easyMultiple Choice
220-1202 Practice Question: Secure its server room door so that only…
A company wants to secure its server room door so that only authorized personnel can enter. They need a system that can be quickly revoked if an employee leaves and that logs entry attempts. Which physical security control best meets these requirements?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between 'revocability' and 'auditability' — the trap here is assuming biometrics are always the best for security, but the question emphasizes quick revocation and logging, where electronic key cards are more practical and cost-effective than biometric systems.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
An electronic key card system.
An electronic key card system meets both requirements: access can be instantly revoked by deactivating the card in the central database, and each entry attempt is logged with a timestamp and card ID. This provides granular, auditable access control without the need to physically change locks or share codes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A combination lock with a shared code.
Why it's wrong here
A shared code cannot be revoked for one departing employee without rekeying the lock for everyone, and it records no entry attempts. Combination locks suit low-security, low-turnover areas where audit trails and per-person revocation are unnecessary. The scenario demands individual credential revocation and logging, which shared-code locks cannot provide.
- ✗
A biometric fingerprint scanner.
Why it's wrong here
A fingerprint scanner identifies individuals and logs entries, but revoking one departed employee's access requires deleting their enrolled template, and fingerprints cannot be reissued if compromised. It suits high-assurance areas where biometric uniqueness outweighs revocation speed.
- ✓
An electronic key card system.
Why this is correct
An electronic key card system satisfies both constraints: credentials are revoked centrally in software the moment an employee leaves, and every swipe attempt is logged with a timestamp and identity. Unlike mechanical locks, which require physical rekeying, it provides immediate revocation and an auditable entry trail.
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A physical key and lock system.
Why it's wrong here
A physical key cannot be revoked instantly when an employee leaves without rekeying the whole lock, and it records no entry attempts. It would suit a low-security closet, but the requirement for rapid revocation plus audit logging demands an electronic access control system.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.