comptia 220-1201 practice test

Exam Title: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1

Last update: Nov 27 ,2025
Question 1

A user wants to print files from an overseas office using a shared network folder. The user's laptop
has no public-facing internet connectivity. Which of the following can be used to print from the
shared network folder?

  • A. ADF
  • B. USB
  • C. PCL
  • D. SMB
Answer:

D


Explanation:
SMB (Server Message Block)is a protocol used to access files and printers over a network, including
across shared network folders. It enables the user to access and print files stored remotely on a
shared directory.
Option A (ADF):Automatic Document Feeder — hardware, not a network protocol.
Option B (USB):Used for direct physical connections, not for printing over networks.
Option C (PCL):Printer Command Language — relates to printer drivers, not file sharing or access.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:
Objective 3.4: Given a scenario, install and configure printers.

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Question 2

An SAS RAID array has severely degraded and gone offline A systems administrator examines the
syslog, and the point of failure is not obvious. Which of the following techniques should the
administrator use to identify the issue (Select two).

  • A. Run a magnet over each drive.
  • B. Check if one of the drives is not level
  • C. Listen for clicking and grinding noises
  • D. Check the OS logs
  • E. Update the RAID controller firmware.
  • F. Check the historical SMART data
Answer:

C,F


Explanation:
Clicking and grinding noises indicate mechanical drive failure.
SMART data provides insights into the health and status of drives, helping identify failing
components in the RAID array.
Why Not A (Run a magnet): This would damage drives.
Why Not B (Check if one drive is not level): Physical leveling is irrelevant.
Why Not D (Check OS logs): OS logs may provide limited information for RAID arrays.
Why Not E (Update RAID controller firmware): While important, it does not diagnose drive failure.
CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 3.3, storage troubleshooting​.

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Question 3

A user reports that a software application functioned as expected the previous day, but this morning,
the user is unable to launch the application. Which of the following describe what the technician
should do next?

  • A. Research the symptoms
  • B. Identify any changes the user has made
  • C. Determine which steps need to be performed.
  • D. Check the vendor's website for guidance.
Answer:

B


Explanation:
Identifying changes made to the system is the next step to troubleshoot why an application no longer
launches, as recent changes often cause such issues.
Why Not A (Research the symptoms): Research is broader and should come after identifying changes.
Why Not C (Determine which steps need to be performed): This comes after identifying the issue.
Why Not D (Check the vendor's website): This is a later step if further guidance is needed.
CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 2 (220-1102), Section 3.1, troubleshooting methodology​.

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Question 4

A user's wireless headset shows a "connected" status when turned on, but the Bluetooth list on the
user's phone shows that the headset is "not connected." Which of the following should the
technician do?

  • A. Enter the PIN.
  • B. Turn off Wi-Fi.
  • C. Re-pair the devices.
  • D. Enable Bluetooth.
Answer:

C


Explanation:
When a device shows asnot connectedeven though it previously paired, the most effective action is
tore-pair the devices. This resets the Bluetooth connection, clears any corruption in pairing profiles,
and re-establishes communication.
Option A:Entering a PIN is only relevant during initial pairing and may not be prompted again.
Option B:Turning off Wi-Fi doesn’t typically affect Bluetooth; they operate on similar frequencies but
don’t conflict this way in normal use.
Option D:If Bluetooth were disabled, the device wouldn’t appear at all, not just show as “not
connected.”
CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:
Objective 1.5: Given a scenario, connect and configure accessories and ports of mobile devices.

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Question 5

Which of the following connectors can be used to charge most modern mobile devices and may have
the capacity to send data audio and video?

  • A. Lightning
  • B. USB-C
  • C. MicroUSB
  • D. MiniUSB
Answer:

B


Explanation:
B . USB-C:
USB-C is a versatile connector that supports charging, high-speed data transfer, and the ability to
send audio and video signals (e.g., DisplayPort over USB-C).
It is used by most modern mobile devices and laptops because of its fast transfer speeds and power
delivery capabilities.
Incorrect Options:
A . Lightning: Lightning is proprietary to Apple devices and does not natively support video output.
C . MicroUSB: MicroUSB is outdated and does not support video output.
D . MiniUSB: MiniUSB is an older standard and does not support modern features like video output
or fast charging.
Key Takeaway: USB-C is the most versatile connector for charging and transferring data, audio, and
video.
Reference: CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objectives (220-1201), Domain 3.1 – Cable types and features.

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Question 6

Which of the following DNS records would an administrator change to redirect email flow?

