220-1201 CompTIA A+ Certification: Core 1 Free Practice Test - 10 Questions
This practice bank covers key CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) topics, including TCP/UDP ports (HTTP on port 80), memory types (volatile RAM vs non-volatile storage), cable adapters (DisplayPort to HDMI), power supply form factors (ATX), troubleshooting no display (reseat RAM), RAID levels (RAID 1 mirroring), laser printer defects (drum unit), network cable categories (Cat6a for 10 Gbps at 100m), mobile device sync issues (account settings), and ESD prevention (antistatic wrist strap). Use this study guide to reinforce exam-specific knowledge and improve recall for troubleshooting, hardware identification, and configuration decisions.
What this 220-1201 practice set measures
This is an analysis of the practice bank, not a claim about the vendor's live exam blueprint. Use it to identify the knowledge, judgment, and recall patterns exercised here, then verify your coverage against the current official exam guide.
Networking Fundamentals: Ports and Cables
The practice bank exercises knowledge of TCP/UDP ports and network cable categories. For example, HTTP traffic requires opening TCP port 80, while FTP uses port 21, SSH port 22, and HTTPS port 443. Additionally, twisted-pair cable categories are compared: Cat6a supports 10 Gbps over up to 100 meters, whereas Cat5e handles 1 Gbps, Cat6 only 10 Gbps to 55 meters, and Cat7 lacks widespread Ethernet standardization. These topics fall under objectives 2.1 and 2.2, requiring technicians to select the correct port or cable based on scenario requirements.
- Knowledge of common TCP ports (80 for HTTP, 443 for HTTPS) is tested.
- Cable category selection depends on speed and distance requirements.
- Cat6a is the standard for 10 Gbps backbone applications up to 100 m.
- Differentiating between ports and cable categories is critical for network setup.
Hardware Components: Memory, Adapters, and Power Supplies
Questions 2, 3, and 4 evaluate understanding of volatile vs non-volatile memory, adapter types, and power supply form factors. RAM is volatile and loses data when power is off, unlike SSDs, HDDs, and ROM. For video connectivity, a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter is needed when the computer has HDMI output and the monitor has DisplayPort input. The ATX power supply is standard for mid-tower cases; SFX is for small cases, and LP4 and EPS are connector types. These topics align with objectives 3.1 and 3.2, requiring component identification and compatibility decisions.
- RAM is volatile; storage devices (SSD, HDD) are non-volatile.
- Adapters must match the signal direction and connector types.
- ATX is the most common power supply form factor for desktops.
- Understanding form factors ensures proper component selection.
RAID Configuration and Printer Troubleshooting
This section covers RAID levels and laser printer components. RAID 1 provides disk mirroring without striping or parity, unlike RAID 0 (striping), RAID 5 (striping with parity), and RAID 10 (mirroring and striping). For laser printers, repeating vertical black lines typically indicate a scratched drum unit; toner issues cause light prints, a bad fuser causes smearing, and a damaged transfer roller leads to white spots. These correspond to objectives 3.3 and 3.6, testing ability to configure RAID and identify printer defects.
- RAID 1 mirrors data on two drives for redundancy.
- RAID 0 uses striping, RAID 5 uses parity, RAID 10 is a combination.
- Vertical black lines on laser prints often point to a faulty drum.
- Component-specific symptoms aid in printer troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting and Safety Procedures
Questions 5, 9, and 10 address troubleshooting hardware, mobile devices, and ESD safety. With no display but fans spinning, reseating RAM is a quick check since it often prevents POST. For mobile contacts not syncing, after verifying internet connectivity, checking account sync settings is the next logical step; incorrect date/time or airplane mode are less likely. To prevent ESD when working inside a computer, an antistatic wrist strap is the specific tool; other tools like multimeters test voltage or connectivity. These align with objectives 5.2, 4.5, and 4.1, emphasizing systematic troubleshooting and safety.
- No POST with fan spin often indicates a RAM issue.
- After confirming internet, check sync settings for cloud services.
- Antistatic wrist straps ground the technician to prevent ESD.
- Step-by-step troubleshooting narrows down root causes.
Practice 220-1201 CompTIA A+ Certification: Core 1 with real flashcards
Read the prompt, commit to an answer, then flip the card. Move through the deck at your own pace and repeat any topic that does not come back quickly.
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Static practice bank
Start the 10-question diagnostic
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A technician needs to allow HTTP traffic through a firewall. Which TCP port should be opened?
Show hint
2.1 Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports
Study workflow
Turn one 220-1201 attempt into a study plan
- 1
Reseat RAM for No Display
When a PC powers on but shows no display and no beep codes, power off, unplug, then remove and reinsert RAM modules firmly. Ensure they click into place. Test one module at a time if multiple. This often resolves POST failures caused by loose or improperly seated memory.
- 2
Check Account Sync Settings
For smartphone contacts not syncing to the cloud, first verify internet connectivity (Wi-Fi or cellular data). Then go to Settings > Accounts/Cloud and ensure sync is enabled for contacts. If disabled, toggle it on. Also check for error messages or re-authenticate if needed.
- 3
Use an Antistatic Wrist Strap
Before opening a computer case, attach the antistatic wrist strap's clip to a grounded metal surface (e.g., case frame) and wrap the band snugly around your wrist. This prevents electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive components like RAM, CPU, or motherboard.
- 4
Identify and Replace Laser Printer Drum
If prints show repeating vertical black lines, power off the printer and open the toner/drum access. Remove the toner cartridge and inspect the drum for scratches or defects. Replace the drum unit if damaged, following manufacturer instructions. Test print after replacement.
- 5
Select the Correct Cable Adapter
To connect an HDMI output to a DisplayPort monitor, choose an active or passive HDMI-to-DisplayPort adapter. Ensure the adapter supports the desired resolution and refresh rate. Avoid using a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter, which would reverse the signal direction.
FAQ
Questions about this 220-1201 practice page
Clear boundaries on what the bank covers, how to use it, and where official vendor information still matters.
Why is HTTP assigned TCP port 80?+
HTTP uses TCP port 80 as a well-known port for web traffic. TCP ensures reliable, ordered delivery of data, which is essential for web pages. Other common ports include 21 (FTP), 22 (SSH), and 443 (HTTPS).
What is the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory?+
Volatile memory, like RAM, loses data when power is off and is used for temporary storage. Non-volatile memory, like SSDs, HDDs, and ROM, retains data without power. This distinction is critical for data persistence and system operation.
Which RAID level provides disk mirroring?+
RAID 1 provides disk mirroring, creating an exact copy of data on two drives. It offers redundancy but no striping or parity. RAID 0 uses striping, RAID 5 uses parity, and RAID 10 combines mirroring and striping.
What tool prevents electrostatic discharge when working inside a computer?+
An antistatic wrist strap is the specific tool for ESD prevention. It grounds the technician to dissipate static charge. Other tools like multimeters or cable testers do not prevent ESD.
Why might a laser printer produce vertical black lines on pages?+
Repeating vertical black lines often indicate a scratched or damaged drum unit. The drum transfers toner to the paper, so any defect causes streaks. Other components like the fuser or toner cartridge cause different issues.
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