PCI ISA EXAM 2026 - COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Under PCI DSS v4.0, which of the following is true regarding Sensitive Authentication Data
(SAD)?
A. SAD can be stored after authorization if it is encrypted using a strong algorithm.
B. Only the Card Verification Value (CVV) can be stored post-authorization for recurring
transactions.
C. SAD may never be stored after authorization, even if encrypted, unless there is a
documented business justification and it is stored by an issuer.
D. Full track data can be stored post-authorization as long as it is masked.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: PCI DSS v4.0 Requirement 3.2 strictly prohibits the storage of
SAD after authorization. The only exception is for issuers or companies providing issuing
services with a legitimate business need.
2. In the context of Requirement 1.2.1, what is the specific requirement for the configuration
of Network Security Controls (NSCs)?
A. NSCs must be reviewed every 90 days.
,B. NSCs must be configured to deny all traffic by default and allow only authorized services.
C. NSCs must only be hardware-based firewalls.
D. NSCs must be managed by a third-party service provider.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 1.2.1 specifies that all traffic not specifically
permitted must be denied by default, implementing a ‘least privilege’ network access
model.
3. Which entity is responsible for defining the ‘Targeted Risk Analysis’ (TRA) frequency for
periodic activities where a specific timeframe is not defined in the standard?
A. The entity being assessed, based on their specific risk profile.
B. The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC).
C. The Qualified Security Assessor (QSA).
D. The acquiring bank.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: PCI DSS v4.0 allows entities to define the frequency of certain
periodic activities through a Targeted Risk Analysis (Requirement 12.3.1).
4. Requirement 8.4.2 mandates Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for which of the
following?
A. All access into the CDE for all personnel.
, B. Only remote access to the CDE.
C. All non-administrative access to the CDE.
D. Only administrative access from outside the corporate network.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: PCI DSS v4.0 expanded MFA requirements. Requirement 8.4.2
now requires MFA for all access (administrative and non-administrative) into the CDE.
5. If an entity chooses to use the ‘Customized Approach’ for a specific requirement, what is
the primary responsibility of the assessor?
A. To design the security controls for the entity.
B. To evaluate the entity’s own derived controls and the ‘Controls Matrix’ to ensure the
Objective is met.
C. To automatically approve the controls as long as they are documented.
D. To convert the requirement back to the Defined Approach if it is too complex.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In the Customized Approach, the entity defines the controls, and
the assessor evaluates if those controls meet the stated Objective of the requirement
through rigorous testing.
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Under PCI DSS v4.0, which of the following is true regarding Sensitive Authentication Data
(SAD)?
A. SAD can be stored after authorization if it is encrypted using a strong algorithm.
B. Only the Card Verification Value (CVV) can be stored post-authorization for recurring
transactions.
C. SAD may never be stored after authorization, even if encrypted, unless there is a
documented business justification and it is stored by an issuer.
D. Full track data can be stored post-authorization as long as it is masked.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: PCI DSS v4.0 Requirement 3.2 strictly prohibits the storage of
SAD after authorization. The only exception is for issuers or companies providing issuing
services with a legitimate business need.
2. In the context of Requirement 1.2.1, what is the specific requirement for the configuration
of Network Security Controls (NSCs)?
A. NSCs must be reviewed every 90 days.
,B. NSCs must be configured to deny all traffic by default and allow only authorized services.
C. NSCs must only be hardware-based firewalls.
D. NSCs must be managed by a third-party service provider.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 1.2.1 specifies that all traffic not specifically
permitted must be denied by default, implementing a ‘least privilege’ network access
model.
3. Which entity is responsible for defining the ‘Targeted Risk Analysis’ (TRA) frequency for
periodic activities where a specific timeframe is not defined in the standard?
A. The entity being assessed, based on their specific risk profile.
B. The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC).
C. The Qualified Security Assessor (QSA).
D. The acquiring bank.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: PCI DSS v4.0 allows entities to define the frequency of certain
periodic activities through a Targeted Risk Analysis (Requirement 12.3.1).
4. Requirement 8.4.2 mandates Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for which of the
following?
A. All access into the CDE for all personnel.
, B. Only remote access to the CDE.
C. All non-administrative access to the CDE.
D. Only administrative access from outside the corporate network.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: PCI DSS v4.0 expanded MFA requirements. Requirement 8.4.2
now requires MFA for all access (administrative and non-administrative) into the CDE.
5. If an entity chooses to use the ‘Customized Approach’ for a specific requirement, what is
the primary responsibility of the assessor?
A. To design the security controls for the entity.
B. To evaluate the entity’s own derived controls and the ‘Controls Matrix’ to ensure the
Objective is met.
C. To automatically approve the controls as long as they are documented.
D. To convert the requirement back to the Defined Approach if it is too complex.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In the Customized Approach, the entity defines the controls, and
the assessor evaluates if those controls meet the stated Objective of the requirement
through rigorous testing.
