ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

What component is used in access control to identify authorized individuals?

1. Cameras

2. Locking Hardware

3. Entry Devices

4. Barriers

The correct answer is: Entry Devices

The component utilized in access control to identify authorized individuals is entry devices. These devices are specifically designed to grant or deny access based on the credentials presented by individuals, such as keypads, card readers, biometric scanners, or proximity readers. This functionality is essential for ensuring that only those who are authorized can enter secured areas, making entry devices a crucial part of access control systems. Cameras, while important for surveillance and monitoring, do not actively verify identity or grant access—they primarily serve as a means of recording, monitoring, and deterring unauthorized access. Locking hardware is essential for securing doors but operates on a mechanical level and does not identify individuals. Barriers like gates or turnstiles can restrict access but rely on entry devices or human intervention to identify authorized personnel. Therefore, entry devices are central to the process of identifying who is authorized to enter a particular space.