CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Exam Questions & Answers

6 Free Questions · Last reviewed: October 3, 2026 · Prepared & Reviewed by the ValidExamDumps Editorial Team

Exam Facts

CompTIA 220-1201 Exam Details

Key details for this exam, checked against the published exam outline

504 Practice Questions (Our Bank)
90 minutes Exam Duration
675 out of 900 Passing Score
USD 274 Official Exam Fee
Exam Code
220-1201
Full Name
CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 (2026)
Issuing Body
CompTIA
Question Format (Our Bank)
Multiple Choice, Hotspot, Drag & Drop
Delivery
Online proctored or at a Pearson VUE test centre
Eligibility
No prerequisites required. Recommended 12 months of hands-on experience in an IT support specialist role.
Full Question Set
504 questions, from $20 50% OFF View full access options
Practice Questions

Free 220-1201 Practice Questions

Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right

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Question 1 Domain 3Hardware

Which of the following cable types is a video-only connection?

Correct Answer: D
Explanation

The correct answer is D. DVI (Digital Visual Interface).

According to CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 objectives under Hardware and Display Technologies:

DVI is primarily a video-only interface that transmits digital or analog video signals from a source (like a computer) to a display.

Unlike HDMI or USB-C, DVI does not carry audio signals, making it strictly for video.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A . DisplayPort: Supports video and audio as well as other features such as daisy-chaining multiple monitors.

B . HDMI: Transmits both video and audio signals over a single cable.

C . USB-C: Can carry data, power, and video/audio signals depending on the device and protocol (e.g., DisplayPort Alt Mode).

References:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Exam Objectives -- Hardware: ''Given a scenario, install and configure display devices and connections including VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C.''

Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Certification Guide, 13th Edition, Chapter on Video Connectors and Display Technologies.

Question 2 Domain 5Hardware and network troubleshooting

A developer wants to ensure their critical data is protected from hard drive failure. Their workstation has two hard drives. Which RAID level should they use?

Correct Answer: B
Explanation

RAID 1 is known as mirroring. It duplicates all data to both drives simultaneously, providing redundancy in the event of a single drive failure. CompTIA A+ teaches that RAID 1 is ideal when reliability is the priority and only two drives are available exactly matching this scenario.

RAID 0 offers no redundancy. RAID 5 requires three or more drives. RAID 10 requires four or more drives.

Since the workstation has only two drives, RAID 1 is the only RAID configuration providing data protection and is heavily featured in CompTIA's coverage of RAID technologies, their requirements, and their purposes in fault tolerance.

Question 3 Domain 3Hardware

An office manager wants to block all outbound internet traffic but continue to enable all inbound traffic. Which of the following should a technician configure to achieve this goal?

Correct Answer: C
Explanation

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

A firewall allows for detailed traffic control, including blocking outbound connections while allowing inbound ones. This is contrary to typical security setups, but it can be configured via advanced firewall rules.

Question 4 Domain 1Mobile devices

Which of the following tools would a technician use to connect wires to an RJ45 connector?

Correct Answer: A
Explanation

A crimper is specifically used to attach RJ45 connectors to the ends of network cables. It pressesthe connector pins into the cable's wires, establishing a secure electrical connection. A punchdown tool is used for wiring patch panels or keystone jacks, not for attaching connectors.

Question 5 Domain 1Mobile devices

Which of the following is used to assign an IP address to a network PC?

Correct Answer: C
Explanation

The correct answer is C. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).

According to CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 objectives under Networking:

DHCP is used to automatically assign IP addresses and related network configuration (such as subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers) to devices on a network.

This eliminates the need for manually configuring IP addresses on each PC and helps prevent conflicts.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A . VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network): VLANs segment a network into logical subnets but do not assign IP addresses.

B . DNS (Domain Name System): DNS translates domain names to IP addresses; it does not assign IP addresses to devices.

D . TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): TCP is a transport layer protocol used for reliable communication between devices, not for IP assignment.

References:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Exam Objectives -- Networking: ''Given a scenario, configure TCP/IP, including DHCP, static addressing, and subnetting.''

Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Certification Guide, 13th Edition, Chapter on Networking Protocols and IP Addressing.

Question 6 Domain 2Networking

A company wants to optimize its hardware usage by running multiple operating systems concurrently on a single physical server. Which of the following concepts achieves this goal?

Correct Answer: A
Explanation

Running multiple operating systems at the same time on a single physical server is accomplished through virtualization. In this scenario, host-based virtualization means a host operating system is installed on the physical server first, and then virtualization software runs on top of that OS to create and manage multiple virtual machines. Each virtual machine can run its own guest operating system independently, while sharing the server's CPU, RAM, storage, and network resources. This improves hardware utilization because one physical server can replace multiple separate machines, and resources can be allocated to VMs based on workload needs.

The other options do not directly describe the concept of running multiple OS instances on the same physical hardware. Public cloud services describe a delivery model where resources are provided by a third-party provider, but the underlying concept enabling multiple OS instances is still virtualization. High-availability clustering focuses on redundancy and failover across multiple servers. Software as a service provides a completed application to users, not multiple OS instances. Load balancing distributes traffic across systems and does not create separate operating systems. Therefore, the correct choice is host-based virtualization.

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Study Guide

What the CompTIA 220-1201 Exam Covers

Exam domains verified against: Official CompTIA 220-1201 exam guide, last checked October 2026.

