ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

What type of system grants or denies entry or exit based on an individual's possession of an item, code, or physical characteristic?

1. Surveillance System

2. Alarm System

3. Access Control System

4. Monitoring System

The correct answer is: Access Control System

The correct answer is Access Control System because this type of system is specifically designed to regulate who can enter or exit a designated area based on criteria such as possession of a physical token (for example, a keycard or fob), a numeric code entered via a keypad, or biometric characteristics (like fingerprints or facial recognition). An Access Control System incorporates various technologies to validate the credentials presented by individuals and make real-time decisions regarding whether to grant or deny access. This capability is essential for enhancing security in environments such as offices, secure facilities, or restricted areas where managing who enters or exits is critical to maintaining safety and control. In contrast, other systems mentioned in the options serve different purposes. Surveillance Systems are primarily focused on monitoring and recording activities within an area, rather than controlling access. Alarm Systems are designed to detect and alert for unauthorized access or breaches, whereas Monitoring Systems typically oversee various systems or activities without necessarily controlling entry. An Access Control System directly addresses the need to manage and enforce entry and exit permissions, making it the appropriate choice in this context.