220-1101 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

A media converter is a network device that operates as a bridge function, which means it connects two different types of network media, such as copper and fiber optic cables, and converts signals between them. This allows network devices that use different media types to communicate with each other over long distances or in different environments, without requiring major changes or upgrades to the existing network infrastructure. Reference: https://www.comptia.org/training/books/a-core-1-220-1101-study-guide (page 73)

 Enabling high-accuracy mode is the most likely action to resolve the issue of unreliable GPS on a user’s phone. High-accuracy mode uses multiple sources of location data, such as Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and Bluetooth, to improve the accuracy and reliability of GPS. Replacing the battery, disabling Wi-Fi connections, or utilizing a third-party map application are unlikely to fix the GPS issue, as they are not directly related to the GPS function

Optical fiber is the type of cable that should be used to terminate ST connectors on each end. ST connectors are commonly used for fiber optic cables, which transmit data using light pulses. Coaxial, shielded twisted pair, and HDMI are not types of cables that use ST connectors, but different types of connectors and transmission methods. 

Following corporate procedures would have been the most likely factor that could have prevented the technician from receiving the written warning. Following established procedures, such as change management, helps ensure that changes made to the production environment are thoroughly tested, approved, and implemented in a controlled and safe manner, reducing the risk of system-wide outages and other unintended consequences.

A cable tester and a crimper are the best tools to execute the task of replacing all RJ45 cables in a customer environment. A cable tester can be used to check the continuity and quality of a cable, and a crimper can be used to attach RJ45 connectors to the ends of a cable. An optical fiber tester is a tool that can be used to test fiber optic cables, which are not RJ45 cables. Scissors are not a tool for replacing cables, but for cutting them. A coaxial cable is a type of cable that has a single copper conductor at its center, which is not an RJ45 cable either. A screwdriver is not a tool for replacing cables, but for fastening or loosening screws.

To configure a printer for network communications, the technician must configure its network settings, such as gateway, subnet mask, and IP address. The gateway is the IP address of the router or device that connects the printer to other networks or the internet. The subnet mask is a value that defines which part of the IP address identifies the network and which part identifies the host or device on that network. The IP address is a unique identifier that allows the printer to communicate with other devices.

A patch panel is a mounted hardware unit containing ports used to manage cable connections. The individual pairs of a Cat 6 cable are terminated on the patch panel, which then provides a central location for cable management and organization. The patch panel is then connected to the switch using a patch cable.

The most likely cause of the problem is that the printing trays are not configured to match the paper size of the print jobs. The technician should verify that the printing trays are correctly set for 8.5in x 14in (216mm x 356mm) paper and that the printer driver settings match the tray settings. This will ensure that the printer can feed and print the paper correctly without cutting off any part of the document.

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware component that provides cryptographic functions and secure storage for encryption keys, passwords, and certificates. BitLocker requires a TPM to be enabled and activated in the BIOS or UEFI settings of the laptop in order to use SSD-level encryption. The technician should check that the TPM is enabled and activated before trying to turn on BitLocker. Reference: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/a-core-series-combined-content-guide (page 34)

A multipage misfeed is when more than one sheet of paper feeds into the printer at once, causing paper jams or misprints. A multipage misfeed can be caused by low paper supply or wrinkled paper in the tray, as reported by the user in this case. High latency is not related to paper jams, but to network delays or slow performance. Page orientation refers to whether the page is printed in portrait or landscape mode, which does not affect paper jams either. Driver mismatch could cause printing errors or compatibility issues, but not paper jams.

A network tap is a physical device that allows promiscuous monitoring of network traffic by creating a copy of the data packets for analysis. A toner probe is used to trace and identify cables. A Wi-Fi analyzer is used to measure wireless signal strength and interference. A loopback plug is used to test network ports or cables by sending and receiving signals from the same device. 

This is because the fuser is the part of the printer that heats and melts the toner onto the paper. If the fuser is defective or dirty, it can cause streaks or smudges on printed pages. The system board and the memory are not related to the quality of the print output. The paper tray may cause paper jams or misfeeds, but not streaks on the paper.

A hotspot is a wireless access point that provides internet access to devices that are connected to it. The technician can use a hotspot to check if the laptop's wireless NIC is functional by connecting the laptop to the hotspot and then trying to browse the internet. If the laptop is able to browse the internet, then the wireless NIC is functional.

Near-field communication (NFC) is a wireless technology that allows two devices to communicate with each other when they are in close proximity. NFC is not typically used to check if a wireless NIC is functional.

An Ethernet tap is a device that is used to monitor network traffic. An Ethernet tap is not typically used to check if a wireless NIC is functional.

A spectrum analyzer is a device that is used to measure the frequency spectrum of a signal. A spectrum analyzer is not typically used to check if a wireless NIC is functional.

Therefore, the correct answer is A. Hotspot.

The cloud model that BEST addresses the company’s need is the Community cloud model. A community cloud is a cloud infrastructure in which multiple organizations share resources and services based on common operational and regulatory requirements. The concept of a community cloud is akin to a community garden, where different individuals grow produce on a single piece of shared land1.

