Certified Access Control Technician Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- What is the primary function of an access control system?
a) Monitor CCTV feeds
b) Restrict and grant access to authorized personnel
c) Record fire alarm activity
d) Manage HVAC systems
b) Restrict and grant access to authorized personnel
Rationale: The main purpose of access control is to ensure only
authorized individuals gain entry to secure areas.
- Which of the following is an example of a physical access control
device?
a) Firewall 1 / 4
b) Password
c) Turnstile
d) Encryption key
c) Turnstile
Rationale: Turnstiles are physical barriers used to control entry in
secure environments.
- What is the standard wire gauge commonly used for card reader
- 12 AWG
- 18 AWG
- 22 AWG
- 26 AWG
- 22 AWG
connections?
Rationale: 22 AWG is typically used for low-voltage signal
connections such as card readers.
4. A fail-safe lock is designed to:
a) Lock when power is lost
b) Unlock when power is lost
c) Stay locked permanently
d) Require manual reset after power loss
b) Unlock when power is lost
Rationale: Fail-safe locks release upon power failure to ensure safety
during emergencies. 2 / 4
- What type of lock remains locked even during power failure?
a) Fail-safe
b) Fail-secure
c) Magnetic latch
d) Solenoid latch
b) Fail-secure
Rationale: Fail-secure locks remain locked when power is lost,
maintaining security.
- Which communication protocol is most commonly used for access
control readers?
a) RS-232
b) Wiegand
c) Ethernet
d) Modbus
b) Wiegand
Rationale: Wiegand is a widely used standard for transmitting data
from card readers to controllers.
- What does the acronym “PoE” stand for?
a) Power of Entry
b) Power over Ethernet
c) Protocol over Ethernet
d) Power on Equipment
b) Power over Ethernet 3 / 4
Rationale: PoE allows power and data to be transmitted over a single
Ethernet cable.
- In an access control system, what is the function of the controller?
a) Reads credentials directly
b) Stores and processes access decisions
c) Locks and unlocks doors physically
d) Provides CCTV monitoring
b) Stores and processes access decisions
Rationale: The controller verifies credentials and determines whether
to grant access.
- Which type of cable is typically used for networked access control
systems?
a) Coaxial
b) CAT5e/CAT6
c) Twin-lead
d) Fiber ribbon
b) CAT5e/CAT6
Rationale: CAT5e/CAT6 cables are standard for Ethernet-based
communication in access systems.
- What component converts electrical power to operate door
locks?
a) Transformer
b) Controller
- / 4