What does an access control specialist do?

An Access Control Specialist is in charge of implementing security protocols and systems to prevent unauthorized access into different facilities. They usually stand guard at entry points to greet and verify visitors' identity, conduct inspections to detect and collect prohibited items and work together with security teams to enforce security policies and regulations. Moreover, an Access Control Specialist may also handle and monitor security alarms and systems, respond to distress, and keep an eye on any suspicious activities.
Access control specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real access control specialist resumes:
- Furnish key initiative in all parts of government and commercial contract/compliance and manage transportation, logistics and substance contracting exercises.
- Monitor overall physical security (alarm systems, close circuit television (CCTV) ) systems at assign SOC/ACC.
- Programme access control and digital video recording CCTV security systems.
- Perform minor painting, plumbing and electrical repairs
- Recognize visitors and verify clearance using the Lenel DHS system.
- Maintain a high level of integrity, punctuality and customer service at all times.
- Process photos in Lenel as well as make and create layouts for employee and contractor badges.
- Work as a physical security contractor at several NSA sites throughout the Annapolis junction and laurel region of Maryland.
- Patrol facility inside and out for security violations.
- Report significant findings to assign NSA security officials.
- Conduct security inspections with daily interface with senior-level DoD employees.
- Coordinate with multiple government agencies and DOD contractors to resolve physical security system failures for immediate maintenance and/or corrective action.
- Maintain airspace boundaries and issue traffic alerts as necessary, providing mission coordination assistance, and disseminate weather information as required.
- Develop and implement internal security policy and procedure base on current NISPOM requirements.
Access control specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Access Control Specialists are proficient in Control Devices, TS/SCI, and Customer Service Functions. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Detail oriented, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Access Control Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Control Devices, 11%
Maintained and controlled access to customer facilities, operating various access control devices, metal detectors and other screening devices.
- TS/SCI, 9%
Acquired and maintained TS/SCI Full Scope Polygraph clearance.
- Customer Service Functions, 9%
Provide customer service functions to newly assigned personnel and contractors.
- Customer Facilities, 8%
Ensured physical security by following guidelines to monitor access to customer facilities.
- Front Line, 6%
Provide front line unarmed security services at assigned facility.
- Patrol, 5%
Conduct continuous security patrol of assigned facility personnel and property within 24-hour classified facility.
"control devices," "ts/sci," and "customer service functions" are among the most common skills that access control specialists use at work. You can find even more access control specialist responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for an access control specialist to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what access control specialists do because "information security analysts must carefully study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine how security policies and protocols can be improved." Additionally, an access control specialist resume shows how access control specialists use analytical skills: "maintained appropriate automated/manual logs, journals, and computer databases. "
Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform access control specialist duties is detail oriented. Access control specialists responsibilities require that "because cyberattacks can be difficult to detect, information security analysts must pay careful attention to computer systems and watch for minor changes in performance." Access control specialists also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "maintained detailed records of security incidents and law enforcement actions. "
Problem-solving skills. access control specialists are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to access control specialist responsibilities, because "information security analysts must respond to security alerts and uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks." An access control specialist resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "certified and licensed in both access control and cctv installations.created solutions and options for client's needs. "
The three companies that hire the most access control specialists are:
- University of Rochester59 access control specialists jobs
- Oracle27 access control specialists jobs
- Chenega14 access control specialists jobs
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Access control specialist vs. Information systems security officer
An information systems security officer's role is to perform preventive measures to protect a company's data and systems from hackers or cyber-attacks. Their responsibilities revolve around assessing the existing security measures to identify any vulnerabilities or inconsistencies, recommending and implementing changes to improve security systems, and developing new strategies and programs for data protection. There are also instances when an information systems security officer must manage and maintain information in databases, train new employees, and create new security policies, all while adhering to the company's vision and mission.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an access control specialist are more likely to require skills like "control devices," "ts/sci," "customer service functions," and "customer facilities." On the other hand, a job as an information systems security officer requires skills like "rmf," "isso," "security posture," and "sci." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
The education levels that information systems security officers earn slightly differ from access control specialists. In particular, information systems security officers are 9.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an access control specialist. Additionally, they're 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Access control specialist vs. Information security officer
Information security officers are responsible for planning and implementing policies to safeguard an organization's computer network and data from different types of security breaches. Their duties typically include identifying computer network vulnerabilities, developing and executing a plan to secure and protect the network, and tracking computer network usage to ensure adherence to security policies. In addition, information security officers are also expected to conduct penetration tests to look for flaws and work closely with the IT and management departments to improve security.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real access control specialist resumes. While access control specialist responsibilities can utilize skills like "control devices," "ts/sci," "customer service functions," and "customer facilities," information security officers use skills like "risk management," "risk assessments," "incident response," and "infrastructure."
Information security officers earn higher levels of education than access control specialists in general. They're 13.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Access control specialist vs. Information assurance engineer
Information assurance engineers are responsible for protecting an organization's data. They act as a team of security specialists that use their skill in securely operating and keeping data to protect the organization's most essential asset. Their main role is to guarantee the quality, security, and retrievability of the organization's information. Also, they outline security systems that make certain the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of data. Additionally, they secure IT infrastructure, maintain hardware and software updated, establish security standards, and monitor threats like breaches.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, access control specialists are more likely to have skills like "control devices," "ts/sci," "customer service functions," and "customer facilities." But a information assurance engineer is more likely to have skills like "rmf," "iam," "acas," and "poa."
When it comes to education, information assurance engineers tend to earn higher degree levels compared to access control specialists. In fact, they're 12.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Access control specialist vs. Security engineer
Security engineers are responsible for developing and overseeing data and security software to help prevent data breaches, leaks, and taps related to cybercrime. Other duties and responsibilities include developing new systems to help protect computer networks and assets, configuring firewalls, and conducting penetration testing to pinpoint vulnerabilities. Additionally, security engineers are responsible for investigating attacks and help prevent cybersecurity threat. They are also responsible for creating new processes for authorization, encryption algorithms, and authentication, and analyzing current security policies.
Types of access control specialist
Updated January 8, 2025