Global Skill Development Council (GSDC) Guaranteed-to-Run

GSDC Certified (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard)

The GSDC Certified (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) course equips information security managers, compliance officers, and IT auditors with actionable skills to achieve and maintain PCI DSS compliance, addressing the critical industry need where 85% of organizations face challenges in sustaining continuous compliance. Learners gain expertise in secure network design, access control, vulnerability management, and incident response planning using real-world templates and case studies from the GSDC Book of Knowledge.

This course prepares candidates for the official GSDC Certified PCI DSS exam, featuring a 65% passing score and 5-year certification validity. Koenig provides official vendor-authorized courseware and 30-day lab access, enabling hands-on practice with compliance frameworks. Graduates are positioned to lead payment security initiatives and accelerate into senior compliance or cybersecurity consulting roles in the fintech sector.

40 Hours (5 Days)
Live Online / Classroom
0+ professionals trained

Training Formats & Pricing

1-on-1 USD 2,200
Dedicated instructor, your schedule Fastest
Public Batch USD 1,750
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Course Overview

The GSDC Certified (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) course by the Global Skill Development Council (GSDC) is designed for IT professionals seeking expertise in securing payment card data and achieving PCI DSS compliance. This certification program prepares candidates for the GSDC Certified PCI DSS exam, targeting roles such as Information Security Managers, Compliance Officers, IT Auditors, and Payment Systems Administrators. With over 80% of global merchants required to comply with PCI DSS standards, demand for certified professionals has surged, making this credential essential for organizations handling cardholder information. The curriculum covers all 12 PCI DSS requirements, including secure network configuration, encryption of stored data, access control, vulnerability management, and incident response planning.

Participants engage with real-world tools and frameworks such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption protocols (including TLS and AES), anti-virus solutions, and security information and event management (SIEM) platforms. The hands-on lab environment includes simulated enterprise networks where students configure firewalls, implement secure storage practices, conduct vulnerability scans, and develop incident response plans. A key component of the training is the capstone project, in which learners design a full PCI DSS-compliant architecture for a fictional e-commerce business, documenting policies, controls, and audit readiness procedures. These practical exercises are delivered through expert-led virtual labs, ensuring alignment with current industry practices and regulatory expectations.

This course prepares candidates for the GSDC Certified (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) certification, a globally recognized credential valid for five years and respected across financial, retail, and fintech sectors. Certified professionals report an average salary increase of 20-30%, with many advancing into senior compliance or cybersecurity leadership roles. Koenig Solutions enhances the learning experience with official GSDC courseware, a Guaranteed-to-Run schedule, and personalized 1-on-1 training support, ensuring exam readiness. Graduates emerge not only as certified experts but as strategic assets capable of leading PCI DSS compliance initiatives and safeguarding sensitive payment ecosystems.

What You'll Learn

Configure firewall and router access control lists in accordance with PCI DSS Requirement 1 to restrict traffic to cardholder data environments.
Implement cryptographic protocols and key management procedures per PCI DSS Requirement 3 to protect stored and transmitted cardholder data.
Deploy and maintain anti-malware software and perform regular system updates as mandated by PCI DSS Requirement 5 to mitigate malicious threats.
Execute regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing as specified in PCI DSS Requirement 11 to identify and remediate security weaknesses.
Establish formal security policies and operational procedures aligned with PCI DSS Requirement 12 to govern information security and compliance management.
Design incident response and monitoring frameworks to track access to network resources and cardholder data as required by PCI DSS Requirement 10.

Prerequisites

Recommended knowledge before taking this course
  • These prerequisites ensure the learner is prepared for the technical depth of the GSDC Certified (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) exam, requiring a minimum of 1-2 years of professional experience in IT security, network administration, or compliance auditing.
  • Demonstrable proficiency in IT security frameworks, specifically the CIA triad, to support the rigorous security standards required by the GSDC Certified (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) certification.
  • Advanced understanding of payment card industry transaction ecosystems and data flow architectures essential for professional-level PCI DSS implementation.
  • Technical competency in network security infrastructure, including firewall management, network segmentation, and secure system configuration, as required for GSDC Certified (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) compliance.
  • Practical experience with data protection methodologies, including encryption at rest and in transit, and tokenization strategies to meet GSDC certification benchmarks.
  • Professional experience in regulatory compliance auditing and internal control assessment to effectively navigate the PCI DSS audit lifecycle.
  • Proven capability in risk assessment methodologies and incident response planning to maintain the security posture mandated by the GSDC Certified (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard).
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Certification Exam

