CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 01,2026- Exam Code: 220-1201
- Exam Name: CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1
- Certification Provider: CompTIA
- Latest update: Oct 01,2026
Which of the following utilizes specialized ports on a laptop to expand the local connection options?
- A . NFC adapter
- B . Docking station
- C . Port replicator
- D . USB dongle
B
Explanation:
A docking station connects to a laptop’s proprietary port or USB-C/Thunderbolt, providing access to multiple additional ports(USB, Ethernet, video, audio, etc.). It allows users to transform a laptop into a full desktop workstation.
Option A (NFC adapter): Used for short-range communication, not port expansion.
Option C (Port replicator): Similar to a dock but usually less powerful and often lacks charging or video output.
Option D (USB dongle): Adds a single function (like Wi-Fi or storage), not full port expansion.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective
Reference:
Objective 1.4: Given a scenario, configure settings and use cases for laptops and mobile devices.
Which of the following types of RAM is typically used in servers?
- A . SODIMM
- B . Rambus
- C . DDR3
- D . ECC
D
Explanation:
ECC (Error-Correcting Code) RAM is commonly used in servers to provide error detection and correction, improving reliability in critical systems. It is designed to detect and correct single-bit errors, ensuring data integrity in environments where stability is paramount.
Option A (SODIMM): Incorrect. SODIMM is typically used in laptops, not servers.
Option B (Rambus): Incorrect. Rambus is an outdated RAM type and not commonly used today.
Option C (DDR3): Incorrect. While DDR3 is a type of RAM, it is not specific to servers and does not provide error correction.
References:
CompTIA A+ Core 1 Objectives: 3.2 (RAM types and their uses)
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
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:
Which of the following involves installing an application on a server so several users can run the application concurrently without the need for local installation?
- A . Client virtualization
- B . Software as a service
- C . Sandboxing
- D . Embedded software
A
Explanation:
Client virtualization involves installing an application on a server and enabling multiple users to run the application simultaneously via virtualized sessions. This eliminates the need for individual installations on local machines.
Why Not B (Software as a Service): SaaS delivers software over the internet and does not require local installations but is managed by a third party, not the organization itself.
Why Not C (Sandboxing): Sandboxing is for isolating applications for security testing, not for concurrent user access.
Why Not D (Embedded software): Embedded software is installed on hardware devices, not shared across multiple users.
CompTIA A+ Exam
Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 4.2, virtualization concepts.
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
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.
A technician needs to ensure all data communications on all network devices are encrypted when logging in to the console.
Which of the following protocols should the technician enable?
- A . SSH
- B . LDAP
- C . FTPS
- D . SMTP
A
Explanation:
SSH (Secure Shell) encrypts data communications for secure remote login and management of network devices, ensuring all console connections are encrypted.
Why Not B (LDAP): LDAP is used for directory services and does not encrypt by default.
Why Not C (FTPS): FTPS encrypts file transfers, not console communications.
Why Not D (SMTP): SMTP is used for email transmission, not for securing login sessions.
CompTIA A+ Exam
Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 2.7, network security protocols.
Which of the following technologies best allows a phone to connect to a point-of-sale terminal for wireless payments?
- A . Bluetooth
- B . NFC
- C . Wi-Fi
- D . Cellular
B
Explanation:
Near-field communication (NFC) is a short-distance wireless communication method widely used in mobile payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Simply placing the device near a compatible terminal initiates the payment process.
#Reference: "Mike Meyers’ CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide" C Chapter 24, page 1022.
A technician is experimenting with network configurations and has connected two laptops to an unmanaged switch. The technician configured one of the laptops with a static IP address of 192.168.1.1 and the other with a static IP address of 192.168.2.2. The laptops are not communicating with each other.
Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this issue?
- A . The technician needs to use a hub instead of a switch.
- B . The wireless NICs are malfunctioning.
- C . PoE interferes with intersubnet communication.
- D . The laptops do not have access to a router.
A salesperson is unable to use a personal device to access emails and calendar features at a client site but was able to use the device while at the office.
Which of the following policies has been enforced on the salesperson’s mobile device?
- A . MOW
- B . MAN
- C . MFA
- D . MAM
D
Explanation:
Mobile Application Management (MAM) enforces policies restricting access to apps and services based on location, ensuring security at external sites.
Why Not A (MOW): "Mobile Only Workplace" (MOW) is not a recognized term in this context.
Why Not B (MAN): Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is unrelated to mobile device policies.
Why Not C (MFA): Multi-Factor Authentication secures user accounts but does not enforce app restrictions.
CompTIA A+ Exam
Reference: Core 2 (220-1102), Section 2.7, mobile device security policies.
A help desk technician needs to work on a high-volume printer. Users have reported occasional paper jams and smudges appearing on printed documents.
Which of the following steps should the technician do next to address these issues?
- A . Perform a full factory reset.
- B . Check and clean the rollers.
- C . Change all the ink or toner cartridges.
- D . Replace the fuser.
B
Explanation:
Paper jams and smudging in high-volume printers are often caused by dirty or worn rollers. Rollers are responsible for feeding the paper through the printer. Over time, they accumulate dust, toner residue, or wear out, resulting in misfeeds or jams. Cleaning or replacing them typically resolves this issue.
Option A (Factory reset): A full reset does not directly address mechanical issues like dirty rollers or smudging. It’s a last resort and more relevant to configuration or software-related issues.
Option C (Change toner cartridges): While toner quality can affect print quality, it won’t usually cause jams or widespread smudging unless the cartridge is leaking ― which is less likely across multiple users.
Option D (Replace the fuser): A damaged fuser could cause smudging, but this is typically after extensive use and is not the first thing to check. Fuser issues also usually present more persistent, uniform smudges.
CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective
Reference:
Objective 3.7: Given a scenario, troubleshoot common printer problems.