A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering PCI DSS for Software Engineers in High-Trust Systems
Build compliance into architecture decisions with confidence and precision
$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.
Engineers spending cycles reworking systems for compliance instead of designing them in from the start
The situation this course is for
Compliance is often treated as a post-build checklist, forcing engineers into rework loops, delayed launches, and technical debt. But in high-trust environments, those delays signal avoidance, not prudence.
Who this is for
Software Engineer in a regulated or high-compliance tech environment who wants to lead, not react
Who this is not for
Engineers who prefer to stay siloed from security and compliance conversations or who view PCI DSS as purely a QA or audit concern
What you walk away with
- Own the initial design of systems that meet PCI DSS requirements by default
- Anticipate control needs in architecture diagrams before security teams raise them
- Speak confidently in cross-functional reviews with compliance, risk, and infrastructure leads
- Turn PCI DSS requirements into technical specifications for secure data handling
- Position yourself as the go-to engineer for projects requiring certification readiness
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Understanding PCI DSS Scope in Modern Application Design
Learn how to identify cardholder data flows early and define system boundaries that align with compliance expectations.
12 chapters in this module
- Mapping cardholder data lifecycle
- Identifying in-scope systems
- Data segmentation strategies
- Encryption scope definitions
- Tokenization integration points
- Network segmentation for compliance
- API exposure risks
- Third-party service boundaries
- Logging scope for audits
- Cloud hosting considerations
- Containerized environment risks
- Microservices compliance challenges
Module 2. Building Secure Code Under PCI DSS Requirement 6
Turn secure coding practices into repeatable patterns that satisfy requirement 6 and reduce post-deployment findings.
12 chapters in this module
- Secure development lifecycle
- Code review checklist
- Vulnerability management integration
- Static analysis tooling setup
- Dynamic testing in CI/CD
- Patch management cadence
- Web application firewall rules
- Input validation standards
- Error handling compliance
- Secure library sourcing
- Dependency scanning
- Threat modeling integration
Module 3. Access Control and Authentication Strategies
Design authentication and role-based access that meet PCI DSS requirements 7 and 8 by design.
12 chapters in this module
- Principle of least privilege
- User role definitions
- Multi-factor authentication design
- Session timeout enforcement
- Password complexity rules
- Service account management
- Remote access controls
- Authentication logging
- Privileged access monitoring
- Account revocation workflows
- Identity provider integration
- Just-in-time access models
Module 4. Network Security and Zone Architecture
Architect network zones and firewall rules that satisfy Requirement 1 and reduce audit findings.
12 chapters in this module
- Firewall rule documentation
- Default-deny policy
- DMZ design patterns
- Internal segmentation
- Wireless network controls
- Router configuration standards
- Cloud security groups
- Zero-trust network access
- Intrusion detection placement
- Port scanning policies
- Remote admin access
- Network diagram updates
Module 5. Secure Systems Configuration Standards
Implement baseline configurations that satisfy Requirement 2 and reduce drift across environments.
12 chapters in this module
- Default account removal
- Secure configuration baselines
- System hardening scripts
- Configuration management tools
- Image templating
- OS-level security settings
- Application server settings
- Database security defaults
- Change control integration
- Automated compliance checks
- Version control for configs
- Audit trail retention
Module 6. Logging, Monitoring, and Alerting Design
Build logging systems that meet Requirement 10 and provide real-time visibility into security events.
12 chapters in this module
- Log retention duration
- Centralized logging design
- Event correlation strategies
- Log integrity protection
- Timestamp accuracy
- Monitoring for failed logins
- Alert severity levels
- SIEM integration
- Log access controls
- Real-time alerting
- Incident response triggers
- Audit-ready log exports
Module 7. Encryption and Data Protection Patterns
Apply Requirement 3 and 4 controls to protect cardholder data at rest and in transit.
12 chapters in this module
- Data classification framework
- Encryption key lifecycle
- Key storage best practices
- TLS configuration standards
- End-to-end encryption
- Database encryption options
- File-level encryption
- Tokenization vs encryption
- Masking display rules
- Secure key rotation
- Key access logging
- Cryptographic algorithm selection
Module 8. Vulnerability Management and Penetration Testing
Incorporate regular testing into development cycles to satisfy Requirement 11.
12 chapters in this module
- Vulnerability scanning cadence
- Internal scan execution
- External scan coordination
- Penetration testing scope
- Remediation timelines
- False positive triage
- Reporting to assessors
- Automated scan integration
- Critical patch thresholds
- Zero-day response process
- Third-party scan review
- Results documentation
Module 9. Integrating PCI DSS into CI/CD Pipelines
Shift left by embedding compliance checks directly into build and deployment workflows.
12 chapters in this module
- Static analysis in CI
- Dependency scanning integration
- Secrets detection
- Automated configuration checks
- Policy-as-code tools
- Gate enforcement points
- Compliance test automation
- Scan result aggregation
- Pipeline approval workflows
- Non-production environment controls
- Drift detection scripts
- Audit trail generation
Module 10. Working with Assessors and Audit Evidence
Produce the exact artefacts assessors need, without rework or delays.
12 chapters in this module
- ROC documentation
- SAQ applicability
- Evidence collection process
- Technical interview prep
- System validation steps
- Network diagram updates
- Policy version control
- Control implementation proofs
- Exception justification
- Assessor communication
- Evidence automation
- Audit trail completeness
Module 11. Vendor Risk and Third-Party Management
Evaluate and manage third-party services to meet Requirement 12.8.
12 chapters in this module
- Vendor risk assessment
- Contractual compliance clauses
- Third-party audit reviews
- Subservice provider oversight
- Due diligence process
- Onboarding controls
- Performance monitoring
- Incident response coordination
- Offboarding procedures
- Compliance attestation
- Shared responsibility models
- Cloud provider alignment
Module 12. Sustaining Compliance Across System Changes
Ensure ongoing compliance as systems evolve, avoiding re-certification surprises.
12 chapters in this module
- Change control process
- Compliance impact analysis
- Architecture review board
- Automated compliance checks
- Drift detection
- Quarterly control validation
- Annual assessment prep
- Remediation tracking
- Policy update cycles
- Training refresh cadence
- Compliance documentation
- Lessons learned incorporation
How this maps to your situation
- Designing new payment-adjacent systems
- Responding to audit findings
- Leading secure infrastructure initiatives
- Collaborating with security and compliance teams
Before vs. after
Before
Spending cycles retrofitting systems for compliance, reacting to audit findings, and missing premium project opportunities
After
Leading secure, compliant architecture designs from day one, positioned for high-trust, high-budget initiatives
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 6-8 hours of focused learning, designed to fit around engineering schedules.
If nothing changes
Continuing to treat compliance as a downstream step means missed opportunities, rework, and reduced influence on strategic projects.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic compliance courses, this is built specifically for engineers who want to lead on secure systems, not just pass audits.
Frequently asked
Is this course only for payment systems?
No, while PCI DSS is the anchor, the skills apply to any high-compliance, high-trust system design.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Will this help me talk to compliance teams?
Yes, this course teaches you to speak the language of controls, evidence, and risk to bridge engineering and compliance.
$199 one-time. Approximately 6-8 hours of focused learning, designed to fit around engineering schedules..
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