Everything you need to know about the GSDC Certified (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) certification exam

Exam Details
Exam Name
Format
Multiple choice, labs & case studies
Questions
Duration
Passing Score
Validity
Retake Policy
One complimentary retake included
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What's Included in Your Training

Every enrollment comes packed with resources to maximise your learning and exam success

Career Outcomes

78%

of GSDC Certified (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) certified professionals report career advancement within 6 months

Salary Impact

+25%

Average salary increase reported after obtaining the GSDC Certified (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) certification

Typical Salary Range (Global)
Entry$90,000–$115,000
Mid$115,000–$145,000
Senior$145,000–$180,000

*Source: Glassdoor / LinkedIn 2025

Job Roles

6
  • PCI DSS Compliance Analyst
  • Payment Card Security Specialist
  • Information Security Auditor
  • Cybersecurity Compliance Manager
  • Risk and Compliance Consultant
  • PCI DSS Implementation Specialist

Companies Hiring

5,000+
Deloitte PwC KPMG JP Morgan Chase Visa Inc. Mastercard Accenture IBM Bank of America Walmart

and 5,000+ organizations worldwide seeking GSDC Certified (Payment Card Industry - Data Security Standard) certified professionals

Real Transformations

Course Student Reviews

Real results from IT professionals who trained with Koenig — rated 4.9/5 from 18,400+ verified reviews.

18,400+
Verified Reviews
4.9 / 5
Average Rating
95%
Would Recommend
1M+
Professionals Trained
  • ★★★★★

    “Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”

    Rahul M.

    Rahul M.

    Azure Administrator

    AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”

    Sarah K.

    Sarah K.

    CISO, Financial Services

    Enterprise Client ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”

    Ahmed R.

    Ahmed R.

    Business Intelligence Lead

    PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”

    Priya S.

    Priya S.

    Cloud Solutions Architect

    AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”

    James T.

    James T.

    Head of L&D, UK Enterprise

    100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”

    Aisha N.

    Aisha N.

    Security Analyst

    SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”

    David L.

    David L.

    AI Engineer

    AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”

    Mei W.

    Mei W.

    Data Platform Engineer

    DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”

    Carlos R.

    Carlos R.

    Engineering Manager

    AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”

    Rahul M.

    Rahul M.

    Azure Administrator

    AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”

    Sarah K.

    Sarah K.

    CISO, Financial Services

    Enterprise Client ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”

    Ahmed R.

    Ahmed R.

    Business Intelligence Lead

    PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”

    Priya S.

    Priya S.

    Cloud Solutions Architect

    AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”

    James T.

    James T.

    Head of L&D, UK Enterprise

    100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”

    Aisha N.

    Aisha N.

    Security Analyst

    SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”

    David L.

    David L.

    AI Engineer

    AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”

    Mei W.

    Mei W.

    Data Platform Engineer

    DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”

    Carlos R.

    Carlos R.

    Engineering Manager

    AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”

    Rahul M.

    Rahul M.

    Azure Administrator

    AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”

    Sarah K.

    Sarah K.

    CISO, Financial Services

    Enterprise Client ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”

    Ahmed R.

    Ahmed R.

    Business Intelligence Lead

    PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”

    Rahul M.

    Rahul M.

    Azure Administrator

    AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”

    Sarah K.

    Sarah K.

    CISO, Financial Services

    Enterprise Client ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”

    Ahmed R.

    Ahmed R.

    Business Intelligence Lead

    PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”

    Priya S.

    Priya S.

    Cloud Solutions Architect

    AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”

    James T.

    James T.

    Head of L&D, UK Enterprise

    100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”

    Aisha N.

    Aisha N.

    Security Analyst

    SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”

    Priya S.

    Priya S.

    Cloud Solutions Architect

    AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”

    James T.

    James T.

    Head of L&D, UK Enterprise

    100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”

    Aisha N.

    Aisha N.

    Security Analyst

    SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”

    David L.

    David L.

    AI Engineer

    AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”

    Mei W.

    Mei W.

    Data Platform Engineer

    DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”

    Carlos R.

    Carlos R.

    Engineering Manager

    AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”

    David L.

    David L.

    AI Engineer

    AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”

    Mei W.

    Mei W.

    Data Platform Engineer

    DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”

    Carlos R.

    Carlos R.

    Engineering Manager

    AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified
100%

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