The Diploma in Electric Hardware and Access Control is designed to educate on all aspects of the access control market and its impact on the architectural ironmongery industry.

Read on for more information, and scroll to the bottom of the page to enrol and take the next step on your GAI learning journey today!

This three-stage course is designed for anyone specifying architectural ironmongery or working with architectural ironmongery specifications, who wants to build and demonstrate the technical expertise and understanding to know what can and should be specified, why, and the key factors of access control and its components.

The course leads to a qualification as a Diploma holder in Electric Hardware and Access Control (DipAC). In support of the qualification there is a CPD programme through which the learner can work towards Registered Electric Hardware and Access Control (RegAC) status.

This Stage 3 course includes learning across the following areas:

  • Electronic escutcheon/locksets
  • RFID/mechatronic and electronic
  • cylinders
  • The ‘Internet of Things’ (IOT)
  • Motorised locks
  • Electric strikes
  • Door entry systems
  • Hotel solutions
  • Readers and credentials
  • Electric locks
  • Specialist locks
  • Electrical panic hardware
  • Accessories of access control

On average, learners will be expected to dedicate 80 hours to studying over a one-year period, with the exact amount depending on each individual learner.

The course is run to an academic year and enrolments open 1st September.

Learners who complete or have completed the Certificate in Architectural Hardware from Summer 2021 onwards can enrol directly on to the Diploma in Electric Hardware and Access Control.  Learners who completed the Certificate in Architectural Hardware or GAI Diploma before this date must complete a bridging course which can be taken in advance of, or concurrently with, the new diploma course.

Due to the amount of time required for concurrent study, learners selecting this option may choose to take their final examination on with the traditional June exam day or one of the retake dates in September or October.

Each learner will answer a set of compulsory coursework questions at the end of each stage of learning and must achieve a minimum score of 60% to sit a final examination held at a PearsonVue test centre.

On completion of the final examination, you will achieve the GAI Diploma in Electric Hardware and Access Control:

  • A unique breadth of knowledge and understanding across both electric hardware products and the associated software.
  • Successful candidates will receive their GAI Diploma at the annual Education Awards, and may use the post-nominal letters DipAC.
  • A GAI continuing professional development (CPD) programme for the sector will allow the diploma holder to work towards Registered Electric Hardware and Access Control (RegAC) status.

Click here to read more about GAI continuing professional development (CPD) 

The GAI Diploma in Electric Hardware and Access Control is designed for anyone specifying architectural ironmongery, or working with architectural ironmongery specifications, who wants to build and demonstrate the technical expertise and understanding to know what can and should be specified, why, and the key factors of access control and its components.

 

It is ideal for anyone involved in the architectural ironmongery or access control industry who needs the evidence to prove they have the knowledge and are a competent person in their field of expertise.