Lesson series

Door Hardware & Special Locking Specialist
(Access Control)

Door Hardware & Special Locking Specialist Online 

A few more words about this course

MYCEUs.com offers the most comprehensive access control course. Unlike manufacturer training that focuses only on a small part of the system, we look at the whole picture - design, operation, maintenance, and how all parts of an access system work together.
What the MyCEUs.com Access Fundamentals Course Covers
In 12 sessions, we examine the following topics in-depth:
(1) Credential Basics
We start with the most common, but frequently misunderstand access component, teaching you the tradeoffs of iClass vs 125kHz Prox vs 13.56 Mhz vs Smartcards vs DESFire.
(2) Advanced Credentials
In this session, we build on the first class digging deeper into multi-factor authentication, credential vulnerabilities (e.g. the unencrypted but popular 125 kHz cards), and emerging technologies including mobile, BLE, and NFC.
(3) Readers
We then teach you how to select readers, explaining Wiegand vs. OSDP, and contrasting the different types, shapes, and technologies behind readers including vulnerabilities and weaknesses like 'prox card snooping', identity spoofing, and keypad PIN 'tells'.
(4) Controllers
Moving onto controllers, we explain how they coordinate activities at openings, breaking down the differences between IP, hardwired, standalone, proprietary, or 'open'. You learn the major controller vendors, their tradeoffs, and (in)compatibility.
(5) Management Software
Here you learn the five core elements of access software: 1) Live View, 2) Door Management, 3) Cardholder Management, 4) Reporting, and 5) Access Levels & Schedules.
(6) System Operation
Then we pull together the entire system, teaching where decisions are made and key vulnerabilities exist such as tailgating and passback. You learn how to counter those vulnerabilities through door-prop alarms, forced-door events, using multiple credentials, and video surveillance integration.
(7) Life Safety Codes & Building Codes
We teach globally applicable access-specific safety laws, including the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101 and NFPA 72. Regardless of where you are located, you will learn which codes apply, who to contact locally for clarity, and how to improve security while keeping people safe at the same time.
(8) Doors, Openings, & Locks
You need to know door hardware to do electronic access control systems. We teach you the core function of doors, frames, opening types, and the electrified hardware options to keep each type locked securely, regardless if they are hollow metal, solid wood, or glass doors. You will learn the security benefits of revolving doors, turnstiles, mantraps, electric locks, and exit devices.
(9) Electric Strikes
Strikes are a core component of access control systems. You learn the strengths, weaknesses, and applications that characterize this lock type. We cover how to choose the 'right strike' for your opening, how to avoid expensive installation mistakes, and where avoiding the use of strikes can prevent big problems.
(10) Maglocks
Many simply hate maglocks but you need to know how and when to use them. Often misunderstood, misused, and maybe even illegal, we teach the entire scope of electromagnet lock use in access, including bond ratings, voltage, operation, and action types.
(11) Networking & Cabling
You learn the role of cabling types in connecting access devices (e.g., 6 vs 4 vs 2 conductors), and why 'wireless' is different than 'wifi'. You will also learn how overlooked concepts like cabling shielding, drain wire use, and bonding/grounding are critical.
(12) Access System Design
In our capstone session, we pull everything together, describing how to select and use different access components and principles together for the best possible result in writing a specification, designing a new system, or just optimizing the one already in use. We teach you what to look for during the 'job walk', and how best to customize the design for your specific needs.
Who Should and Should NOT Take this Course
Even if you have lots of hands-on experience with access control and manufacturer training, you should take this course. It teaches access more broadly and in-depth than what regular fieldwork or product-specific training provides.
However, if you have no experience with access control, you should not take this course unless you can commit to spending 10 to 15 hours per week studying. We have had many people take this course without experience and do very well, but only if they dedicate sufficient time to studying. You cannot pass this course simply by reading a few hours the night before the exam.

George M Bezou III

Author | CEO | Professor

             I have been in the security industry for over 30 years, and growing. I started in electronics shortly after graduation from high school, I then jumped right into earning my degree at ITT technical Institute, I eventually earned my Bachelors, in Electrical Engineering and Communication Technology.
My first job in security was like most techs, a helper. Within his first year, i took my Security Level 1 Certification course and passed. With my new license, I was able to get, not only a promotion, but a healthy raise, too. I quickly rose to Service Tech ! With my quick learning and persistence to perfection, i started getting request from fortune 500 companies, to design, and install hi-end systems all over the country as a sub-contractor.
10 years later everything came to a halt, Hurricane Katrina! Being that my company was based out of New Orleans, I had lost everything. On the up note, due to all the hurricanes wreckage, i was able to redefine my company and start over, in the Baton Rouge area. Now, not only did my sub-contact business design, service, and install electronic security, it now also designed, serviced, & installed physical security, such as Bank Vaults, Night Drops, Drive-thru Equipment, Barriers, etc.. Eventually, we were back traveling the county again, now with multiple crews.
During this time, I traveled to Canton, Ohio weeks at a time, attending the Diebold boot camps and their certification courses. Me being, the perfectionist I am, have studied the Security Bank equipment industry till he eventually became known as a guru. Not only was I internal tech support for my company, but also advised Fortune 500 companies, all over the country, training their techs, and while being a first line support.
Meanwhile, the bank rebuilding projects were growing fast, so fast the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office had to step in and regulate the industry. This included permitting & licensing jobs, and techs. “Boyd” Petty, Chairman of the Louisiana Property Protection & Life Safety Board, knew me as (my nick name “Professor) (unofficial) an advisor to them, when it came writing the new laws in Bank Locking Industry. “Boyd” commissioned me to build certification courses that specialized in the Security & Bank Locking Industry. I have now been teaching & certifying techs, in Bank Locking, Electronics & Physical Security, all over the county for over 15 years.
 I have sense focused on building a School specifying all Security subjects. A place where technician’s, like myself, can go online to learn more about specifics in our industry. Specifies like current rules and regulations, UL Listings, how to solder, wire management, proper use of particular tools, OSHA PPE, & Safety, as well as how to use a multi-meter. They could also earn CEUs and Certifications in the Security industry. With all of this, i opened an online version of my teaching “The Security Professor.com!” Technicians can now take their courses online, and have their testing proctored.
The Security Professor is the best learning platform I found so far. I was pleasantly surprised with the possibilities. All I have to do is login!
jr product manager
The Security Professor is great for me and my security staff. Not only is it a resource for  certification courses, we are now connected to a Social Media Network just for Security Techs.
CCTV tech
Perfect opportunity to learn how to install Security, CCTV, & Special Locking equipment! Plus with this Social Network for Security Techs, I can post pictures of my work, so other, professionals can follow me!