- A
Security guard
Why wrong: Security guards can enforce access control but are not a mechanical barrier like a mantrap.
- B
Biometric reader
Why wrong: Biometric readers authenticate identity but do not physically prevent tailgating.
- C
Mantrap
A mantrap uses two interlocking doors to control access and prevent tailgating.
- D
CCTV
Why wrong: CCTV records activity but does not physically prevent tailgating.
Question 600 of 1,000
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. 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 of the following physical security controls is designed to prevent tailgating by requiring two doors to be interlocked?
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
✓
Mantrap
A mantrap is a physical security control consisting of two interlocking doors that create a small vestibule. Only one door can be opened at a time, preventing an unauthorized person from following an authorized person through a single entry point (tailgating). This design forces each individual to be authenticated before the second door unlocks, ensuring only one person passes per authentication event.
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.
- ✗
Security guard
Why it's wrong here
Security guards can enforce access control but are not a mechanical barrier like a mantrap.
- ✗
Biometric reader
Why it's wrong here
Biometric readers authenticate identity but do not physically prevent tailgating.
- ✓
Mantrap
Why this is correct
A mantrap uses two interlocking doors to control access and prevent tailgating.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
CCTV
Why it's wrong here
CCTV records activity but does not physically prevent tailgating.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse a mantrap with a simple turnstile or revolving door, which also limit passage but do not require two interlocked doors; the key distinction is the interlocking mechanism that prevents both doors from being open simultaneously.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Mantraps often integrate with electronic access control systems (EACS) using sensors, weight scales, or presence detectors to verify that only one person enters the vestibule. In high-security environments, the interlock logic may be enforced by a programmable logic controller (PLC) that monitors door position sensors and authentication status, with a fail-secure mode that locks both doors if a violation is detected. Real-world implementations include airlock-style vestibules in data centers or SCIFs where tailgating could compromise classified areas.
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 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
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 SSCP question test?
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Mantrap — A mantrap is a physical security control consisting of two interlocking doors that create a small vestibule. Only one door can be opened at a time, preventing an unauthorized person from following an authorized person through a single entry point (tailgating). This design forces each individual to be authenticated before the second door unlocks, ensuring only one person passes per authentication event.
What should I do if I get this SSCP 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
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.
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