AR AC Access Control Contractor Exam
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of an access control system?
A. To increase network bandwidth
B. To regulate and monitor entry to protected areas
C. To provide general building illumination
D. To replace all fire alarm equipment
Answer: B. To regulate and monitor entry to protected areas
Rationale: An access control system is designed to determine who is
permitted to enter a controlled area and under what conditions. It
commonly uses credentials such as cards, PINs, biometric identifiers,
or mobile credentials, together with controllers, readers, locking
devices, and management software.
2. Which access control factor is something a user knows?
,A. Fingerprint
B. Access card
C. PIN
D. Facial characteristic
Answer: C. PIN
Rationale: A PIN is a knowledge factor because the user must know a
secret code. A fingerprint or facial characteristic is a biometric factor,
while an access card is generally considered a possession factor.
3. Which device reads an electronic credential and sends credential
information to an access controller?
A. Door closer
B. Card reader
C. Exit sign
D. Surge protector
Answer: B. Card reader
Rationale: A card reader detects and interprets credentials such as
proximity cards, smart cards, or mobile credentials. It then
communicates the credential information to the access control system
so authorization can be determined.
4. What is the function of an access control panel?
,A. To mechanically reinforce a door
B. To process access decisions and control field devices
C. To provide emergency lighting
D. To supply compressed air
Answer: B. To process access decisions and control field devices
Rationale: The access control panel or controller is the central field
device that receives information from readers and other inputs and
operates outputs such as electric locks, relays, alarms, and request-to-
exit devices.
5. Which credential technology commonly uses radio frequency
identification?
A. RFID card
B. Mechanical key
C. Combination padlock
D. Door closer
Answer: A. RFID card
Rationale: RFID credentials use radio-frequency communication
between the credential and reader. Depending on the technology,
RFID credentials may operate at different frequencies and may
provide different levels of security and data protection.
, 6. What is a fail-safe locking device designed to do when power is
removed?
A. Remain locked
B. Unlock
C. Sound continuously
D. Activate the sprinkler system
Answer: B. Unlock
Rationale: A fail-safe lock releases when power is lost. This
characteristic is often used where occupant egress or another life-
safety requirement requires the locking mechanism to release upon
loss of power.
7. What is a fail-secure locking device designed to do when power is
removed?
A. Unlock immediately
B. Remain secured
C. Disconnect all readers
D. Open every controlled door
Answer: B. Remain secured
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of an access control system?
A. To increase network bandwidth
B. To regulate and monitor entry to protected areas
C. To provide general building illumination
D. To replace all fire alarm equipment
Answer: B. To regulate and monitor entry to protected areas
Rationale: An access control system is designed to determine who is
permitted to enter a controlled area and under what conditions. It
commonly uses credentials such as cards, PINs, biometric identifiers,
or mobile credentials, together with controllers, readers, locking
devices, and management software.
2. Which access control factor is something a user knows?
,A. Fingerprint
B. Access card
C. PIN
D. Facial characteristic
Answer: C. PIN
Rationale: A PIN is a knowledge factor because the user must know a
secret code. A fingerprint or facial characteristic is a biometric factor,
while an access card is generally considered a possession factor.
3. Which device reads an electronic credential and sends credential
information to an access controller?
A. Door closer
B. Card reader
C. Exit sign
D. Surge protector
Answer: B. Card reader
Rationale: A card reader detects and interprets credentials such as
proximity cards, smart cards, or mobile credentials. It then
communicates the credential information to the access control system
so authorization can be determined.
4. What is the function of an access control panel?
,A. To mechanically reinforce a door
B. To process access decisions and control field devices
C. To provide emergency lighting
D. To supply compressed air
Answer: B. To process access decisions and control field devices
Rationale: The access control panel or controller is the central field
device that receives information from readers and other inputs and
operates outputs such as electric locks, relays, alarms, and request-to-
exit devices.
5. Which credential technology commonly uses radio frequency
identification?
A. RFID card
B. Mechanical key
C. Combination padlock
D. Door closer
Answer: A. RFID card
Rationale: RFID credentials use radio-frequency communication
between the credential and reader. Depending on the technology,
RFID credentials may operate at different frequencies and may
provide different levels of security and data protection.
, 6. What is a fail-safe locking device designed to do when power is
removed?
A. Remain locked
B. Unlock
C. Sound continuously
D. Activate the sprinkler system
Answer: B. Unlock
Rationale: A fail-safe lock releases when power is lost. This
characteristic is often used where occupant egress or another life-
safety requirement requires the locking mechanism to release upon
loss of power.
7. What is a fail-secure locking device designed to do when power is
removed?
A. Unlock immediately
B. Remain secured
C. Disconnect all readers
D. Open every controlled door
Answer: B. Remain secured
