PCI ISA EXAM 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which of the following defines the scope of a PCI DSS assessment?
A. Only the systems that store the Primary Account Number (PAN)
B. All systems that store, process, or transmit cardholder data, plus systems connected to
them
C. Only systems located in the data center
D. Every computer system within the legal entity of the corporation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: PCI DSS scope includes all system components included in or
connected to the cardholder data environment (CDE).
2. According to PCI DSS Requirement 3, what is the rule regarding Sensitive Authentication
Data (SAD)?
A. It can be stored indefinitely if encrypted
B. It can be stored until the next audit cycle
C. It cannot be stored after authorization, even if encrypted
D. It can be stored for recurring billing purposes
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: PCI DSS strictly prohibits the storage of sensitive authentication
data after authorization, regardless of encryption status.
3. Which entity is responsible for managing the PCI DSS standard?
A. Visa and MasterCard
B. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
C. Individual acquiring banks
D. PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The PCI SSC is the global forum that brings together payments
industry stakeholders to develop and drive adoption of data security standards.
4. Under PCI DSS v4.0, how often must a formal risk assessment be performed?
A. Every six months
B. At least annually and upon significant changes
C. Every two years
D. Only when a data breach occurs
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 12 specifies that risk assessments must be
performed at least annually and whenever there is a significant change to the environment.
5. What is the minimum frequency for performing internal vulnerability scans?
A. Quarterly
B. Monthly
C. Annually
D. Weekly
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 11.2.1 requires internal vulnerability scans to be
performed at least once every three months (quarterly).
6. Which of the following is considered ‘Sensitive Authentication Data’?
A. Cardholder Name
B. Expiration Date
C. Primary Account Number (PAN)
D. Card Verification Code (CAV2/CVC2/CVV2/CID)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Sensitive Authentication Data includes full magnetic stripe data,
card verification codes, and PINs/PIN blocks.
ANSWERS
1. Which of the following defines the scope of a PCI DSS assessment?
A. Only the systems that store the Primary Account Number (PAN)
B. All systems that store, process, or transmit cardholder data, plus systems connected to
them
C. Only systems located in the data center
D. Every computer system within the legal entity of the corporation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: PCI DSS scope includes all system components included in or
connected to the cardholder data environment (CDE).
2. According to PCI DSS Requirement 3, what is the rule regarding Sensitive Authentication
Data (SAD)?
A. It can be stored indefinitely if encrypted
B. It can be stored until the next audit cycle
C. It cannot be stored after authorization, even if encrypted
D. It can be stored for recurring billing purposes
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: PCI DSS strictly prohibits the storage of sensitive authentication
data after authorization, regardless of encryption status.
3. Which entity is responsible for managing the PCI DSS standard?
A. Visa and MasterCard
B. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
C. Individual acquiring banks
D. PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The PCI SSC is the global forum that brings together payments
industry stakeholders to develop and drive adoption of data security standards.
4. Under PCI DSS v4.0, how often must a formal risk assessment be performed?
A. Every six months
B. At least annually and upon significant changes
C. Every two years
D. Only when a data breach occurs
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 12 specifies that risk assessments must be
performed at least annually and whenever there is a significant change to the environment.
5. What is the minimum frequency for performing internal vulnerability scans?
A. Quarterly
B. Monthly
C. Annually
D. Weekly
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 11.2.1 requires internal vulnerability scans to be
performed at least once every three months (quarterly).
6. Which of the following is considered ‘Sensitive Authentication Data’?
A. Cardholder Name
B. Expiration Date
C. Primary Account Number (PAN)
D. Card Verification Code (CAV2/CVC2/CVV2/CID)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Sensitive Authentication Data includes full magnetic stripe data,
card verification codes, and PINs/PIN blocks.
