PCI ISA EXAM 2026 (V4.0 FOCUS)
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. Under PCI DSS v4.0, what is the minimum required frequency for performing internal
vulnerability scans?
A. Quarterly and after any significant change
B. Monthly
C. Annually
D. Every six months
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 11.3.1 mandates internal vulnerability scans at
least once every three months (quarterly) and after any significant change in the network.
2. Which of the following describes the ‘Customized Approach’ introduced in PCI DSS v4.0?
A. An objective-based approach allowing entities to design their own controls to meet a
requirement’s Defined Objective
B. A method to bypass requirements using compensating controls
C. A legacy method for small merchants only
D. A way to reduce the scope of the CDE without segmentation
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Customized Approach allows entities to implement unique
security controls to meet a requirement’s Defined Objective, provided they conduct a
Targeted Risk Analysis.
3. In PCI DSS v4.0, what is the minimum required length for passwords used for non-
consumer accounts if passwords are the only authentication factor?
A. 12 characters
B. 10 characters
C. 8 characters
D. 15 characters
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 8.3.6 in PCI DSS v4.0 increases the minimum
password length from 8 to 12 characters (or 8 if the system does not support 12).
4. Which of the following data elements is NEVER permitted to be stored after authorization,
even if encrypted?
A. Sensitive Authentication Data (SAD)
B. Cardholder Name
C. Primary Account Number (PAN)
D. Service Code
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 3.2 prohibits the storage of Sensitive
Authentication Data (SAD) after authorization, regardless of encryption, unless stored by
issuers.
5. How often must an entity perform a Targeted Risk Analysis (TRA) for any requirement
where the entity uses the Customized Approach?
A. Every two years
B. Only during the initial assessment
C. At least once every 12 months
D. Quarterly
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: For the Customized Approach, a Targeted Risk Analysis must be
performed at least once every 12 months to ensure the control remains effective.
6. Which requirement specifically addresses the management of all payment page scripts that
are loaded and executed in the consumer’s browser?
A. Requirement 1.2.1
B. Requirement 6.4.3
C. Requirement 11.6.1
D. Requirement 3.5.1
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. Under PCI DSS v4.0, what is the minimum required frequency for performing internal
vulnerability scans?
A. Quarterly and after any significant change
B. Monthly
C. Annually
D. Every six months
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 11.3.1 mandates internal vulnerability scans at
least once every three months (quarterly) and after any significant change in the network.
2. Which of the following describes the ‘Customized Approach’ introduced in PCI DSS v4.0?
A. An objective-based approach allowing entities to design their own controls to meet a
requirement’s Defined Objective
B. A method to bypass requirements using compensating controls
C. A legacy method for small merchants only
D. A way to reduce the scope of the CDE without segmentation
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Customized Approach allows entities to implement unique
security controls to meet a requirement’s Defined Objective, provided they conduct a
Targeted Risk Analysis.
3. In PCI DSS v4.0, what is the minimum required length for passwords used for non-
consumer accounts if passwords are the only authentication factor?
A. 12 characters
B. 10 characters
C. 8 characters
D. 15 characters
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 8.3.6 in PCI DSS v4.0 increases the minimum
password length from 8 to 12 characters (or 8 if the system does not support 12).
4. Which of the following data elements is NEVER permitted to be stored after authorization,
even if encrypted?
A. Sensitive Authentication Data (SAD)
B. Cardholder Name
C. Primary Account Number (PAN)
D. Service Code
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 3.2 prohibits the storage of Sensitive
Authentication Data (SAD) after authorization, regardless of encryption, unless stored by
issuers.
5. How often must an entity perform a Targeted Risk Analysis (TRA) for any requirement
where the entity uses the Customized Approach?
A. Every two years
B. Only during the initial assessment
C. At least once every 12 months
D. Quarterly
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: For the Customized Approach, a Targeted Risk Analysis must be
performed at least once every 12 months to ensure the control remains effective.
6. Which requirement specifically addresses the management of all payment page scripts that
are loaded and executed in the consumer’s browser?
A. Requirement 1.2.1
B. Requirement 6.4.3
C. Requirement 11.6.1
D. Requirement 3.5.1
