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Access Control Training Online
More than 2 million students worldwide

Access Control Training Online

Get the hands-on technical training you need to install, configure, and maintain professional access control systems. This course covers everything from low-voltage wiring and controller programming to networking, cybersecurity, and client handover. Build job-ready skills that employers and security contractors are actively hiring for.

Dedika for businesses

What you will learn:

You will learn how access control systems are designed, wired, and programmed from the ground up. The course covers electrical fundamentals, hardware components, and step-by-step installation procedures for electric locks, readers, and controllers. You will configure access control software, manage user credentials, and set up time-based access schedules. Networking topics include TCP/IP controller communication, OSDP protocol, and network hardening. You will also learn how to integrate access control with video surveillance and intrusion detection systems. Troubleshooting methods, preventive maintenance routines, and commissioning documentation are included to prepare you for real job sites.

How you study in practice Access Control Training Online

How you practise Access Control Training Online

For businesses looking to train their team

With Dedika for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your own business and the way your company needs.

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Course content

8 Chapters • 40 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)

Chapter 1See details

Foundations of Access Control Systems

  • Lesson 1 • Physical Security Integration Concepts

    Explains how access control integrates with alarms, video, and intercoms. Sets context for multi-system installations covered later.

  • Lesson 2 • Credential Technologies Overview

    Introduces card, PIN, biometric, and mobile credentials. Connects credential types to reader hardware covered in later chapters.

  • Lesson 3 • Industry Standards and Compliance Basics

    Covers functional requirements from security and electrical standards bodies. Students understand compliance obligations before touching hardware.

  • Lesson 4 • Types of Access Control Systems

    Surveys standalone, networked, and cloud-based systems. Distinguishes system architectures students will install and maintain.

  • Lesson 5 • Access Control Principles and Terminology

    Defines authentication, authorisation, and audit trail concepts. Provides the conceptual framework applied throughout the course.

Chapter 2See details

Electrical Fundamentals for Technicians

  • Lesson 1 • Reading Wiring Diagrams and Schematics

    Teaches interpretation of manufacturer wiring diagrams and ladder logic. Enables accurate installation from technical documentation.

  • Lesson 2 • Power Supplies and Backup Power

    Explains linear and switching power supplies, battery backup, and load calculations. Students size and install power systems for continuous operation.

  • Lesson 3 • Electrical Safety Practices

    Establishes lockout/tagout, PPE use, and safe testing procedures. Mandatory safety habits are reinforced before hands-on lab work begins.

  • Lesson 4 • DC and AC Power Concepts

    Reviews voltage, current, resistance, and power calculations. Directly supports power supply sizing and wiring tasks in later chapters.

  • Lesson 5 • Low-Voltage Wiring Practices

    Covers cable types, conductor sizing, and termination methods for access control. Ensures reliable signal and power delivery in installations.

Chapter 3See details

Access Control Hardware Components

  • Lesson 1 • Access Control Panels and Controllers

    Examines single-door and multi-door controllers, their I/O capacity, and communication ports. Establishes the central role of the controller in system architecture.

  • Lesson 2 • Card Readers and Keypads

    Covers Wiegand, OSDP, and RS-485 readers plus keypad variants. Students match reader technology to credential type and controller interface.

  • Lesson 3 • Electric Locks and Door Hardware

    Distinguishes electric strikes, magnetic locks, and electrified hardware. Correct lock selection ensures code compliance and fail-safe operation.

  • Lesson 4 • Ancillary Devices and Peripherals

    Introduces REX devices, door contacts, intercoms, and output modules. Students understand how peripherals expand system functionality.

  • Lesson 5 • Door Frames, Closers, and Hardware

    Reviews door frame types, closers, and hardware compatibility with electric locks. Prevents installation failures caused by mechanical incompatibility.

Chapter 4See details

System Installation Techniques

  • Lesson 1 • Mounting Controllers and Readers

    Covers enclosure mounting, reader positioning, and surface vs. flush installation. Proper mounting ensures device security and accessibility.

  • Lesson 2 • Installing Electric Locks on Doors

    Provides step-by-step procedures for strike, mag-lock, and electrified hardware installation. Correct installation ensures reliable locking and code compliance.

  • Lesson 3 • Power-Up and Initial Verification

    Guides technicians through first-power procedures, LED status checks, and basic functional tests. Catches wiring errors before software configuration begins.

  • Lesson 4 • Site Survey and Pre-Installation Planning

    Teaches door assessment, conduit routing, and power source identification. Thorough planning prevents costly rework during installation.

  • Lesson 5 • Wiring Controllers to Readers and Locks

    Applies wiring diagrams to connect readers, locks, and REX devices to controllers. Students practise terminations and verify continuity before powering up.

