Minnesota Protective Agent Practice Test

What is a common physical access control method employed on a building?

1. Doors and mechanical locks.

2. A gate, barricade or a fence.

3. A guard dog.

4. An alarm system.

The correct answer is: Doors and mechanical locks.

Doors and mechanical locks are a common physical access control method employed on a building. This is because they are simple, cost-effective, and provide a straightforward way to prevent unauthorized access. Physical access control involves measures taken to ensure that only authorized individuals can enter a specific area or building. It comprises of locks, security doors and other barriers to entry. Among these methods, doors and mechanical locks are the most basic and commonly used. They manage access by requiring a physical object (a key) or information (a code) to unlock, thereby creating a clear boundary between public and secured areas. The simplicity and ease of this system are why it is the dominant method for physical access control.