Mississippi Security Guard Board Practice Exam

What is the primary function of access control systems?

1. To monitor employee attendance

2. To prevent unauthorized entry into restricted areas

3. To provide surveillance video footage

4. To manage security personnel

The correct answer is: To prevent unauthorized entry into restricted areas

The primary function of access control systems is to prevent unauthorized entry into restricted areas. These systems are designed to regulate who can enter certain locations within a facility, ensuring that only individuals with the appropriate permissions are granted access. By using methods such as key cards, biometric scans, or PIN codes, access control systems create a secure environment that protects sensitive information, assets, or areas that require restricted access. In contrast, while monitoring employee attendance may be a secondary use of such systems, it is not their primary purpose. Surveillance video footage serves a different role by providing a visual record of events and activities, rather than controlling access. Similarly, managing security personnel relates to the oversight and organization of human resources in security roles, which is distinct from the function of access control systems. Thus, the core goal of preventing unauthorized entry effectively highlights the primary role of access control systems in security management.