diff --git a/core_user_API.php b/core_user_API.php
index 8e8c0237a6..dafaea5c5f 100644
--- a/core_user_API.php
+++ b/core_user_API.php
@@ -322,7 +322,10 @@ function access_level_check_equal( $p_access_level ) {
 		$t_access_level = get_current_user_field( "access_level" );
 		$t_access_level2 = get_project_access_level();
 
-		if ( ( $t_access_level == $p_access_level ) || ( $t_access_level2 == $p_access_level ) ) {
+		if ( $t_access_level2 == $p_access_level ) {
+			return true;
+		} else if ( ( $t_access_level == $p_access_level ) &&
+					( -1 == $t_access_level2 ) ) {
 			return true;
 		} else {
 			return false;
@@ -343,9 +346,7 @@ function access_level_check_greater_or_equal( $p_access_level ) {
 
 		# use the project level access level instead of the global access level
 		# if the project level is not specified then use the global access level
-		if ( -1 == $t_access_level2 ) {
-			# do nothing
-		} else if ( $t_access_level2 > $t_access_level ) {
+		if ( -1 != $t_access_level2 ) {
 			$t_access_level = $t_access_level2;
 		}
 
diff --git a/doc/ChangeLog b/doc/ChangeLog
index 04f3e53f8b..bea3b8e158 100644
--- a/doc/ChangeLog
+++ b/doc/ChangeLog
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ Mantis
  * Fixed file upload switch with break statements.
  * Fixed print_assign_to_option_list() to accurately reflect settings.
  * Fixed print_reporter_option_list() to accurately reflect settings.
+ * Fixed the access level checks to be more accurate.
  * Removed site_settings link in print_manage_doc_menu().
  * Renamed doc/CONFIGURATION to doc/CUSTOMIZATION.
  * Modified edit user links to use the username instead of the [edit] link.