The technician should research the requirements of the CAD program to see if the computer meets them or needs any upgrades or updates to run it properly. The technician should also check the Event Viewer logs to see if there are any errors or warnings related to the application or system performance that could indicate the cause of the problem or suggest a solution. Reference: https://www.comptia.org/training/books/a-core-1-220-1101-study-guide (pages 43, 47)

correct answer is "Overclocking" and "Reduce CPU Clock speed" CPU is at 4.5 Ghz when normal is 3.2 Ghz. Overclocking too much can cause freezes, and this is a gaming computer so the user probably took it too far. http://blog.logicalincrements.com/2018/12/4-troubleshooting-tips-overclocking-pc/

Calibrating the touch screen is the best action to resolve the issue of inaccurate touch input. Calibration adjusts the touch screen’s sensitivity and alignment to match the user’s touch. Resetting the mobile device could erase user data and settings and may not fix the touch screen issue. Replacing the LED screen or updating the mobile device are unnecessary and costly actions that may not solve the problem.

A loopback plug is a device that can be used to test the functionality of a network interface card (NIC) by sending and receiving data packets from itself. The loopback plug connects to the NIC’s port and simulates a network connection without requiring another device or cable. The technician can use a loopback plug to verify that the NIC is able to transmit and receive data without errors or interruptions.

A client-side hypervisor is a virtual machine monitor (VMM) that resides in and virtualizes a user’s computer, allowing it to run multiple operating systems (or virtual machines) on shared hardware12. A client-side hypervisor can be useful for a software developer who needs to test an application in many environments, such as different versions of Windows, Linux, or Mac OS. By using a client-side hypervisor, the developer can switch between different virtual machines without rebooting the computer or using multiple physical devices3.

This is because HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital video cable that can also carry audio signals1. HDMI cables are commonly used to connect devices like Blu-ray players, game consoles, and streaming boxes to HDTVs and monitors. The other options are not capable of carrying audio signals. VGA (Video Graphics Array) is an analog video cable that only carries RGBHV signals12. S-Video (Super Video) is another analog video cable that carries separate luminance and chrominance signals1. DVI (Digital Visual Interface) is a digital video cable that can carry either analog or digital signals, but not audio1.

A CPU fan is a component that cools down the CPU, which is the main processor of the computer. If the CPU fan is failing, it can cause the computer to slow down and the fans to alternate between silent and very loud12. This is because the CPU fan cannot maintain a consistent speed and airflow to keep the CPU at a safe temperature. When the CPU gets too hot, it throttles its performance to avoid overheating, which results in a slower computer. The other fans in the computer also try to compensate for the lack of cooling from the CPU fan by spinning faster and louder2.

The best choice for the user's laptop is a 1TB NVMe SSD. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a high-performance storage protocol designed specifically for solid-state drives (SSDs). It is significantly faster than SATA SSDs and SAS hard drives, making it ideal for users who need fast storage for their laptop. NVMe SSDs also have lower latency and higher bandwidth than traditional hard drives, making them well-suited for data-intensive tasks such as video editing, gaming, and running multiple applications simultaneously. Additionally, NVMe offers more reliable data reliability than traditional hard drives, and is less susceptible to performance degradation over time.

A toner probe is a tool that can be used to trace and identify cables in a wiring closet. The technician can use a toner probe to find the cable that connects the new computer to the internet. A cable tester is a tool that can be used to check the continuity and quality of a cable. A loopback plug is a tool that can be used to test network ports or cables by sending and receiving signals from the same device. A punchdown tool is a tool that can be used to terminate wires into a patch panel or jack.

Thunderbolt 3 is a USB-C port, so any device with a USB-C connector can be plugged into it. MiniUSB, microUSB and USB-A are not compatible with Thunderbolt 3.

Since the RAID card does not support hot swapping, the technician needs to shut down the server and check the RAID controller’s status to verify RAID health. S.M.A.R.T. is a feature of hard drives, not RAID cards. Replacing the failed drive while users are connected could cause data loss or corruption. Physically cleaning the HDDs and connectors is unlikely to solve the slow boot time and performance issues. 

Metered utilization is a cloud feature that allows cloud providers to charge customers based on their actual consumption of resources, such as CPU time, storage space, bandwidth, or transactions.This enables customers to pay only for the resources they use, rather than a fixed or flat rate, which can reduce costs and increase efficiency. Metered utilization can also provide more transparency and accountability for both cloud providers and customers, as they can track and monitor their resource usage and billing. Reference: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/a-core-1-content-guide (page 97)

The technician should check that the audio inputs are configured correctly for the videoconference software and that they are not muted or disabled.The technician should also make sure that the microphone is plugged in properly and that it is not faulty or damaged.If possible, the technician should test the microphone on another device or use another microphone on the same device to isolate the problem. Reference: https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/a-core-1-content-guide (page 11)

