Advanced Access Control Course, Register Now

Published Feb 17, 2023 01:09 AM
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After completion, students understand how current physical access technologies best achieve security goals and are used in access systems.

IPVM offers the most comprehensive access control course in the industry.

Unlike manufacturer training that focuses only on a small part of the system, we look at the whole picture - design, operation, maintenance, and how all parts of an access system work together.

Course starts today, Tuesday March 14th.

Live Course Registration Closed: We also offer the Advanced Access Control Course On Demand.

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Advanced Access Control Course Overview

Course Calendar

The Access course will meet live online, March 14th - April 20th. The class will meet 12 times, over 6 weeks (Tuesday and Thursday for 1 hour from 1pm ET to 2pm ET).

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In 12 sessions, we examine the following topics in-depth:

(1) Credential Basics

We start with the most common, but frequently misunderstood access components, teaching you the tradeoffs of iClass vs 125kHz Prox vs 13.56 Mhz vs Smartcards vs DESFire.

(2) Advanced Credentials

In this session, we build on the first class digging deeper into multi-factor authentication, credential vulnerabilities (e.g. the unencrypted but popular 125 kHz cards), and emerging technologies including mobile, BLE, and NFC.

(3) Readers

We then teach you how to select readers, explaining Wiegand vs. OSDP, and contrasting the different types, shapes, and technologies behind readers including vulnerabilities and weaknesses like 'prox card snooping', identity spoofing, and keypad PIN 'tells'.

(4) Controllers

Moving onto controllers, we explain how they coordinate activities at openings, breaking down the differences between IP, hardwired, standalone, proprietary, or 'open'. You learn the major controller vendors, their tradeoffs, and (in)compatibility.

(5) Management Software

Here you learn the five core elements of access software: 1) Live View, 2) Door Management, 3) Cardholder Management, 4) Reporting, and 5) Access Levels & Schedules.

(6) System Operation

Then we pull together the entire system, teaching where decisions are made and key vulnerabilities exist such as tailgating and passback. You learn how to counter those vulnerabilities through door-prop alarms, forced-door events, using multiple credentials, and video surveillance integration.

(7) Life Safety Codes & Building Codes

We teach globally applicable access-specific safety laws, including the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101 and NFPA 72. Regardless of where you are located, you will learn which codes apply, who to contact locally for clarity, and how to improve security while keeping people safe at the same time.

(8) Doors, Openings, & Locks

You need to know door hardware to do electronic access control systems. We teach you the core function of doors, frames, opening types, and the electrified hardware options to keep each type locked securely, regardless if they are hollow metal, solid wood, or glass doors. You will learn the security benefits of revolving doors, turnstiles, mantraps, electric locks, and exit devices.

(9) Electric Strikes

Strikes are a core component of access control systems. You learn the strengths, weaknesses, and applications that characterize this lock type. We cover how to choose the 'right strike' for your opening, how to avoid expensive installation mistakes, and where avoiding the use of strikes can prevent big problems.

(10) Maglocks

Many simply hate maglocks but you need to know how and when to use them. Often misunderstood, misused, and maybe even illegal, we teach the entire scope of electromagnet lock use in access, including bond ratings, voltage, operation, and action types.

(11) Networking & Cabling

You learn the role of cabling types in connecting access devices (e.g., 6 vs 4 vs 2 conductors), and why 'wireless' is different than 'wifi'. You will also learn how overlooked concepts like cabling shielding, drain wire use, and bonding/grounding are critical.

(12) Access System Design

In our capstone session, we pull everything together, describing how to select and use different access components and principles together for the best possible result in writing a specification, designing a new system, or just optimizing the one already in use. We teach you what to look for during the 'job walk', and how best to customize the design for your specific needs.

Who Should and Should NOT Take this Course

Even if you have lots of hands-on experience with access control and manufacturer training, you should take this course. It teaches access more broadly and in-depth than what regular fieldwork or product-specific training provides.

However, if you have no experience with access control, you should not take this course unless you can commit to spending 10 to 15 hours per week studying. We have had many people take this course without experience and do very well, but only if they dedicate sufficient time to studying. You cannot pass this course simply by reading a few hours the night before the exam.

Course Instructor

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The course will be led by Brian Rhodes from IPVM. In addition to leading several IPVM 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.

Brian will lead each session, with others from IPVM moderating questions and providing feedback on related IPVM research and testing.

Classes Recorded

Additionally, all classes are recorded so you can watch on-demand online anytime.

Certificate

At the end of classes, you will take a cumulative final exam including multiple-choice and short answer questions. If you pass, you will earn an IPVM Access Control certificate of course completion (see list of current IPVM Certificate Holders).

See what previous students said:

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We send Access Control students a survey where we ask, "What did you like BEST about the course?"

Here are some samples of responses:

"As a newcomer to the field, I loved the volume of information I was able to get and the way it was presented in an easy-to-grasp way."

"Questions were answered quickly in chat and the IPVM team was motivating."

"Even though it was high-level, I thought it was a thorough review of basic aspects of access control."

"It was easy to interact with people and learn different perspectives."

"The structure and the pace of the course were excellent!"

"I liked that Brian was supportive and encouraged questions and engagement."

Registration Closed: Access Control Course March 2023

We also offer the Advanced Access Control Course On Demand - Registration is $399. This covers classes, PDF course book, personal help, and certificate.

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Subscription

An active IPVM subscription is required to take the course.

On Demand

We also offer the Advanced Access Control Course On Demand.

Questions

If you have any questions, please ask in the comments or email us at info@ipvm.com

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