An access control reader includes a housing with a base having a main wall for securing to a support and at least one front part mounted on the base. Each front part includes a front wall opposite the main wall of the base in a closed configuration of the housing. The access control reader further includes an electronic board incorporating at least one controller, a memory and a main access-control device, the controller driving the main access-control device by implementing a first drive algorithm loaded in the memory. The housing includes a component for securing a complementary access-control module and component for passing a connection cable between the module and a connector mounted on the electronic board. The electronic board memory is loaded with a second drive algorithm for driving the module such that the controller drives the module once the connection cable has been connected to the connector.