Quad-channel memory architecture allows the CPU to access four memory modules simultaneously, increasing the memory bandwidth and performance. DDR4 RAM is a type of memory that has higher speed and lower power consumption than DDR3. SODIMM is a smaller form factor of memory that is typically used in laptops, not desktops. ECC RAM is a type of memory that can detect and correct errors, but it is more expensive and slower than non-ECC RAM. Triple-channel memory architecture is less common and less efficient than quad-channel. References: https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a#examdetails https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-ddr4-ram https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-quad-channel-memory

A non-volatile memory express (NVMe) solid state drive (SSD) is the best option for an end user who wants to upgrade the hard drive on a laptop and wants one that is fast and shock resistant.NVMe SSDs use flash memory and PCIe interface to achieve high performance and low latency.SSDs are also more shock resistant than hard disk drives (HDDs) because they have no moving parts.Hybrid HDD/SSD combines both technologies but does not offer the same speed or capacity as pure SSDs.A 5,400rpm HDD or a 7,200rpm HDD are slower and less shock resistant than SSDs

The BEST solution to mitigate spam that appears to come from an organization's own domain is to implement SPF (Sender Policy Framework). SPF is an email validation protocol designed to detect and prevent email spoofing, which is a common tactic used by spammers. By publishing SPF records in the organization's DNS (Domain Name System), the recipient's mail server can check if an incoming email originated from a valid source. If the email fails SPF authentication, it can be blocked or flagged as spam. Therefore, SPF helps to prevent email spoofing and mitigate the risk of spam coming from an organization's own domain

The screen rotation is locked. If a user’s touch-screen tablet is having an issue with screen orientation, it could be due to screen rotation being locked in device settings.

If the screen rotation is locked, the touch-screen tablet will not rotate the screen when the device is turned. This can usually be unlocked in the settings or by pressing a specific key combination. References: https://www.howtogeek.com/254132/how-to-enable-screen-rotation-on-windows-10/

If a computer is not booting and the onboard speaker emits beeps, it can indicate a hardware issue. One of the most common causes of beep codes is overheating, which can occur if the processor's fan is not properly installed and running. The processor's fan is responsible for cooling the processor and preventing damage to the internal components.

Utilizing a grounding strap is the safest way to replace RAM on a server that has a redundant power supply. This ensures that no static electricity is transferred to any of the server components, which could cause permanent damage. The other options are not the correct methods for replacing RAM. Unplugging one power cable is not recommended, as it could cause the server to go offline and disrupt any services that are running. Verifying the RAM temperature is not necessary and does not provide any additional safety measures, and replacing the RAM while the server is running is not recommended, as it could cause system instability.

Enabling secure boot will verify the digital signature of the bootloader and operating system, ensuring that the system only boots from trusted and authorised sources. This can prevent booting from an unauthorised live CD or other external media.

The best way to prevent booting from a live Linux CD on a computer in a shared space on campus is to enable secure boot. Secure boot is a feature that ensures that the system only runs software that is signed by an authorized party. This means that the system will not boot from any unauthorized media, including live Linux CDs.

Secure Boot is a feature that ensures that the system only runs software that is signed by an authorized party. This means that the system will not boot from any unauthorized media, including live Linux CDs. Secure Boot is an important security feature designed to prevent malicious software from loading when your PC starts up (boots)1.

Booting from a live Linux CD is a process that allows you to run a Linux operating system from a CD or DVD without installing it on your hard drive. This can be useful for testing or troubleshooting purposes. To boot from a live Linux CD, you need to insert the CD or DVD into your computer’s CD/DVD drive and restart your computer. Most systems are set up to automatically boot from the CD/DVD drive, but if your system is not set up this way, you may need to change a system setting to boot from a Linux CD/DVD23.

If a user’s PC is very sluggish, the HDD light on the PC is constantly on without blinking, the PC itself is slow receiving input, and it takes a very long time to load the OS, the HDD has no free space is most likely the cause of these issues. When the hard disk drive (HDD) has no free space, the computer may become slow and unresponsive. The technician should check the amount of free space on the HDD and delete any unnecessary files to free up space.

The user should configure the print job to use the Duplex option, which will print on both sides of the paper and reduce the amount of paper used.

NFC (Near Field Communication) is the technology used for contactless payment features on mobile payment devices. If a mobile payment device is having issues with its contactless payment feature and is not detecting payment options, it is most likely due to an issue with the NFC functionality of the device.

The contactless payment feature on a mobile payment device uses NFC (Near Field Communication) to detect payment options. If the device is not detecting payment options, the issue may be related to a problem with the NFC feature. References: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/31790/near-field-communication-nfc

It is designed to protect an organization's network infrastructure and data from unauthorized access, while allowing legitimate traffic to pass through. Firewalls can be configured to enforce security policies that block certain types of traffic, limit access to specific network resources, and prevent attacks such as malware and phishing.

A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It establishes a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network, such as the Internet. Firewalls are used to implement network security policies for an environment by controlling access to the network and protecting it from unauthorized access.

A firewall is used to implement network security policies. It monitors incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules and can block traffic that does not meet the defined criteria. References: CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Tenth Edition by Mike Meyers (Chapter 6, page 243)