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CompTIA A+ Practice Test (220-1201)

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CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (V15) Information

CompTIA A+ Certification Overview

Exam Versions

The current versions of the CompTIA A+ certification exams are:

  • 220-1201 (Core 1)
  • 220-1202 (Core 2)

These versions were launched in April 2022 and are expected to retire approximately three years from their release date.

The A+ Certification Test

To earn the CompTIA A+ certification, candidates must pass two separate exams: 220-1201 and 220-1202. Each exam has a separate fee and can be taken in any order. Both exams must be completed before the retirement date and must be from the same set of objectives. The certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exams.

Exam Details:

  • Format: Computer-based tests
  • Number of Questions: 90 questions per exam
  • Time Limit: 90 minutes per exam
  • Result Availability: Immediately after completion, following a short mandatory survey

CompTIA A+ 220-1201

The CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Core 1) exam is a key component of the A+ certification, designed to validate essential IT skills and knowledge. This exam, launched in April 2022, covers a broad range of topics critical for IT professionals, including mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and network troubleshooting. Comprising 90 questions, the test includes multiple-choice and performance-based questions, simulating real-world scenarios to assess the candidate's practical abilities. The 220-1201 exam emphasizes the foundational skills necessary for IT support roles, ensuring that certified individuals are equipped to handle a variety of technical issues. With a 90-minute time limit, the exam challenges candidates to demonstrate their proficiency efficiently, providing immediate results upon completion. The certification remains valid for three years, making it a crucial step for those aiming to establish or advance their careers in IT.

Exam Policies and Procedures

Candidates must agree to CompTIA's exam policies before starting the test. These policies include:

  • No Mobile Phones/Devices: Must be left outside the exam room
  • Question Review: Candidates can revisit and change answers before submitting the exam
  • Submission: Unanswered questions are marked, and a final review is available before submission

Testing Centers

Since July 9, 2012, CompTIA exams are available exclusively through Pearson VUE testing centers. Candidates can book exams online, by phone, or at the testing center. Options include:

  • In-Person Testing: At Pearson VUE testing centers
  • Online Testing: Through Pearson VUE's online platform

Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)

The A+ exams include Performance-Based Questions (PBQs), which require candidates to perform specific tasks or solve problems in a simulated environment. These questions test real-world skills in areas like command prompts, Windows OS, and networking environments.

Continuing Education (CE) Program

Certifications with the +CE (Continuing Education) suffix, including A+, Network+, and Security+, must be renewed every three years. Renewal options include:

  • Retaking the Exam: Passing the latest version of the exam
  • Higher-Level Certification: Passing a higher-level CompTIA exam
  • CE Program Requirements: Completing CE activities

Lifetime Certifications

Certifications earned on or before December 31, 2010, are valid for life. However, lifetime certifications are no longer available for new candidates.

More reading:

CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (V15) Logo
  • Free CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (V15) Practice Test

  • 20 Questions
  • Unlimited
  • Mobile Devices
    Networking
    Hardware
    Virtualization and Cloud Computing
    Hardware and Network Troubleshooting
Question 1 of 20

A technician needs to verify if a new network interface can communicate within an IPv6 network. Which type of IP address should the technician look for to ensure that the interface has established automatic link-local addressing?

  • An address with the fe80::/10 prefix

  • An address starting with 2001:

  • An address with the fec0:: prefix

  • An address with the fc00::/7 prefix

Question 2 of 20

An administrator needs to ensure that network devices in a newly established branch office automatically receive network configuration parameters and retain their assigned IP addresses for a period equivalent to one week. What configuration parameter should they adjust in the network's server responsible for dynamic IP assignment?

  • Set the maximum transmission unit on the server to match one week of data flow

  • Decrease the server's refresh interval to reflect a weekly cycle

  • Adjust the server's network time protocol to a 7-day refresh rate

  • Configure the server's address lease time for 168 hours

Question 3 of 20

A technician is helping the marketing department choose a new laptop model. The team often huddles around one screen to review color-accurate layouts, so the display must look consistent even when viewed from the side. Which characteristic of an in-plane switching (IPS) LCD panel best meets this requirement when compared with a twisted nematic (TN) panel?

  • Self-emitting pixels that eliminate the need for a separate backlight.

  • Highest native contrast ratios due to deeper black levels.

  • Fastest pixel response times for reduced motion blur during gaming.

  • Significantly wider viewing angles with more accurate color reproduction.

Question 4 of 20

A technician is servicing an older desktop computer that contains a PATA hard drive and a CD-ROM drive. Which connector from the power supply unit (PSU) is typically used to power these types of drives?

  • Molex

  • DB-9

  • USB 3.0

  • USB-C

Question 5 of 20

A company with strict data control policies and privacy concerns wants to leverage cloud-computing advantages such as self-service provisioning, scalability, and on-demand resources without exposing its data to a multi-tenant environment. Which of the following cloud models would BEST align with the company's needs?

  • Private cloud

  • Public cloud

  • Community cloud

  • Hybrid cloud

Question 6 of 20

An end-user needs to configure their email client to retrieve emails securely. Which port should the client be configured to use to securely connect to a server using POP3?

  • 110

  • 587

  • 993

  • 995

Question 7 of 20

A technician needs to integrate a vintage peripheral device, which lacks a modern interface, into a contemporary laptop setup for data input tasks. The peripheral's connector consists of a D-shaped 9-pin arrangement. What type of adapter should the technician acquire to establish communication between the two devices?

  • Serial to USB converter

  • HDMI to USB adapter

  • Ethernet to USB adapter

  • Wireless networking dongle

Question 8 of 20

A technician is installing an Ethernet network in a manufacturing facility with significant electromagnetic interference (EMI) from heavy machinery. The network must support Gigabit speeds and allow for a future upgrade to 10 Gbps without recabling. Which of the following cable types BEST meets these requirements?

  • Plenum-rated cable

  • Category 5e (Cat 5e) cable

  • Coaxial cable

  • Category 6 (Cat 6) cable

Question 9 of 20

A technician needs to install a new high-performance storage device into a small form factor (SFF) workstation that will be used for graphic design and video editing work. The workstation has a high-speed M.2 slot available on the motherboard. Which storage type should the technician install to BEST meet the workstation's performance needs?

  • An externally connected USB 3.0 Hard Disk Drive with 5,400rpm speed

  • An mSATA Solid State Drive using SATA III interface

  • A 7,200rpm 2.5-inch Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) Hard Drive

  • A Non-volatile Memory Express (NVMe) M.2 Solid State Drive (SSD)

Question 10 of 20

An IT technician is tasked with installing a new VoIP phone system in an office environment. The phones require a power source and the technician wants to use the network wiring to provide both data connectivity and power. Which of the following PoE standards should the technician ensure the network switches support to provide up to 15.4 watts of power to each connected VoIP phone?

  • 802.3bt

  • 802.3af

  • 802.3at

  • 802.3ad

Question 11 of 20

A company wants to migrate its on-premises data center to a cloud provider while maintaining control over the operating systems, storage, and installed applications. Which cloud computing model would best suit their needs?

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

  • Platform as a Service (PaaS)

  • Public cloud

  • Software as a Service (SaaS)

Question 12 of 20

A company has an essential legacy application that only runs on an older version of an operating system which is not supported on their new hardware. What is the BEST solution to ensure continued use of this legacy application?

  • Installing the older operating system as a dual-boot option alongside the current operating system

  • Replacing the legacy application with a modern alternative

  • Setting up a virtual machine with the required older version of the operating system

  • Upgrading the legacy application to work with the new hardware

Question 13 of 20

A corporate workstation has been suffering frequent power supply unit (PSU) failures. After reviewing the setup, a technician notes that the workstations are connected to a 220-240 VAC outlet, but the PSUs are configured manually for a 110-120 VAC input. What should the technician do to correct this issue and prevent future PSU failures?

  • Switch the PSU voltage input selector to 220-240 VAC.

  • Install an automatic voltage regulator for each workstation.

  • Check the wattage rating on the power supply units.

  • Ensure there is proper ventilation around the power supply units.

Question 14 of 20

A technician is asked to troubleshoot a conference-room projector that is producing a noticeably dim image. Which of the following statements accurately describes a likely cause of this symptom?

  • User-adjustable Eco or power-saving settings do not affect image brightness.

  • Dust or dirt inside the projector's optical path can significantly reduce the brightness of the projected image.

  • A dim image always indicates that the bulb has reached the end of its lifespan.

  • Replacing a projector lamp automatically resets the lamp-hour counter on most models.

Question 15 of 20

A user is experiencing poor cell signal and frequent call drops while traveling with their CDMA compatible mobile device. What is the BEST first step in troubleshooting these issues?

  • Update the Preferred Roaming List (PRL) through the device's settings or a carrier-provided code.

  • Toggle the location services setting off and on.

  • Update the device's operating system to the latest version.

  • Reset network settings to default.

Question 16 of 20

A company has a proprietary software tool that was developed for an outdated operating system. The IT department needs to make this tool available to users on current operating systems without major redevelopment of the tool. Which benefit of application virtualization is most directly applicable to this scenario?

  • Migrating workstation operating systems to the latest versions

  • Reducing hardware dependency by diversifying the device fleet

  • Enabling the use of outdated software on modern operating systems

  • Increasing portability of applications across different platforms

Question 17 of 20

A graphic designer reports that the cursor on a laptop jumps unpredictably when they use the built-in trackpad, yet an external USB mouse moves smoothly. There is no sign of physical damage to the trackpad itself. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the erratic cursor behavior?

  • The trackpad drivers are out of date.

  • The trackpad needs recalibration for sensitivity.

  • There is moisture or dirt on the trackpad surface.

  • Touch-based features must be disabled in the OS settings.

Question 18 of 20

What feature allows a processor to run multiple operating systems on a single hardware platform by sharing resources such as memory and processing time?

  • Hyper-Threading

  • Dual-channel Memory

  • Hardware Virtualization

  • Integrated Drive Electronics

Question 19 of 20

A technician needs to install a new high-end graphics card. Which type of motherboard expansion slot, designated by its number of data transmission lanes (e.g., x16), will the technician most likely use?

  • CNR

  • PCI

  • AGP

  • PCIe

Question 20 of 20

A user reports that characters printed on a dot-matrix impact printer are becoming faint and sometimes missing. Which of the following maintenance actions is the MOST appropriate first step for restoring proper print quality?

  • Run the printer's nozzle-cleaning cycle.

  • Replace the ribbon cartridge.

  • Replace the fuser assembly.

  • Empty the waste-toner bottle.