Free Practice Questions for PCI SSC QSA_New_V4 Exam

PCI DSS allows an entity touse both Defined and Customized Approaches, including for different sub-requirements of the same primary requirement,as long as they are eligible and justified. Entities might use the Defined Approach for standard controls and the Customized Approach where flexibility is needed.

Option A:Incorrect. PCI DSS explicitly allows mixed use per Requirement 8 guidance.

Option B:Incorrect. Compensating controls are separate from the Customized Approach.

Option C:Incorrect. Eligibility is not based solely on the absence of compensating controls.

Option D:Correct. Mixed approaches are allowed if eligibility requirements are met.

True segmentation, as defined inPCI DSS Scope Guidance, requiresenforcing isolationsuch thatno network traffic is allowed between the CDE and out-of-scope systems, unless explicitly permitted and secured. This is the only way toreduce assessment scopereliably.

Option A:❌Incorrect. Monitoring alone does not restrict or prevent access.

Option B:❌Incorrect. Logging without restriction doesnot isolatethe CDE.

Option C:❌Incorrect. VLANs may be part of segmentation, but routing traffic alone doesn't reduce scope.

Option D:✅Correct. This describesproper segmentation: no uncontrolled traffic into the CDE.

 PCI PIN Transaction Security (PTS) Standard:

The PCI PTS standard focuses on securing Point-of-Interaction (POI) devices, such as payment terminals, that process payment card transactions and protect account data during capture​​.

 Clarifications on Covered Areas:

This standard includes specifications for physical and logical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive cardholder data on POI devices.

 Invalid Options:

B:Secure coding practices are addressed by PCI PA-DSS (Payment Application Data Security Standard).

C:Cryptographic algorithm development is not specific to PCI PTS.

D:End-to-end encryption solutions are not covered under PCI PTS.

PCI DSSRequirement 11.5.2mandates the use of file-integrity monitoring (FIM) or change-detection tools to monitorcritical filessuch as system binaries, configuration files, and system parameters.

Option A:❌Incorrect. Manuals are not critical system files.

Option B:❌Incorrect. Regularly changing files (e.g., logs or temp files) are typically excluded.

Option C:❌Incorrect. Policies and procedures are reviewed but not subject to FIM.

Option D:✅Correct. System config and parameter files must bemonitored for unauthorised changes.

 PCI DSS Reporting Expectations:

When documenting that a requirement is "In Place," the ROC must clearly describe how compliance was validated by the assessor. This involves detailing the evidence observed, such as system configurations, documentation, and personnel interviews​.

 ROC Documentation Guidelines:

The ROC Reporting Template specifies that each "In Place" response must include evidence demonstrating compliance with the requirement, such as testing observations and validation of implemented controls​.

 Eliminating Incorrect Options:

A:Project plans are not sufficient to demonstrate current compliance.

C/D:Responses discussing non-implementation or non-compliance are irrelevant when the requirement is "In Place."

 PCI DSS v4.0 ROC Template Guidance:

Appendix sections in the ROC provide specific instructions for assessors to document the testing performed, evidence reviewed, and results​.

Under theCustomized Approach, assessors are responsible forderiving and documenting the testing proceduresinAppendix E of the Report on Compliance (ROC). The assessor must ensure the controlmeets the requirement objectiveand validate it throughcustom testing.

Option A:❌Incorrect. Ongoing monitoring is the entity’s responsibility, not the assessor’s.

Option B:✅Correct. The assessor must derive anddocument testingin Appendix E.

Option C:❌Incorrect. The entity documents control details; the assessor documents test results.

Option D:❌Incorrect. Theentitymust perform the targeted risk analysis, not the assessor.

PCI DSSRequirement 6.3.1requires entities toassign a risk rankingto vulnerabilities (e.g., high, medium, low) to ensure thatremediation efforts are prioritised. This risk-based approach helps organisations focus resources where they are most needed.

Option A:❌Incorrect. Timeframes depend on the severity and internal policy, not always 30 days.

Option B:❌Incorrect. Risk ranking supports remediation but doesn’t replace scanning.

Option C:✅Correct. The purpose is toprioritise higher-risk itemsfor faster action.

Option D:❌Incorrect. Patch frequency is addressed elsewhere (Requirement 6.3.3).

According toRequirement 9.3.1and9.4.1.2, physical access control mechanisms — including badge readers — must beprotected against tampering or disablingto prevent unauthorized access and maintain the integrity of access logs.

Option A:Correct. Physical access control systems must be protected from tampering.

Option B:Incorrect. Video cameras are requiredonly where appropriate; badge access may suffice.

Option C:Incorrect. Access logs must beretained for at least three months, not deleted monthly (see 9.4.1.3).

Option D:Incorrect. Motion sensors are not specifically required.

PerSection 6 – Sampling for PCI DSS Assessments, the assessor must ensure the sample of business facilitiesincludes all types and locations, reflecting different operational environments. The goal is to cover variations that might affect compliance, such as data centers vs. call centers, or regional differences.

Option A:Incorrect. Each assessment may require a different sample depending on the environment.

Option B:Incorrect. There is no fixed 10% requirement for facility sampling.

Option C:Incorrect. A full review of every facility isn't required if representative sampling is used appropriately.

Option D:Correct. The samplingmust include all types and locationsof facilities to be valid.

Thesettlement phaseis when:

Themerchant’s acquiring bank pays the merchant, and

Theissuing bank bills the cardholder.

This occursafter authorization and clearinghave already taken place.

Option A:❌Incorrect. Authorization verifies the card and funds but doesn’t trigger payment.

Option B:❌Incorrect. Clearing exchanges transaction details between banks but doesn’t finalise funds.

Option C:✅Correct. Settlement is whenfunds are actually transferred.

Option D:❌Incorrect. Chargebacks reverse transactions, not settle them.