Access Control 101 Course
Tomorrow is the start of IPVM's 3-day Access Control 101 course, register now:
Access Control 101 is designed for those new to access control business roles or who need an overview of access control topics without becoming experts.
Advanced Access Control vs Access Control 101
This is IPVM's 8th course, expanding training offerings to cover more subject matter. IPVM will now have two courses on access control, reflecting increased interest for accessible education on the subject. The primary difference is that Access Control 101 will cover concepts at the beginner's level, while Advanced Access Control will focus on more technical material, allowing deeper coverage of complex topics.
Course Format and Syllabus
The Access Control 101 course will run for three days, for four hours each day, 10:30 am ET to 3 pm ET, breaking for a 30-minute lunch at noon.
In 11 sessions, we teach the following topics:
1. Life Safety
We start with an overview of the code requirements behind access control systems, familiarizing you with the various levels of codes and regulations governing system design.
2. Credentials
This section introduces the form factors and tradeoffs for credentials in access control, from radio frequency cards and fobs to mobile and biometrics.
3. Readers
In the readers section, we cover physical form factors, including mullion mounts, wall mounts, and more. We also introduce critical considerations in choosing readers, including credential compatibility, location, range, and required infrastructure.
4. Doors
The doors section covers often-overlooked parts of access control, teaching components, materials, swing, operators, closers, special listings, and the basics of installing access control to pre-existing doors.
5. Locks
This section examines both mechanical and electric locks, their use, pros and cons, and how to select a suitable lock for a door.
6. Controllers
We then cover the functions and purpose of controllers in access control, as well as the various designations, including open vs closed, edge vs central, and the form factors of controllers.
7. Management Software
Our management software section covers the software that controls how the system behaves, including monitoring, configuration, and rules.
8. Architecture
In architecture, we combine all of the physical components covered individually, explaining how they interact and the key considerations in planning and installing an access control system.
9. Business
We provide an overview of how the access control market works, from the giant incumbent companies to new entrants and from A&E firms to access installers.
10. History
In our penultimate section, we explore the history of access control to provide the key context in understanding the state of the market and technology today, as well as prepare for our next section on the future of access control.
11. Trends
Our last section, Access Control Trends, examines some emerging trends in access control, leveraging IPVM research and reporting into class material to help students understand what to look out for as they enter the access control field.
Who Should and Should NOT Take This Course
This course is intended for individuals with no or little access control experience. If you are just entering the field, planning to enter the field, or transitioning to a role involving access control this course is designed for you.
Because this course is taught at a 101 level, individuals familiar with access control or who have significant field or technical experience likely will not benefit from this course. For more detailed coverage of access control topics, consider our Advanced Access Control Course.
Access Control 101 Book
Like all IPVM courses, a course textbook will be included with the course and available to subscribers. The Access Control 101 book will consist of introductory access control reports, including:
- Access Control Credentials 101
- Access Control Architecture 101
- Access Control Locks 101
- Access Control Door Controllers 101
Course Instructor
The course will be led by Brian Rhodes from IPVM. In addition to teaching access control courses, Brian also heads up access control coverage and testing. Before coming to IPVM, Brian worked as an engineer, designer, and manager of access, video surveillance, and intrusion projects for a security integrator.
Last Chance Register Now