PCI ISA EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026
1. Which entity is responsible for the management of the PCI DSS standard?
A. The Payment Card Brands (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
B. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
C. PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC)
D. Acquiring Banks
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The PCI SSC is responsible for developing and managing the PCI
DSS and other security standards, while the brands enforce compliance.
2. Under PCI DSS v4.0, what is the minimum length for a password/passphrase if it is the only
authentication factor?
A. 7 characters
B. 12 characters
C. 8 characters
D. 10 characters
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: PCI DSS 4.0 Requirement 8.3.6 requires a minimum length of 12
characters (or 8 if the system doesn’t support 12).
3. What is the primary objective of network segmentation in a PCI DSS environment?
A. To improve network performance
B. To simplify the installation of anti-virus software
C. To eliminate the need for firewalls
D. To reduce the scope of the PCI DSS assessment
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Segmentation is used to isolate the Cardholder Data
Environment (CDE) from other systems, thereby reducing the number of systems that must
be assessed for compliance.
4. In the ‘Customized Approach’ of PCI DSS v4.0, what document must the entity provide to
explain how they meet the objective?
A. Standard Operating Procedure
B. Internal Audit Report
C. Targeted Risk Analysis (TRA)
D. Vendor Disclosure Statement
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: The Customized Approach requires a Targeted Risk Analysis
(TRA) to justify how the implemented controls meet the stated security objective.
5. Which of the following is considered ‘Sensitive Authentication Data’ (SAD)?
A. Primary Account Number (PAN)
B. Card Verification Value (CVV2)
C. Expiration Date
D. Cardholder Name
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CVV2/CVC2/CID are SAD and cannot be stored after
authorization.
6. How often must a ‘Targeted Risk Analysis’ be performed for any PCI DSS requirement that
allows for a flexibility in activity frequency?
A. Annually
B. Every 6 months
C. Every two years
D. Monthly
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 12.3.1 specifies that TRAs for activity frequency
must be reviewed at least once every 12 months.
ANSWERS 2026
1. Which entity is responsible for the management of the PCI DSS standard?
A. The Payment Card Brands (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
B. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
C. PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC)
D. Acquiring Banks
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The PCI SSC is responsible for developing and managing the PCI
DSS and other security standards, while the brands enforce compliance.
2. Under PCI DSS v4.0, what is the minimum length for a password/passphrase if it is the only
authentication factor?
A. 7 characters
B. 12 characters
C. 8 characters
D. 10 characters
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: PCI DSS 4.0 Requirement 8.3.6 requires a minimum length of 12
characters (or 8 if the system doesn’t support 12).
3. What is the primary objective of network segmentation in a PCI DSS environment?
A. To improve network performance
B. To simplify the installation of anti-virus software
C. To eliminate the need for firewalls
D. To reduce the scope of the PCI DSS assessment
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Segmentation is used to isolate the Cardholder Data
Environment (CDE) from other systems, thereby reducing the number of systems that must
be assessed for compliance.
4. In the ‘Customized Approach’ of PCI DSS v4.0, what document must the entity provide to
explain how they meet the objective?
A. Standard Operating Procedure
B. Internal Audit Report
C. Targeted Risk Analysis (TRA)
D. Vendor Disclosure Statement
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: The Customized Approach requires a Targeted Risk Analysis
(TRA) to justify how the implemented controls meet the stated security objective.
5. Which of the following is considered ‘Sensitive Authentication Data’ (SAD)?
A. Primary Account Number (PAN)
B. Card Verification Value (CVV2)
C. Expiration Date
D. Cardholder Name
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CVV2/CVC2/CID are SAD and cannot be stored after
authorization.
6. How often must a ‘Targeted Risk Analysis’ be performed for any PCI DSS requirement that
allows for a flexibility in activity frequency?
A. Annually
B. Every 6 months
C. Every two years
D. Monthly
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 12.3.1 specifies that TRAs for activity frequency
must be reviewed at least once every 12 months.