Chapter 5See details

Networking and Communication Protocols

  • Lesson 1 • Networking Fundamentals for Technicians

    Reviews IP addressing, subnetting, VLANs, and switching basics. Provides the network foundation required for IP-based controller configuration.

  • Lesson 2 • Wireless and Mobile Access Technologies

    Introduces Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, and NFC for access control. Students evaluate wireless options for retrofit and mobile credential deployments.

  • Lesson 3 • RS-485 and Wiegand Communication

    Explains legacy serial protocols used between controllers and readers. Many installed systems rely on these protocols, requiring technician proficiency.

  • Lesson 4 • OSDP Protocol Implementation

    Covers Open Supervised Device Protocol for secure reader-to-controller communication. OSDP is the modern standard replacing Wiegand in new installations.

  • Lesson 5 • TCP/IP Controller Communication

    Configures Ethernet-connected controllers, encryption, and remote access. IP connectivity enables centralised management of large multi-site systems.

Chapter 6See details

Software Configuration and Programming

  • Lesson 1 • Access Control Software Architecture

    Explains client-server, web-based, and embedded software models. Understanding architecture guides correct installation and network configuration.

  • Lesson 2 • Alarm Inputs, Outputs, and Linkages

    Configures input monitoring, output control, and event-driven linkages. Linkages automate system responses and integrate with alarms and video.

  • Lesson 3 • User and Credential Management

    Teaches creating user records, assigning credentials, and managing access levels. Accurate user management is the primary daily task for system administrators.

  • Lesson 4 • Schedules, Time Zones, and Holidays

    Programmes time-based access rules, automatic lock/unlock schedules, and holiday overrides. Time-based rules are fundamental to most access control deployments.

  • Lesson 5 • Initial System Setup and Network Configuration

    Covers IP addressing, controller discovery, and communication encryption setup. Proper network configuration is required before any programming can proceed.

Chapter 7See details

System Testing, Commissioning, and Handover

  • Lesson 1 • System Performance Verification

    Measures response times, communication reliability, and failover behaviour. Performance data confirms the system meets design and contract requirements.

  • Lesson 2 • Commissioning Common Issues and Fixes

    Addresses typical commissioning failures and their resolutions. Prepares technicians to resolve problems efficiently under client observation.

  • Lesson 3 • Commissioning Documentation

    Produces as-built drawings, test records, and configuration backups. Complete documentation supports future maintenance and system modifications.

  • Lesson 4 • Functional Testing Procedures

    Defines test plans for every system component and integration point. Systematic testing confirms all hardware and software functions meet specifications.

  • Lesson 5 • Client Training and System Handover

    Prepares and delivers end-user and administrator training sessions. Effective handover ensures clients can operate the system independently.

Chapter 8See details

Troubleshooting and Preventive Maintenance

  • Lesson 1 • Software and Communication Faults

    Diagnoses database errors, communication timeouts, and firmware issues. Software faults are increasingly common as systems become more network-dependent.

  • Lesson 2 • Hardware Fault Diagnosis

    Covers testing readers, locks, controllers, and wiring for faults. Students use meters and diagnostic tools to isolate hardware failures.

  • Lesson 3 • Service Reporting and Work Orders

    Teaches accurate service report writing and work order management. Professional documentation supports billing, warranty claims, and system history.

  • Lesson 4 • Preventive Maintenance Procedures

    Defines scheduled inspection, cleaning, and testing tasks for all components. Regular maintenance extends system life and prevents unexpected failures.

  • Lesson 5 • Systematic Troubleshooting Methodology

    Introduces divide-and-conquer and symptom-based diagnostic frameworks. A structured approach reduces diagnostic time and prevents misdiagnosis.

Certification

Your valid completion certificate

This course is for you:

  • Aspiring security technician: wants a clear entry point into the physical security trade.

  • Electrician or low-voltage installer: ready to add access control to their service offering.

  • Alarm system installer: looking to expand skills beyond intrusion and into integrated systems.

  • IT support professional: wants to cross over into networked physical security infrastructure.

  • Career changer: seeking a hands-on technical trade with strong long-term job demand.

  • Facilities or maintenance technician: responsible for door hardware and needs deeper system knowledge.

What our students say

Your lessons are perfect. I purchased the one-year package and finally have the opportunity to follow various topics of interest without needing to change platforms... I'm grateful for everything you do, I've already recommended you to other people...
Giulio Carlo
Giulio CarloDigital Marketing Student
I like how the lessons are straight to the point and how I can change chapters and skip content I don't need.
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Mariana FerresPhotography Student
I like the content and the way videos are presented and transcribed, which speeds up the process!
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Luciana AlvarengaNail Design Student
The platform is fast and simple to use. The diversity of content and complementary videos really help with learning.
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André FelipePrompt Engineering Student

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