- A
A combination lock with a shared code.
Why wrong: Shared codes cannot be individually revoked and do not provide per-user audit logs.
- B
A biometric fingerprint scanner.
Why wrong: Biometrics offer strong authentication but are more expensive and complex to revoke than key cards.
- C
An electronic key card system.
Key cards can be individually deactivated and generate logs of each entry attempt.
- D
A physical key and lock system.
Why wrong: Physical keys are difficult to revoke and do not log entry attempts.
Question 674 of 750
Electronic Key Card Systems: Centralized Access and Audit Trails
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 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?
Quick Answer
The answer is an electronic key card system. This is the correct choice because it provides centralized access control, allowing administrators to instantly revoke credentials when an employee leaves, while also generating a detailed audit trail that logs every entry attempt, including timestamps and user IDs. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your ability to match physical security controls to specific business requirements, often contrasting key card systems with simpler options like traditional locks or biometrics, which may lack quick revocation or logging capabilities. A common trap is choosing a biometric system for its high security, but the requirement for rapid revocation and audit trails makes the centrally managed electronic key card system the better fit. Memory tip: think “card + log = control,” where the card enables quick revocation and the log provides the audit trail.
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.
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.
- ✗
A combination lock with a shared code.
Why it's wrong here
Shared codes cannot be individually revoked and do not provide per-user audit logs.
- ✗
A biometric fingerprint scanner.
Why it's wrong here
Biometrics offer strong authentication but are more expensive and complex to revoke than key cards.
- ✓
An electronic key card system.
Why this is correct
Key cards can be individually deactivated and generate logs of each entry attempt.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A physical key and lock system.
Why it's wrong here
Physical keys are difficult to revoke and do not log entry attempts.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Electronic key card systems typically use RFID (e.g., 125 kHz or 13.56 MHz) or magnetic stripe technology, with the card presenting a unique identifier to a reader that communicates with a central access control panel. The panel checks the card's authorization against a database and logs the event to a syslog or proprietary audit trail, often supporting protocols like Wiegand or OSDP for secure communication. In real-world scenarios, revocation is immediate because the database is updated in real time, unlike physical keys which may require a locksmith visit.
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.
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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: 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.
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.
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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.
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