PCI ISA EXAM 2026 COMPREHENSIVE
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to PCI DSS v4.0, which entity is ultimately responsible for defining the scope of
the assessment?
A. The assessed entity
B. The Internal Security Assessor (ISA)
C. The Qualified Security Assessor (QSA)
D. The Payment Brand
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The assessed entity is responsible for defining the scope, though
they may consult with an ISA or QSA to ensure accuracy.
2. How often must an entity perform a formal scope validation according to Requirement
12.5.2?
A. Every 6 months
B. Quarterly
C. Annually and after any significant change
D. Every two years
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 12.5.2 specifies that the PCI DSS scope must be
confirmed by the entity at least once every 12 months and upon significant change to the
CDE.
3. Which of the following is NOT a valid method for protecting Primary Account Numbers
(PAN) at rest?
A. Masking using the first 6 and last 4 digits
B. Hashing using a salted one-way hash
C. Index tokens and pads
D. Strong cryptography
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Masking is a method for displaying data, but it is not a valid
method for protecting stored PAN; stored PAN must be rendered unreadable via
encryption, hashing, or truncation.
4. Under PCI DSS v4.0, which approach allows an entity to meet a requirement’s objective
using a non-standard method without a technical constraint?
A. Compensating Control
B. Customized Approach
C. Defined Approach
, D. Waiver Approach
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Customized Approach allows entities to design their own
controls to meet the Requirement’s Objective, whereas Compensating Controls are for
entities with a legitimate technical or business constraint.
5. What is the minimum frequency for performing internal vulnerability scans?
A. Daily
B. Monthly
C. Every 6 months
D. Quarterly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 11.3.1 requires internal vulnerability scans to be
performed at least once every three months (quarterly).
6. Who must perform the external vulnerability scans required for PCI DSS compliance?
A. PCI SSC Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV)
B. Internal Security Assessor
C. Network Administrator
D. The Chief Information Security Officer
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to PCI DSS v4.0, which entity is ultimately responsible for defining the scope of
the assessment?
A. The assessed entity
B. The Internal Security Assessor (ISA)
C. The Qualified Security Assessor (QSA)
D. The Payment Brand
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The assessed entity is responsible for defining the scope, though
they may consult with an ISA or QSA to ensure accuracy.
2. How often must an entity perform a formal scope validation according to Requirement
12.5.2?
A. Every 6 months
B. Quarterly
C. Annually and after any significant change
D. Every two years
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 12.5.2 specifies that the PCI DSS scope must be
confirmed by the entity at least once every 12 months and upon significant change to the
CDE.
3. Which of the following is NOT a valid method for protecting Primary Account Numbers
(PAN) at rest?
A. Masking using the first 6 and last 4 digits
B. Hashing using a salted one-way hash
C. Index tokens and pads
D. Strong cryptography
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Masking is a method for displaying data, but it is not a valid
method for protecting stored PAN; stored PAN must be rendered unreadable via
encryption, hashing, or truncation.
4. Under PCI DSS v4.0, which approach allows an entity to meet a requirement’s objective
using a non-standard method without a technical constraint?
A. Compensating Control
B. Customized Approach
C. Defined Approach
, D. Waiver Approach
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Customized Approach allows entities to design their own
controls to meet the Requirement’s Objective, whereas Compensating Controls are for
entities with a legitimate technical or business constraint.
5. What is the minimum frequency for performing internal vulnerability scans?
A. Daily
B. Monthly
C. Every 6 months
D. Quarterly
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Requirement 11.3.1 requires internal vulnerability scans to be
performed at least once every three months (quarterly).
6. Who must perform the external vulnerability scans required for PCI DSS compliance?
A. PCI SSC Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV)
B. Internal Security Assessor
C. Network Administrator
D. The Chief Information Security Officer
