection
- Control telemetry integration
- CI CD pipeline checks
- Compliance as code
- Infrastructure as code
- Control drift alerts
- Audit readiness dashboard
- Self healing controls
- Compliance testing cycles
- Engineering ownership
- Sustainable model
Module 11. Handling emerging threats and updates
Stay ahead of evolving payment risks and framework changes. Includes analysis of PCI SSC advisories and emerging attack patterns.
12 chapters in this module
- PCI SSC updates
- Supplemental guidance
- Emerging threat alerts
- Cloud payment risks
- Mobile payment security
- Contactless transaction controls
- API security
- Microservices impact
- Zero trust alignment
- Supply chain risks
- Credential stuffing
- Account takeover prevention
Module 12. Leading compliance as an engineer
Position yourself as the internal authority on PCI DSS. Use structured communication, documentation standards, and cross-functional influence to lead without authority.
12 chapters in this module
- Technical ownership
- Cross team influence
- Control ownership
- Decision documentation
- Architecture alignment
- Risk acceptance process
- Exception justification
- Stakeholder communication
- Executive briefing
- Regulatory engagement
- Industry participation
- Thought leadership
How this maps to your situation
- Preparing for annual PCI DSS validation
- Onboarding a new payment processing system
- Responding to assessor findings
- Leading internal compliance review
Before vs. after
Before
Navigating PCI DSS requirements with fragmented documentation and inconsistent interpretation across teams
After
Confidently leading control design and validation with precise, defensible, and repeatable frameworks
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 for completion over 4-6 weeks with full flexibility to pause and resume.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic compliance trainings, this course is built specifically for engineers who need to implement and defend PCI DSS controls, not just recite them. It includes real-world decision logs, technical blueprints, and validation strategies used in financial services environments, which off-the-shelf certification prep courses lack.
Frequently asked
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Does this course cover PCI DSS v4.0?
Yes, all content aligns with PCI DSS v4.0 requirements and testing procedures.
Is this relevant for cloud payment environments?
Yes, modules include scoping guidance and control mapping for AWS, Azure, and hybrid cloud architectures.
$199 one-time. Approximately 3 hours per module, designed for completion over 4-6 weeks with full flexibility to pause and resume..
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