- A
Install a biometric fingerprint scanner
Why wrong: Biometrics authenticate identity but do not prevent multiple people from entering during a single authentication.
- B
Use a proximity card reader
Why wrong: Proximity readers are convenient but still allow tailgating if the door is held open.
- C
Deploy a mantrap
A mantrap physically isolates each person, ensuring only one authenticated individual passes through at a time.
- D
Add a security guard
Why wrong: Guards can monitor but are not a dedicated control; mantrap is a mechanical solution specifically for tailgating.
Question 138 of 750
Mantrap to Prevent Tailgating
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of physical security controls. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A small business wants to prevent unauthorized individuals from following employees through a secure entrance after badge access is granted. Which physical security control is specifically designed to address this threat?
Quick Answer
The answer is a mantrap, because it is the physical security control specifically designed to prevent tailgating at a secure entrance. A mantrap is a small vestibule with two interlocking doors that creates an airlock-style chamber; the first door must close and lock before the second door can open, ensuring only one authenticated person passes through at a time. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding of physical deterrents against social engineering attacks like tailgating, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a business needs to stop unauthorized individuals from following employees. A common trap is confusing a mantrap with a simple turnstile or security camera—remember, a mantrap physically traps the intruder between doors, while a turnstile only slows them. Memory tip: think “two doors, one person”—if both doors ever open at once, the mantrap fails.
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
✓
Deploy a mantrap
A mantrap is a physical security control consisting of two interlocking doors with a small vestibule between them. It prevents tailgating by allowing only one person to enter at a time; the first door must close and lock before the second door can open, ensuring that only the authenticated individual passes through.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Install a biometric fingerprint scanner
Why it's wrong here
Biometrics authenticate identity but do not prevent multiple people from entering during a single authentication.
- ✗
Use a proximity card reader
Why it's wrong here
Proximity readers are convenient but still allow tailgating if the door is held open.
- ✓
Deploy a mantrap
Why this is correct
A mantrap physically isolates each person, ensuring only one authenticated individual passes through at a time.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Add a security guard
Why it's wrong here
Guards can monitor but are not a dedicated control; mantrap is a mechanical solution specifically for tailgating.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse authentication controls (biometrics, card readers) with access control mechanisms that prevent tailgating, failing to recognize that authentication alone does not enforce single-person entry.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A mantrap typically uses sensors (e.g., weight, infrared beams) to detect if more than one person is in the vestibule; if so, both doors remain locked and an alarm triggers. In high-security environments, mantrap doors are often interlocked via a programmable logic controller (PLC) that enforces strict sequencing, and some integrate with access control systems to require re-authentication if the vestibule is breached.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Physical Security Controls — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Physical Security Controls practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1202 questions
750 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1202 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1202 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Windows OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows OS Features and Tools.
Windows Settings and Control Panel practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Settings and Control Panel.
Windows Command-Line Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Command-Line Tools.
Windows Administrative Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Windows Administrative Tools.
macOS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to macOS Features and Tools.
Linux Commands and File Permissions practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Linux Commands and File Permissions.
Mobile OS Features and Tools practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Mobile OS Features and Tools.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Virtualization and Cloud Technologies.
Physical Security Controls practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Physical Security Controls.
Logical Security Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Logical Security Concepts.
Wireless Security Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Wireless Security Protocols.
Malware Types and Removal practice questions
Practise 220-1202 questions linked to Malware Types and Removal.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1202 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Physical Security Controls — This question tests Physical Security Controls — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy a mantrap — A mantrap is a physical security control consisting of two interlocking doors with a small vestibule between them. It prevents tailgating by allowing only one person to enter at a time; the first door must close and lock before the second door can open, ensuring that only the authenticated individual passes through.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More 220-1202 practice questions
- During a Windows 10 deployment, you need to ensure that a specific Group Policy setting is applied to a computer before…
- After installing a new printer driver, a user's Windows 11 computer crashes with a blue screen error every time they try…
- A user reports that their Windows 10 computer is infected with a virus that keeps reinstalling itself after removal. Wha…
- A customer reports that their Windows 10 laptop is displaying pop-up ads even when no browser is open. They suspect a ma…
- A technician is configuring a new Windows 10 workstation for a user who handles sensitive financial data. The company po…
- A technician is responding to a security incident where an employee's credentials were used to access a server without a…
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.