220-1201 CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam (2026) Free Practice Exam Questions (2026 Updated)

Laptop display assemblies typically include not only the LCD panel but also the webcam, microphone, display cable, and critically, the Wi-Fi antennas. In most laptops, Wi-Fi antennas are built into the display bezel, because the elevated position allows for stronger wireless signal reception. When replacing the entire display assembly, the antennas must be carefully disconnected and reconnected during reinstallation.

CompTIA A+ emphasizes proper cable routing and antenna reattachment as essential steps in laptop hardware disassembly and reassembly. Failing to reconnect these antennas results in weak or nonfunctional wireless connectivity, even though the display replacement itself may be successful.

Heat sinks and CPU fans are located on the motherboard and are unrelated to display assembly replacement. Resetting BIOS settings is unnecessary unless troubleshooting firmware-related issues, not replacing hardware components like a display. Therefore, the only action that aligns with standard laptop design and CompTIA A+ procedures is ensuring that the wireless antennas are reconnected.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

An A record maps a domain name to an IPv4 address in a DNS server.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 2.6 – DNS records:

“A records map hostnames to IPv4 addresses, while AAAA records map to IPv6 addresses.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 2: DNS Records

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 2.6

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Single-mode fiber (as well as multi-mode fiber) transmits data using beams of light, allowing for high-speed data transfer over flexible fiber-optic cables.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 2.1 – Networking media:

“Fiber optic cables transmit data using light. Single-mode fiber is used for long-distance, high-speed communication.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 2: Networking Media

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 2.1

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Refresh rate is the most relevant display attribute for reducing perceived motion blur and improving motion smoothness in fast-paced video or gaming. Refresh rate, measured in hertz, indicates how many times the display can update the image each second. A 120Hz or 144Hz display can present more individual frames per second than a 60Hz display, producing smoother movement and making rapidly moving objects easier to follow. Response time also affects ghosting because it measures how quickly pixels change from one state to another, but refresh rate is the broader attribute governing how frequently new frames are displayed. Resolution controls the number of pixels and therefore image detail, not motion smoothness. Color accuracy determines how faithfully colours are reproduced and does not directly reduce blur. For the best result, a high refresh rate should be paired with a low pixel-response time.

User authentication allows access to device functions (like printing and copying) to be restricted to authorized personnel. This is typically implemented on networked multifunction devices for security and auditing.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.4 – Printer and device security:

“Enable user authentication on shared multifunction devices to restrict access to specific features for authorized users only.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Printer Security

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.4

A loopback plug is a diagnostic tool used to test whether a physical port such as an Ethernet NIC port or serial port is capable of sending and receiving its own signal. When inserted, it “loops” outgoing signals back into the device, confirming the port ' s transmit/receive functionality.

CompTIA A+ emphasizes loopback plugs as essential tools during hardware and network troubleshooting, especially when isolating physical port or NIC failures.

Network taps passively monitor traffic, crimpers attach RJ45 connectors to cables, and patch panels organize cabling none of these verify port-level functionality. Therefore, only a loopback plug can confirm that a port is working correctly by testing signal integrity and hardware responsiveness.

A hybrid cloud combines on-premises infrastructure with public cloud services. One significant advantage is that it allows organizations to keep sensitive data in a private environment to meet regulatory or data residency requirements, while still utilizing the scalability and cost-efficiency of the public cloud for other workloads. This ensures compliance with legal mandates about data location.

NFC (Near-Field Communication)operates atvery short ranges usually less than 4cm, and is ideal for quick, secure transactions like contactless payments.Bluetoothsupportslonger ranges (up to 10 meters or 32 feet)and is suited for ongoing connections like wireless headsets or file transfers.

Option A:Bluetooth is faster for large file transfers.

Option B:NFC usesless power, not more.

Option C:NFC doesnotrequire pairing Bluetooth does.

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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PoE (Power over Ethernet) allows both data and electrical power to be delivered over the same Ethernet cable. A PoE injector adds power to Ethernet cables for devices that need it.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 2.2 – Networking hardware:

“Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology and PoE injectors enable both power and data transmission to compatible network devices like access points and IP cameras.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Hardware

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 2.2

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When both charging and dock-connected peripherals fail at the same time, the problem is most likely with the dock itself or its internal controller circuitry rather than the laptop’s operating system or a single peripheral device. The technician has already verified key prerequisites: the dock has power, the laptop ports show no physical damage, and system firmware (BIOS/UEFI) is current. Those checks reduce the likelihood of a simple firmware incompatibility or a damaged laptop connector.

In CompTIA A+ troubleshooting methodology, the next step is to substitute with a known-good component to isolate the fault quickly. Replacing (or testing with) another dock confirms whether the original docking station has failed. If the replacement dock restores charging and peripherals immediately, the root cause is confirmed without unnecessary invasive actions.

Switching the power supply could be a valid step if power was questionable, but the prompt states the dock already has power and still provides no function—pointing to dock failure. Reinstalling the OS is excessive and unlikely because charging through a dock is not primarily OS-dependent. Rolling back BIOS updates is also not indicated because the issue persists despite current firmware and there is no evidence the BIOS update caused it.

Since only one user experiences the issue in a shared environment where everyone else has stable connectivity, CompTIA A+ suggests that the problem is most likely with the client device, not the network. The wireless card may be failing, overheating, or experiencing intermittent hardware faults.

If other Wi-Fi signals or EMI (electromagnetic interference) were the cause, multiple users would be affected. Frequency congestion (Option B) also impacts groups, not a single device.

CompTIA stresses that isolating whether the issue affects one user or many helps determine whether the fault lies with the network or device. Because the problem is isolated, the most probable cause is a malfunctioning wireless NIC in the user’s laptop.

