How To Become An Access Control Specialist: What It Is and Career Path

What is an access control specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

An access control specialist helps ensure the safety and security of an organization. They do this by preventing unauthorized access into the facility and its different parts using access control systems, as well as by implementing various security protocols. They work in almost any type of facility but are more sought out by organizations that require high levels of security.

The typical duties of an access control specialist include maintaining access control systems, handing out credentials to authorized personnel, conducting inspections, and watching for any suspicious activity. They work closely with security teams to ensure that all security policies and regulations are enforced at all times. Furthermore, they may also respond to emergencies if necessary.

To become an access control specialist, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED and proper training from a security agency or company. Moreover, you must have a deep understanding of how access control systems work, which typically requires a good level of technical skills. Furthermore, you must be physically fit and able to apprehend intruders if need be.

When you become an access control specialist, you can expect to earn an average of $67,000 a year. You can also expect to work at odd hours or rotating schedules, depending on your employer.

ScoreAccess Control SpecialistUS Average

Salary

4.2

Avg. Salary $54,215

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

6.5

Growth Rate 32%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.43%

Asian 9.64%

Black or African American 9.15%

Hispanic or Latino 8.99%

Unknown 6.09%

White 65.70%

Gender

female 39.24%

male 60.76%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress Level

6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.4

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

6.9

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

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Key steps to become an access control specialist

Explore access control specialist education requirements

Most common access control specialist degrees

Bachelor's

49.9 %

Associate

25.7 %

High School Diploma

15.3 %

Start to develop specific access control specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Control Devices	10.51%
TS/SCI	8.93%
Customer Service Functions	8.75%
Customer Facilities	8.00%
Front Line	5.78%

Complete relevant access control specialist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New access control specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an access control specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real access control specialist resumes.

Research access control specialist duties and responsibilities

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

Prepare your access control specialist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your access control specialist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an access control specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Access Control Specialist Resume templates

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Apply for access control specialist jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an access control specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams