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:

Free CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (V15) Practice Test
- 20 Questions
- Unlimited
- Mobile DevicesNetworkingHardwareVirtualization and Cloud ComputingHardware and Network Troubleshooting
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::/10prefixAn address starting with
2001:An address with the
fec0::prefixAn address with the
fc00::/7prefix
Answer Description
Link-local addresses are automatically configured on all IPv6-enabled interfaces and can be used to communicate with other hosts in the same network segment without the need for additional configuration. These addresses are in the fe80::/10 prefix range. A common misconception is to look for unique local addresses or site-local addresses; these are utilized in larger scopes or reserved for specific purposes and do not necessarily indicate successful interface operation in a local context. Global addresses are assigned for communication over the Internet, but their presence does not confirm the interface's ability to communicate on the local link.
Ask Bash
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What is an IPv6 link-local address?
How does the `fe80::/10` prefix differ from a global or unique local IPv6 address?
Why is link-local addressing important in IPv6 networks?
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
Answer Description
In a network server that assigns dynamic IP addresses, the lease time determines the duration a device can keep its IP address before needing to request renewal. Setting this parameter to 168 hours matches the duration equivalent to one week.
Ask Bash
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What role does DHCP play in assigning IP addresses?
How does the lease time affect network devices?
Why would you use DHCP over static IP addressing?
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.
Answer Description
IPS LCD technology aligns liquid crystals parallel to the screen, keeping light transmission more uniform across a wide range of angles. This produces noticeably wider horizontal and vertical viewing angles and better color accuracy than TN panels, whose perpendicular crystal alignment causes color shifting and contrast loss when viewed off-center. Although IPS response times are usually slower and costs higher, those drawbacks do not affect the requirement in this scenario. TN offers fast response but poor side-angle viewing, VA offers high contrast, and OLED uses self-emitting pixels rather than a backlight.
Ask Bash
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What makes IPS panels better for wide viewing angles than TN panels?
How does IPS technology ensure better color accuracy than other panel types?
Why are slower response times in IPS panels not a concern in this scenario?
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
Answer Description
The 4-pin Molex connector was the standard for providing power to internal PATA (IDE) hard drives and optical drives. It delivers both +5V and +12V DC. While newer storage devices use the 15-pin SATA power connector, Molex connectors are still found on older power supplies and are sometimes used for other devices like case fans. USB-C and USB 3.0 are used for external peripherals, and the DB-9 connector is a legacy serial port used for data transfer, not internal power.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
Why are Molex connectors still used even though SATA power connectors are more common now?
What are the differences between a Molex connector and a SATA power connector?
What is the DB-9 connector and why is it not suitable for power delivery?
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
Answer Description
A Private cloud model would be most appropriate for the company as it offers an environment where services are maintained on a private network and the hardware and software are dedicated solely to the organization. This ensures that concerns such as data control and privacy are addressed since the company's sensitive operations are not vulnerable to the risks associated with shared environments like in public clouds. Unlike public and hybrid models, a private cloud is not shared with other organizations and can offer a higher level of security and control, which caters directly to the scenario involving strict data control policies and privacy issues.
Ask Bash
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What differentiates a private cloud from a public cloud?
How does a hybrid cloud differ from a private cloud?
What types of organizations benefit the most from a private cloud model?
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
Answer Description
Port 995 is the designated port for secure POP3 communications, also known as POP3S or POP3 over SSL/TLS. When configuring an email client to retrieve emails securely via POP3, it should be set to use this port, which facilitates encrypted communication to prevent eavesdropping. Port 110 is used for non-secure POP3 connections. Port 587 is for submitting emails via SMTP securely using STARTTLS. Port 993 is typically used for the secure version of the IMAP protocol (IMAPS).
Ask Bash
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What is the difference between POP3 and IMAP?
How does SSL/TLS encryption secure port 995?
Why can't we use port 110 for secure POP3 communication?
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
Answer Description
The correct answer is a serial to USB converter. This device is required because it bridges the gap between the old-style 9-pin D-shaped connector, commonly referred to as a serial connector, and the contemporary interface ports available on newer laptops. An HDMI adapter would not be suitable as it is used for audio and video signals, not serial data communication. An Ethernet adapter is designed for network connectivity and also does not match the signaling or connector shape of a 9-pin serial device. A wireless networking dongle provides wireless connectivity and would not interface with a wired serial connection.
Ask Bash
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What is a serial connector, and why is it used?
How does a Serial to USB converter work?
Why wouldn't an HDMI or Ethernet adapter work for a serial device?
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
Answer Description
Category 6 (Cat 6) cable is the minimum standard that supports 10 Gbps speeds, although it is limited to 55 meters. It is constructed with tighter twists than Cat 5e, and often includes a spline, which provides better resistance to crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI). While a shielded (STP) version of Cat 6 would be optimal for a high-EMI environment, standard Cat 6 still offers superior EMI resistance over Cat 5e. Cat 5e does not support 10 Gbps speeds, making it unsuitable for the future upgrade requirement. Coaxial cable is an outdated standard for local area networks and does not meet the speed requirements. Plenum-rated cable refers to fire-retardant jacketing for air-handling spaces and does not relate to network speed or EMI protection.
Ask Bash
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What does EMI mean and how does it affect network performance?
Why is Cat 6 better for EMI resistance compared to Cat 5e?
What is the difference between standard Cat 6 and shielded Cat 6?
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)
Answer Description
An NVMe M.2 SSD would be the best choice for the high-performance storage device in this scenario. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) drives utilize the PCIe bus for significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to SATA interfaces. The small form factor of the M.2 drive makes it ideal for the SFF workstation while providing ample speed for intensive tasks like graphic design and video editing.
Ask Bash
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What is the difference between NVMe and SATA storage?
What is an M.2 slot, and why is it used in modern systems?
Why is NVMe preferred for graphic design and video editing?
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
Answer Description
802.3af is the correct answer because it is the PoE standard that provides up to 15.4 watts of power per port, which is suitable for devices like VoIP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras. 802.3at, also known as PoE+, provides up to 30 watts of power per port, which is more than needed for most VoIP phones and could indicate a more costly infrastructure than necessary. The other options, 802.3ad and 802.3bt, are incorrect. 802.3ad is actually a standard for link aggregation and not related to PoE, and 802.3bt is an extension to the original PoE standards, supporting up to 60 or 100 watts per port, which is also excessive for standard VoIP phone requirements.
Ask Bash
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What is PoE and how does it work?
How does 802.3af differ from 802.3at in terms of power delivery?
What is the difference between 802.3af and 802.3bt?
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)
Answer Description
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) allows companies to rent IT infrastructure, including servers and virtual machines (VMs), storage, and networks, while retaining full control over the OS and applications. This is suitable for companies that want flexibility and control over their infrastructure without the need to manage physical hardware.
Ask Bash
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What is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)?
How does IaaS differ from SaaS and PaaS?
What are the main benefits of using IaaS over on-premises infrastructure?
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
Answer Description
The correct answer is 'Setting up a virtual machine with the required older version of the operating system'. This is the best solution because it allows the company to create an isolated environment in which the legacy application can operate without being impeded by hardware or software compatibility issues found in modern systems. The other options do not address the need to run a legacy application on an unsupported operating system, hence they are incorrect for this specific scenario.
Ask Bash
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What is a virtual machine, and how does it work?
Why is setting up a virtual machine preferable to dual-booting?
What are the limitations of using a virtual machine?
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.
Answer Description
For the PSU to function correctly without damage, the technician must manually switch the PSU voltage input selector from 110-120 VAC to 220-240 VAC to match the electrical outlet specification. Power supply units with a manual voltage selector can be adjusted to suit the local power grid voltage; failure to set the correct input voltage can result in PSU damage. Configuring the workstations with an automatic voltage regulator would not alter the required PSU input settings. Checking the wattage rating is important for overall power requirements but does not relate directly to the voltage input issue described. While ensuring proper ventilation is generally good practice, it is not the root cause of the failures based on the information provided.
Ask Bash
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Why is the PSU voltage input selector important?
What happens if the PSU voltage input selector is set incorrectly?
What is the difference between manual and automatic voltage selection in PSUs?
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.
Answer Description
Correct: Dust or dirt on internal optical components can block light and cause a dim image, so cleaning the optical path is a valid remedy.
Incorrect options:
- The lamp is one possible cause, but a dim image is not always caused by an aging lamp.
- On most projectors the lamp-hour counter must be reset manually after the bulb is replaced; it does not reset itself automatically.
- Selecting Eco or power-saving mode purposefully reduces lamp power, so user settings can affect brightness.
Therefore, the dust-related statement is the only fully accurate option.
Ask Bash
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What is the optical path in a projector?
How does Eco mode reduce projector brightness?
Why doesn't replacing a projector lamp automatically reset the lamp-hour counter?
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.
Answer Description
Updating the Preferred Roaming List (PRL) on the user's device can resolve issues with cell signal and call drops, especially while traveling, as it provides the phone with updated information about which cell towers to connect to for the best service coverage. Resetting network settings would also refresh the device's connection with the network but does not specifically update the PRL. Updating the operating system does not directly affect the device's ability to connect to the best tower unless there is a specific bug related to mobile connectivity in the current version. Changing the device's location services modifies how the device uses GPS for location-based applications, which does not correlate directly with cellular network connectivity issues.
Ask Bash
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What is a Preferred Roaming List (PRL)?
How do you update the PRL on a mobile device?
Why is PRL important for CDMA devices while traveling?
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
Answer Description
Application virtualization is particularly useful for running software that was designed for outdated operating systems on modern systems, which directly applies to the scenario of providing access to a legacy software tool. Migrating workstation OS is not specific to application virtualization and generally involves upgrading or changing the operating system on a physical machine. Reduced hardware dependency refers to the decreased need for specific hardware when using virtual machines, which is a broader concept of virtualization and not the direct benefit sought in this scenario. While increased portability is a feature of virtualization, the scenario specifically highlights the need to use legacy software on modern systems, which is a classic case for application virtualization.
Ask Bash
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What is application virtualization and how does it work?
How is application virtualization different from traditional virtualization?
Can application virtualization help with software performance issues?
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.
Answer Description
Capacitive trackpads detect very small changes in an electrostatic field. A thin film of moisture, sweat, or dirt can register as additional touches, so the pointer appears to jump or drift. Cleaning and drying the pad usually restores normal tracking.
Out-of-date or corrupted drivers can also cause touchpad-only problems, but those issues usually appear after an operating-system or driver update and are less common than surface contamination. Re-calibrating sensitivity or disabling multi-touch features affects how intentional input is interpreted, not the phantom touches produced by contaminants.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
How does a capacitive trackpad detect input?
Why does moisture or dirt cause erratic cursor behavior on a trackpad?
What are the typical signs of out-of-date or corrupted trackpad drivers?
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
Answer Description
Hardware Virtualization or Virtualization Technology is a feature of many modern CPUs that allows a single processor to act like multiple individual systems, called virtual machines (VMs). This feature enables the CPU to run multiple operating systems on one physical hardware platform by managing the division and scheduling of resources in an efficient manner. It is a critical capability for running virtual environments used in many businesses to maximize hardware utilization and isolate different computing tasks.
Ask Bash
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What is the purpose of hardware virtualization?
How does hardware virtualization differ from hyper-threading?
What are virtual machines (VMs) in the context of hardware virtualization?
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
Answer Description
PCIe (PCI Express) is the modern standard for expansion slots and is designated by its number of lanes, such as x1, x4, x8, and x16. A higher number of lanes provides greater bandwidth, which is critical for components like high-end graphics cards that typically use x16 slots. While the PCIe standard technically includes a x32 configuration, it is not found on common hardware. The other options are incorrect: PCI and AGP are legacy slot types that do not use this lane-based naming convention, and CNR was a specialized, obsolete riser slot.
Ask Bash
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What does the 'x16' mean in a PCIe slot?
What is the difference between PCI and PCIe?
Can you use a smaller PCIe card, like x4, in an x16 slot?
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.
Answer Description
Dot-matrix impact printers create images by striking an ink-soaked ribbon with a print head. When characters appear light or incomplete, the ribbon is usually depleted or worn. Replacing the ribbon cartridge restores ink transfer. Cleaning inkjet nozzles, replacing a laser fuser, or emptying a waste-toner bottle apply to other printer technologies and will not resolve this symptom on an impact printer.
Ask Bash
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What is a dot-matrix impact printer?
How do you replace a ribbon cartridge in a dot-matrix printer?
How does a dot-matrix printer ribbon differ from inkjet or laser printer consumables?
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