A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a hardware chip used to enable encryption technologies such as BitLocker, providing secure key storage for system-wide encryption.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.5 – Security features:

“A TPM chip is required for system encryption, storing encryption keys securely on the hardware.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Security Hardware

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.5

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Cloud storage platforms—such as OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox—use synchronization to ensure that files updated on one device automatically update on all connected devices. CompTIA A+ defines synchronization as a key cloud characteristic that keeps local folders and cloud-stored versions consistent, enabling seamless multi-device collaboration.

Synchronization allows users to:

Modify files offline and have them sync once online

Access identical data on laptops, desktops, and mobile devices

Ensure real-time updates across multiple users or clients

Maintain version consistency and conflict resolution

A network share (A) is local to an organization and does not automatically sync across devices. Availability (C) relates to uptime and reliability, not file updates. Metered utilization (D) refers to cloud billing models where usage is tracked, not data syncing.

Thus, synchronization is the capability that ensures local folders update dynamically whenever changes occur.

A shutdown during POST combined with a burning smell strongly indicates an overheating condition occurring almost immediately after power-on. In a newly built workstation, the most common cause of rapid CPU overheating is improper heatsink installation, especially failing to apply thermal paste (thermal compound) between the CPU and the heatsink. Thermal paste fills microscopic imperfections between the two metal surfaces so heat can transfer efficiently into the heatsink. Without it, the CPU can spike to unsafe temperatures within seconds. Modern systems detect this and trigger protective thermal shutdown during POST to prevent permanent CPU or motherboard damage. The burning smell can occur when components near the CPU socket heat excessively or when protective coatings/dust residues warm quickly due to poor heat dissipation.

The wrong type of RAM (B) would more likely cause no-boot/beep codes rather than a burning smell. Not properly grounding (A) relates to ESD damage risk, but that typically causes intermittent or dead hardware symptoms, not immediate thermal shutdown. A disconnected case exhaust fan (C) can contribute to higher case temperatures, but it’s less likely to cause an immediate POST shutdown compared to missing thermal paste on the CPU cooler.

Cable internet is the most appropriate recommendation because it commonly uses coaxial cabling between the service provider’s network and the customer’s cable modem. A coaxial wall jack normally terminates with an F-type connector and indicates that the building may already have cable television or DOCSIS-compatible broadband infrastructure. A technician can connect a cable modem to this outlet and then connect the modem or gateway to the business network. Fiber service requires optical fiber and an optical network terminal rather than a standard coaxial outlet. DSL operates over copper telephone wiring and typically uses an RJ11 connection. Satellite internet requires an externally mounted satellite dish and does not depend on an existing coaxial broadband wall jack, although coaxial cable may connect the dish to indoor equipment. The installed jack therefore most strongly indicates cable internet availability.

The best answer is B. Reconnect the wireless antennas. Laptop display assemblies commonly contain more than just the screen. The Quentin Docter study guide explains that laptop display components may include the display panel, webcam, microphone, inverter, and Wi-Fi antenna. It also states that Wi-Fi antenna wiring is generally routed through the upper half of the clamshell case, down through the hinge, and to the motherboard or wireless NIC. During display assembly removal, the technician disconnects the wireless NIC, display cable, and touch-screen cable, and the guide notes that the NIC antenna wires travel with the display assembly. Therefore, after replacing the display assembly, reconnecting the wireless antennas is a required step to restore wireless functionality. Reattaching heat sinks and installing a CPU fan relate to CPU cooling, not display replacement. Resetting BIOS defaults is unrelated unless a firmware setting caused a specific issue, which is not indicated here. The display assembly procedure directly supports reconnecting the antenna wiring.

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Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network service used to automatically assign IP addresses and other network configuration details (such as subnet masks and default gateways) to devices on an enterprise-wide network.

Why Not A (DNS): DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses but does not allocate IP addresses.

Why Not B (Syslog): Syslog is used for logging system events, not IP address management.

Why Not C (Telnet): Telnet is a protocol for remote access, not for IP allocation.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 2.6, DHCP concepts​.

The correct answer is WAN (Wide Area Network). According to CompTIA Core 1 (220-1201) networking fundamentals, a WAN is used to connect devices or networks over large geographic areas, typically through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). A WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) delivers internet connectivity wirelessly over long distances, which clearly falls under WAN technology.

In this scenario, the technician connects a WISP modem to a portable router to provide Ethernet connectivity to a laptop. The WISP modem represents the WAN link, as it connects the local device to an external network (the internet) managed by the service provider. The portable router then distributes that WAN connection locally via Ethernet.

A SAN (Storage Area Network) is used for high-speed storage communication between servers and storage devices and is unrelated to internet connectivity. A PAN (Personal Area Network) is limited to very short-range connections, such as Bluetooth between personal devices. A MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) covers a city or campus-scale area and is not applicable to a single modem-to-router setup.

CompTIA emphasizes identifying network types based on scope and provider involvement. Since a WISP connection extends beyond the local environment and connects to an ISP, it is classified as a WAN.

Ceiling-mounted projectors are typically installed upside down, and therefore include a built-in “Ceiling Mount” or “Vertical Flip” setting within their display menu. CompTIA A+ emphasizes that projectors provide their own orientation controls intended specifically for this installation scenario. Adjusting orientation from the laptop rotates the desktop, not the projected output configuration. Changing input sources does not affect image orientation. Display frequency affects refresh rate and flickering, not physical image rotation.

Flipping the image directly from the projector ensures the display is oriented correctly regardless of the device connected. This is the method recommended in A+ material under display configuration and projector troubleshooting, which covers keystone correction, rotation, and mounting modes.

Thus, the correct solution is to flip the image vertically using the projector’s built-in settings.