  • A. MX
  • B. TXT
  • C. SPF
  • D. CNAME
Answer:

A


Explanation:
AnMX (Mail Exchange)record defineswhich mail servers are responsible for receiving emailfor a
domain. If you want to change or redirect email traffic, theMX recordmust be updated with the
correct server information.
Option B (TXT):Stores text-based info — used for SPF, DKIM, etc.
Option C (SPF):Part of email authentication stored in a TXT record; doesn’t redirect traffic.
Option D (CNAME):Alias for another domain name — not used for email routing.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:
Objective 2.4: Compare and contrast common networking hardware.
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Question 7

A technician receives a tablet that looks like it has a bulge inside. The bulge is pushing the screen
away from the backplate. The tablet still turns on when it is plugged in, but the screen looks
damaged and turns off when unplugged. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this issue?

  • A. Malfunctioning power supply
  • B. Damaged charge port
  • C. Deprecated battery
  • D. Broken screen
Answer:

C


Explanation:
Abulging tablet casingis a classic sign of aswollen lithium-ion battery, often caused by age,
overheating, or overcharging. This is adangerous condition, as swollen batteries can rupture or catch
fire. It also explains why the tablet only works when plugged in — the battery is no longer holding a
charge.
Option A:Power supply issues wouldn’t cause physical bulging.
Option B:A bad charge port wouldn’t cause screen damage or physical distortion.
Option D:A broken screen could cause display issues, but not the bulging chassis.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:
Objective 1.4: Given a scenario, configure settings and use cases for laptops and mobile devices.
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Question 8

A technician is replacing a failed power supply in a ten-year-old computer When installing the
customer-provided power supply, the technician discovers the ATX connector would not plug into the
motherboard. The customer wants a cost-effective solution. Which of the following should the
technician do next?

  • A. Adjust the input voltage.
  • B. Install a modular power supply.
  • C. Rebuild the failed power supply.
  • D. Use a 20-pin to 24-pin adapter.
Answer:

D


Explanation:
Older motherboards use 20-pin connectors, while newer power supplies use 24-pin connectors. An
adapter resolves the compatibility issue cost-effectively.
Why Not A (Adjust the input voltage): Input voltage adjustment is unrelated to connector
compatibility.
Why Not B (Install a modular power supply): While modular supplies are versatile, this doesn’t
address the connector issue directly.
Why Not C (Rebuild the failed power supply): Rebuilding is costly and complex compared to using an
adapter.
CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 3.4, power supply compatibility​.

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Question 9

A technician is troubleshooting a PoE phone that will not turn on. When a laptop is plugged directly
into the switchport for the phone the technician sees a data link LED and activity. Which of the
following tools should the technician use to verify PoE availability to the phone?

  • A. Network tap
  • B. Cable tester
  • C. Loopback plug
  • D. Toner probe
Answer:

B


Explanation:
Reasoning: A cable tester capable of testing Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality can verify
whether the switchport is providing the required power to the phone. This tool measures both the
presence of data and the voltage or wattage being provided through the Ethernet cable.
This is the most effective way to confirm that PoE is available on the port.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A . Network tap:
A network tap is primarily used to monitor network traffic, not to test for PoE availability. It cannot
verify if power is being supplied through the Ethernet cable.
C . Loopback plug:
A loopback plug is used to test the functionality of a network port by creating a loop for transmitted
and received signals. It does not measure or verify PoE availability.
D . Toner probe:
A toner probe is used for tracing and identifying network cables. It cannot test for PoE functionality.
Practical Example:
A PoE phone might not turn on due to a misconfigured or faulty switchport. Using a cable tester
capable of measuring PoE would help the technician determine if the switchport is supplying
sufficient power to the phone.
CompTIA A+ Exam Objective Alignment:
Objective 2.1: Identify common networking hardware and tools, including PoE-enabled devices and
cable testers.

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Question 10

A technician has discovered that some users are connected to a network that is not available on the
user interface. Which of the following is the most effective tool the technician can use to identify
networks that are not broadcasting SSIDs?

  • A. Cable tester
  • B. Toner probe
  • C. Wi-Fi analyzer
  • D. Loopback plug
Answer:

C


Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step
Wi-Fi Analyzer:
A Wi-Fi analyzer is a tool used to detect and analyze wireless networks, even those that are not
broadcasting their SSIDs (hidden networks).
It provides detailed information about nearby networks, including signal strength, channel usage,
and security protocols.
In this case, the Wi-Fi analyzer can identify the hidden networks that users are connected to, which
are not visible on the standard user interface.
Incorrect Options:
A . Cable tester: A cable tester is used to test the integrity of physical network cables. It does not
detect wireless networks or SSIDs.
B . Toner probe: A toner probe is used to trace and identify cables within a wiring system. It is not
applicable to wireless network analysis.
D . Loopback plug: A loopback plug is used to test the functionality of a network port or NIC. It is
unrelated to identifying hidden wireless networks.
Key Takeaway:
The most effective tool for identifying hidden wireless networks is a Wi-Fi analyzer, as it can detect
networks that are not broadcasting their SSIDs.
Reference: CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objectives (220-1201), Domain 2.5 – Explain basic wired and
wireless networking concepts, including Wi-Fi tools and protocols.

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