Domain 1: Mobile devices 13%

Install and configure hardware components like batteries, cameras, and wireless antennas. Set up connection options including USB, Bluetooth, NFC, and docking stations. Troubleshoot hardware faults and connectivity problems.

Sample questions from this domain above: Q4Q5

Domain 2: Networking 23%

Learn protocols, ports, and wireless standards used in modern networks. Configure small office and home office networks with IP addressing, VPNs, and basic security. Use practical troubleshooting tools such as crimpers, cable testers, and Wi-Fi analyzers.

Sample question from this domain above: Q6

Domain 3: Hardware 25%

Install and replace RAM, CPUs, storage drives, and cooling systems. Work with cables and connectors including HDMI, Ethernet, and USB. Configure motherboards and power supplies. Install and maintain printers, scanners, and other peripherals.

Sample questions from this domain above: Q1Q3

Domain 4: Virtualization and cloud computing 11%

Understand virtual machines, hypervisors, and desktop virtualization concepts. Learn cloud delivery models including Infrastructure as a Service, Software as a Service, and Platform as a Service. Identify when to use cloud resources versus on-site infrastructure.

Domain 5: Hardware and network troubleshooting 28%

Diagnose and repair hardware failures, network connectivity issues, and performance problems using systematic troubleshooting methods. Use diagnostic tools including multimeters, cable testers, loopback plugs, and software utilities to identify root causes.

Sample question from this domain above: Q2

FAQ

220-1201 Exam FAQ

Common questions about the exam itself

What skills and experience should I have before taking 220-1201?
CompTIA recommends 12 months of hands-on IT support experience, though the exam has no formal prerequisites. This experience typically covers help desk work, field service, system administration, or similar roles where you work directly with hardware, networks, and user devices. If you have hands-on lab experience or classroom training, you can prepare without that work experience, but the exam assumes you know how to physically handle equipment and diagnose real-world problems.
How hard is 220-1201 compared to other entry-level IT certs?
Core 1 is considered moderately difficult because it tests both knowledge and hands-on troubleshooting across five broad domains. The difficulty comes from the performance-based questions that simulate real scenarios, you might be asked to configure a device or identify what's wrong with a network setup rather than just answer multiple choice. Candidates who have worked in IT support usually find it easier than those who studied only from books.
Which domain in 220-1201 is hardest and how should I study it?
Hardware and network troubleshooting weighs 28 percent of the exam and trips up most candidates because it requires you to think through cause-and-effect rather than memorize facts. Focus on understanding how hardware components interact, practice identifying problems from symptoms (like a computer that won't turn on or a network that has no internet), and use hands-on labs or simulations whenever possible. Working through realistic scenarios is more effective than reading alone.
How long should I spend preparing for 220-1201?
Most candidates need 4 to 12 weeks of focused study, depending on their IT background. If you have relevant work experience or lab time, 4 to 6 weeks is typical. If you are starting from scratch, plan 8 to 12 weeks. This assumes 10 to 15 hours per week studying course material, taking practice tests, and working through hands-on labs. Consistent practice with scenario-based questions and real equipment matters more than total study time.
What happens on exam day for 220-1201?
You sit for 90 minutes of testing at either a Pearson VUE test centre or online with a proctor. You will see multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop questions, and performance-based simulations. The exam is computer-based and delivers results immediately after completion. You receive a score report that breaks down your performance by domain, showing which areas you passed and which need work. Plan for about two hours total at the test centre or logged into your online session to account for check-in and instructions.
What are the retake and rescheduling rules for 220-1201?
You can reschedule your exam up to 24 hours before your appointment. If you fail your first attempt, you can retake it immediately. If you fail a second time, you must wait 14 days before a third attempt. Each retake requires a new voucher purchase unless you bought a retake assurance bundle. Vouchers themselves are valid for 12 months from purchase.
How long does the CompTIA A+ certification stay valid after I pass 220-1201 and 220-1202?
Your A+ certification is valid for three years from the date you pass both Core 1 and Core 2. To renew before expiration, you can take a higher-level CompTIA exam (such as Network+ or Security+), or participate in CompTIA's Continuing Education program and pay a renewal fee of USD 75 over the three-year period.
What job role does 220-1201 prepare me for?
Passing both Core 1 and Core 2 qualifies you for entry-level IT support roles including Help Desk Technician, Technical Support Specialist, Field Service Technician, or IT Support Specialist. These roles involve diagnosing hardware and software problems, supporting end users, installing and configuring devices, and maintaining networks. Many employers require A+ certification as a minimum credential for these positions.
How does 220-1201 relate to other CompTIA exams?
220-1201 is Core 1 of the A+ certification, you must also pass 220-1202 (Core 2) to earn your A+ credential. After A+, most candidates move to CompTIA Network+, which focuses on networking infrastructure and administration, or CompTIA Security+, which covers cybersecurity and compliance. Network+ assumes you know A+ hardware and networking basics. A+ is prerequisite knowledge for any advanced CompTIA or vendor-specific IT certification.
Can I take 220-1201 and 220-1202 in either order?
Yes. Core 1 and Core 2 are independent exams and you can sit for them in any order. Most candidates take Core 1 first because hardware knowledge is foundational, understanding how physical components work makes operating system and software troubleshooting in Core 2 easier to learn. You do not need to pass Core 1 before taking Core 2, but passing both is required to earn the A+ credential.