CO Access Control Contractor Exam
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 provide general building illumination
B. To regulate and monitor entry to protected areas
C. To increase HVAC efficiency
D. To replace all fire alarm devices
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 protected area and under what conditions. It may
use credentials, readers, locks, controllers, and monitoring software to
authorize or deny access.
2. Which component typically determines whether a presented
credential should be accepted?
,A. Door closer
B. Credential reader
C. Access control controller
D. Exit sign
Answer: C. Access control controller
Rationale: The controller processes information from the reader and
compares the credential with programmed authorization data. It then
makes or communicates the decision to grant or deny access.
3. Which device is commonly used to identify a person by something
they possess?
A. Proximity credential
B. Door position switch
C. Request-to-exit sensor
D. Electric strike
Answer: A. Proximity credential
Rationale: A proximity card or fob is a possession-based credential. The
user presents the credential to a compatible reader, which sends its
identifying information to the access control system.
4. What is the primary function of a door position switch?
,A. To unlock the door
B. To determine whether the door is open or closed
C. To supply power to the reader
D. To provide emergency lighting
Answer: B. To determine whether the door is open or closed
Rationale: A door position switch, often using a magnetic contact,
reports the physical status of the door. The access control system can
use this information to detect forced doors, doors held open, or
successful openings.
5. What does a request-to-exit device generally accomplish?
A. Allows authorized personnel to leave without creating a forced-door
alarm
B. Prevents all occupants from exiting
C. Programs new credentials
D. Provides power to an electric lock
Answer: A. Allows authorized personnel to leave without creating a
forced-door alarm
Rationale: A request-to-exit, or REX, device signals that someone is
intentionally exiting. The controller can temporarily suppress a forced-
door alarm while still monitoring the door position.
, 6. Which type of lock is commonly installed in the frame of a door
and releases the latch when electrically energized?
A. Electric strike
B. Mechanical deadbolt only
C. Padlock
D. Cabinet lock
Answer: A. Electric strike
Rationale: An electric strike is installed in or near the door frame and
replaces or works with the mechanical strike plate. Electrical activation
allows the latch to pass through the strike so the door can open.
7. What is the main advantage of a fail-safe locking device?
A. It remains locked when power is lost
B. It unlocks when power is lost
C. It cannot be connected to a fire alarm system
D. It requires no electrical power during normal operation
Answer: B. It unlocks when power is lost
Rationale: Fail-safe locking releases when electrical power is removed.
This characteristic can be important where life-safety requirements
require egress to remain available during a power failure.
8. What is the defining characteristic of a fail-secure lock?
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 provide general building illumination
B. To regulate and monitor entry to protected areas
C. To increase HVAC efficiency
D. To replace all fire alarm devices
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 protected area and under what conditions. It may
use credentials, readers, locks, controllers, and monitoring software to
authorize or deny access.
2. Which component typically determines whether a presented
credential should be accepted?
,A. Door closer
B. Credential reader
C. Access control controller
D. Exit sign
Answer: C. Access control controller
Rationale: The controller processes information from the reader and
compares the credential with programmed authorization data. It then
makes or communicates the decision to grant or deny access.
3. Which device is commonly used to identify a person by something
they possess?
A. Proximity credential
B. Door position switch
C. Request-to-exit sensor
D. Electric strike
Answer: A. Proximity credential
Rationale: A proximity card or fob is a possession-based credential. The
user presents the credential to a compatible reader, which sends its
identifying information to the access control system.
4. What is the primary function of a door position switch?
,A. To unlock the door
B. To determine whether the door is open or closed
C. To supply power to the reader
D. To provide emergency lighting
Answer: B. To determine whether the door is open or closed
Rationale: A door position switch, often using a magnetic contact,
reports the physical status of the door. The access control system can
use this information to detect forced doors, doors held open, or
successful openings.
5. What does a request-to-exit device generally accomplish?
A. Allows authorized personnel to leave without creating a forced-door
alarm
B. Prevents all occupants from exiting
C. Programs new credentials
D. Provides power to an electric lock
Answer: A. Allows authorized personnel to leave without creating a
forced-door alarm
Rationale: A request-to-exit, or REX, device signals that someone is
intentionally exiting. The controller can temporarily suppress a forced-
door alarm while still monitoring the door position.
, 6. Which type of lock is commonly installed in the frame of a door
and releases the latch when electrically energized?
A. Electric strike
B. Mechanical deadbolt only
C. Padlock
D. Cabinet lock
Answer: A. Electric strike
Rationale: An electric strike is installed in or near the door frame and
replaces or works with the mechanical strike plate. Electrical activation
allows the latch to pass through the strike so the door can open.
7. What is the main advantage of a fail-safe locking device?
A. It remains locked when power is lost
B. It unlocks when power is lost
C. It cannot be connected to a fire alarm system
D. It requires no electrical power during normal operation
Answer: B. It unlocks when power is lost
Rationale: Fail-safe locking releases when electrical power is removed.
This characteristic can be important where life-safety requirements
require egress to remain available during a power failure.
8. What is the defining characteristic of a fail-secure lock?
