The GAI Diploma in Electric Hardware and Access Control (DipAC) provides comprehensive education on all aspects of the access control market and its impact on the architectural ironmongery industry.

This course leads to qualification with the Diploma in Hardware & Access Control (DipAC). To build further, a CPD programme then supports learners working towards GAI Registered Professional status as Registered in Hardware & Access Control (RegAC).

For anyone working with architectural ironmongery specifications, the Diploma in Electric Hardware and Access Control will build the technical expertise and understanding required to know what can and should be specified, and the key factors of access control and its components.

This one-year course includes learning across the following areas:

  • From basic to proficient knowledge of all Electric Hardware components giving a comprehensive knowledge of access control systems
  • Securing the door with electrical locking products
  • Closing and opening with correct devices
  • Activating the door
  • Releasing the door
  • Powering the components
  • Enter/Exit and Escape safely also considering security of Access Control systems
  • Resource tools to ensure you have considered all the correct components
  • The ‘Internet of Things’ (IOT)
  • Door entry systems
  • Hotel solutions
The course is assessed through compulsory coursework questions at the end of each learning stage, and a final examination.

Why study this course?

The benefits of completing this course include:

  • Comprehensive understanding of both electric hardware products and the associated software
  • Use the post nominal letters DipAC to signal your achievement to industry
  • Receive your diploma at the GAI’s annual Education Awards event, with Medals awarded to top students
  • Join the Guild’s CPD programme to develop demonstrable professional competence with Registered in Electric Hardware & Access Control (RegAC) status

ENQUIRE

To speak to one of our team about GAI courses and qualifications for you or your employees, please email  
[email protected], or submit this form

Who is it for?

The GAI Diploma in Electric Hardware and Access Control is designed for anyone specifying access control, 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 can be taken by anyone who has completed either the Certificate in Architectural Hardware Stages (CiAH) or any other GAI Stage 3 Diploma qualification (i.e. DipGAI or DipDS). 

Please note: Learners who completed the Certificate in Architectural Hardware or GAI Diploma before Summer 2021 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.

Details of bridging course requirement and costs can be found in the GAI Education Prospectus, available for download on this page. For further details, including to confirm whether a bridging course is required in any individual case, please contact [email protected]

“The course has helped me gain a deeper understanding of different standards and products and it has also broadened my mindset and perspective. I am grateful for the opportunity to have taken this course”.

Po Cheong Heung, Key Technologies International Ltd

Course & Enrolment Details

 The GAI Diploma in Electric Hardware and Access Control provides a blended learning experience involving opportunities for both online and physical event learning.

  • Enrolment opens 1 July for academic year September to June
  • Learners who completed the Certificate in Architectural Hardware or GAI Diploma before Summer 2021 must complete a bridging course which can be taken in advance of, or concurrently with, the new diploma course (see above)
  • A one-year course, with learners expected to dedicate, on average, 80+ hours of study
  • Learners can take multiple Diploma courses consecutively, or concurrently (by individual arrangement)
  • Study via the GAI Learning Hub, with helpful explanations, animations and video clips in every module, designed to engage learners in easily digestible chunks of material
  • Assessed via compulsory coursework questions at the end of each stage of learning, with a minimum score of 80% required to progress to the final examination
  • Final examination sat at a local PearsonVue test centre, available at c. 5,000 locations in 180+ countries
  • Optional but highly recommended online training course to prepare for the final examination
  • Download the prospectus for full details, including terms and conditions