Quick Answer
The answer is background checks, password complexity requirements, and security awareness training. These are correct because administrative access controls are defined through organizational policies and procedures rather than hardware or software mechanisms—they govern user behavior, such as requiring strong passwords verified through audits, or vetting personnel via background checks before granting system access. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish administrative controls from technical (e.g., firewalls) or physical (e.g., locks) controls; a common trap is confusing password complexity with a technical control when it is actually a policy-based rule enforced by user compliance. Remember the memory tip: “Admin = Actions and Agreements,” meaning policies, training, and background checks are all about people and rules, not machines.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of access controls concepts. 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.
Which THREE are examples of administrative access controls?
Mantraps
Why wrong: Mantraps are physical control mechanisms.
Password complexity requirements
These are procedural rules, hence administrative.
Guard patrols
Why wrong: Guards are physical controls.
Security policies
Policies are administrative controls that define rules.
Background checks
Background checks are part of personnel security administrative control.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Password complexity requirements
Password complexity requirements are administrative access controls because they are defined in security policies and enforced through user behavior and organizational rules, not through hardware or software mechanisms. They fall under the administrative category of access control, which includes policies, procedures, and guidelines that govern user actions and access rights.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Mantraps
Why it's wrong here
Mantraps are physical control mechanisms.
Password complexity requirements
Why this is correct
These are procedural rules, hence administrative.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Guard patrols
Why it's wrong here
Guards are physical controls.
Security policies
Why this is correct
Policies are administrative controls that define rules.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Background checks
Why this is correct
Background checks are part of personnel security administrative control.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the distinction between administrative, technical, and physical access controls, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse password complexity requirements (administrative) with technical controls like password filters or account lockout mechanisms.
Detailed technical explanation
Administrative access controls are the policies and procedures that define how access is managed, such as password policies, background checks, and security awareness training. They are often documented in an organization's security policy framework and are enforced through user agreements and audits, not through technical enforcement like ACLs or encryption. For example, a password complexity requirement might specify a minimum of 12 characters with at least one uppercase letter, one number, and one special character, as recommended by NIST SP 800-63B.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
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FAQ
Access Controls Concepts — This question tests Access Controls Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Password complexity requirements — Password complexity requirements are administrative access controls because they are defined in security policies and enforced through user behavior and organizational rules, not through hardware or software mechanisms. They fall under the administrative category of access control, which includes policies, procedures, and guidelines that govern user actions and access rights.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.
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