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February 10, 2020 • Issue 20:02:01

Why it pays to be certified

Mark Cline, PCIP

Mark Cline, Payment Card Industry Professional (PCIP),
is senior vice president of sales at Netsurion. He manages
a sales team for the company's suite of network security
products and services. Cline credits his PCIP training for
his holistic view of the payments ecosystem and consulta-
tive approach to applying the PCI Data Security Standard
(PCI DSS) to specific client networks, environments and
use cases.

The PCIP program, administered by the PCI Security Stan-
dards Council, certifies industry practitioners with exper-
tise and understanding of the PCI DSS. To qualify, appli-
cants need at least two years of work experience in IT or an
IT-related role, as well as basic understanding of the pay-
ments industry, information technology and network secu-
rity and architecture, according to program guidelines.
Cline had initially learned of the PCIP credential through
By Dale S. Laszig a LinkedIn colleague and researched further, obtaining ad-
ditional information and resources from the PCI SSC. As
ertification programs across the payments a seasoned professional, he already knew about payment
industry keep like-minded professionals con- card security. Study guide test questions, quizzes and data
nected and up to date on emerging trends and helped him prepare for the exam.
C technologies. The Green Sheet interviewed secu-
rity, finance and payments specialists at different stages
of their credentialing journeys. This article highlights the
features, benefits and broadening appeal of these pro- Contributed articles inside by:
grams and how they enrich individuals, organizations and
industries.
Dee and Emily Karawadra .................................................................32
While their specializations vary, the individuals inter-
viewed view certification as more than just a badge. As they Max Miller ................................................................................................34
reflected on their chosen career paths, they described how Jeff Fortney .............................................................................................36
they study for exams, keep credentials current, and what
they have learned from mentors, supporters and peers. Brandes Elitch ........................................................................................38
Simon Fairbairn .....................................................................................40

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