Practice Test Geeks(CST) Certified Surveillance Technician Practice Test
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Card Reader & Biometric Access Flashcards

7 cards from real CST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Card Reader & Biometric Access flashcards as text

  1. A facility experiences frequent 'door held open' alarms. The MOST likely cause is:

    Answer: Users are propping the door open or not allowing it to fully latch

    'Door held open' alarms trigger when a door remains open beyond the configured time, most commonly due to users physically propping or impeding the door from closing.

  2. What is the function of a 'request-to-exit' (REX) device in an access control system?

    Answer: It signals the panel to unlock the door for egress without using a credential

    A REX device (motion sensor or push button) signals the access control panel to release the door latch for egress, allowing exit without a card swipe.

  3. Which biometric technology analyzes the pattern of veins beneath the skin surface for identification?

    Answer: Vascular (vein) pattern recognition

    Vascular recognition captures near-infrared images of subcutaneous vein patterns in the hand or finger, which are extremely difficult to spoof.

  4. During a fire alarm activation, most access control systems are programmed to:

    Answer: Unlock all controlled egress doors (fail-safe mode) to allow evacuation

    Life-safety codes require access-controlled egress doors to fail-safe (unlock) upon fire alarm activation to allow unimpeded evacuation.

  5. A smart card stores biometric data directly on the card rather than in a central database. This approach is called:

    Answer: Match-on-card (MoC)

    Match-on-card (MoC) stores and processes the biometric template on the card itself, enhancing privacy since biometric data never leaves the credential.

  6. Which standard governs the testing and listing requirements for access control system units in the United States?

    Answer: UL 294

    UL 294 is the standard for Access Control System Units, covering performance, construction, and testing requirements for listed access control equipment.

  7. A technician notices that a contactless card reader grants access even when a card is presented inside a wallet at a distance of 6 inches. This indicates the reader likely uses:

    Answer: An extended-range 125 kHz or 13.56 MHz reader with high RF output

    Extended-range readers are tuned to activate credentials at greater distances, which can be a security concern because cards in pockets or wallets may be read unintentionally.