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220-1201 CompTIA A+ Certification: Core 1 free practice test

10 questions with answer explanations. Choose an answer below to begin.

Question 1 of 10

A technician needs to allow HTTP traffic through a firewall. Which TCP port should be opened?

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2.1 Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports

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  1. A technician needs to allow HTTP traffic through a firewall. Which TCP port should be opened?

    1. 21

    2. 22

    3. 80

    4. 443

    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer

    • 80

    HTTP uses TCP port 80. Port 21 is FTP, port 22 is SSH, and port 443 is HTTPS.

  2. Which memory type is volatile and used for temporary data storage while the computer is on?

    1. SSD

    2. HDD

    3. RAM

    4. ROM

    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer

    • RAM

    RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile; data is lost when power is off. SSDs and HDDs are non-volatile storage, and ROM retains data without power.

  3. A user has a monitor with a DisplayPort input and a computer with only an HDMI output. Which type of adapter is needed?

    1. DisplayPort to HDMI

    2. HDMI to VGA

    3. DVI to HDMI

    4. USB-C to HDMI

    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer

    • DisplayPort to HDMI

    A DisplayPort to HDMI adapter connects the HDMI computer to the DisplayPort monitor. The other options either reverse the direction or use incompatible connectors.

  4. A technician is building a PC in a standard mid-tower case. Which power supply form factor is most commonly used?

    1. ATX

    2. SFX

    3. LP4

    4. EPS

    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer

    • ATX

    ATX is the standard power supply form factor for most desktop builds. SFX is used in small form factor cases, LP4 is a connector type, and EPS is a CPU power connector standard.

  5. A PC powers on (fans spin, lights on) but the monitor shows no display and no beep codes. What should be checked first?

    1. Replace the power supply

    2. Reseat the RAM modules

    3. Replace the motherboard

    4. Check the monitor cable connection

    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer

    • Reseat the RAM modules

    No display with fan activity often indicates a RAM issue. Reseating RAM is a quick and common fix. While a monitor cable could be loose, the lack of beeps suggests the system isn't posting, and RAM is a likely cause.

  6. Which RAID level provides disk mirroring without striping or parity?

    1. RAID 0

    2. RAID 1

    3. RAID 5

    4. RAID 10

    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer

    • RAID 1

    RAID 1 creates an exact copy (mirror) of data on two drives. RAID 0 uses striping, RAID 5 uses striping with parity, and RAID 10 combines mirroring and striping.

  7. A laser printer produces pages with vertical black lines in the same position on each page. Which component is most likely defective?

    1. Toner cartridge

    2. Fuser assembly

    3. Drum unit

    4. Transfer roller

    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer

    • Drum unit

    Repeating vertical black lines often indicate a scratched or damaged drum. Toner issues cause light prints, a bad fuser causes smearing, and a damaged transfer roller can cause white spots.

  8. Which twisted-pair cable category is commonly used for backbone applications and supports 10 Gbps over distances up to 100 meters?

    1. Cat5e

    2. Cat6

    3. Cat6a

    4. Cat7

    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer

    • Cat6a

    Cat6a supports 10 Gbps up to 100 meters. Cat5e supports up to 1 Gbps, Cat6 supports 10 Gbps but only up to 55 meters, and Cat7 is not widely standardized for Ethernet.

  9. A user reports that contacts on their smartphone are no longer syncing with the cloud service. After verifying internet connectivity, what should the technician check next?

    1. The account sync settings are enabled

    2. The device date and time are correct

    3. The battery level is above 20%

    4. Airplane mode is turned off

    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer

    • The account sync settings are enabled

    If internet works, the most common cause is that sync is disabled in account settings. Incorrect date/time can affect certificates but is less common; battery level and airplane mode would affect connectivity, which is already verified.

  10. Question 10

    Link to question

    Which tool is specifically designed to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) when working inside a computer?

    1. Multimeter

    2. Antistatic wrist strap

    3. Cable tester

    4. Power supply tester

    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer

    • Antistatic wrist strap

    An antistatic wrist strap grounds the technician to prevent ESD. A multimeter measures voltage, a cable tester checks network cables, and a power supply tester tests PSU outputs.

Read all flashcards

Recall the answer before opening each card.

Which TCP port does HTTP use?

HTTP uses TCP port 80. FTP uses port 21, SSH uses port 22, and HTTPS uses port 443.

What type of memory is volatile and used for temporary storage?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile; data is lost when power is off. SSDs and HDDs are non-volatile storage.

Which adapter connects an HDMI output to a DisplayPort monitor?

A DisplayPort to HDMI adapter. Direction matters: the computer side (HDMI) goes to the adapter's HDMI input, and the adapter's DisplayPort connects to the monitor.

What is the standard power supply form factor for a mid-tower case?

ATX is the standard form factor. SFX is for small cases, LP4 is a connector, and EPS is a CPU power connector standard.

A PC powers on but no display and no beeps. What should you try first?

Reseat the RAM modules. Common cause of no POST with fans spinning is loose or faulty RAM. Check each module one at a time.

Which RAID level uses disk mirroring without striping or parity?

RAID 1 mirrors data on two drives. RAID 0 stripes, RAID 5 uses parity, and RAID 10 combines mirroring and striping.

What component causes vertical black lines repeating on laser printer pages?

A scratched or damaged drum unit. The drum transfers toner to paper; defects cause streaks. Toner issues cause light prints, fuser causes smearing.

Which twisted-pair cable supports 10 Gbps at 100 meters?

Cat6a. Cat5e supports 1 Gbps, Cat6 supports 10 Gbps only up to 55 meters, and Cat7 is not widely standardized for Ethernet.

Smartphone contacts not syncing; internet works. What should you check next?

Account sync settings. Disabled sync is the most common cause after connectivity. Check date/time if certificate issues arise, but sync settings come first.

Which tool specifically prevents ESD when working inside a computer?

Antistatic wrist strap. It grounds the technician. Multimeter tests voltage, cable tester checks cables, power supply tester tests PSU outputs.

What is the function of TCP port 21?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) uses port 21 for control. Data transfer may use port 20. This is separate from HTTP or SSH.

Is ROM volatile or non-volatile?

Non-volatile. ROM retains data without power, unlike RAM which is volatile and loses data when powered off.

What type of adapter is needed to connect a DisplayPort output to an HDMI monitor?

An HDMI to DisplayPort adapter, but note: common scenario is HDMI output to DisplayPort monitor, requiring a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter (active or passive). Direction must match.

What does SFX form factor refer to?

SFX is a small form factor power supply used in compact cases. It is smaller than ATX and not suitable for standard mid-tower builds.

No beep codes but fans spin. Is this a RAM issue?

Yes, often. No beep codes indicate the system is not POSTing, and RAM is a common culprit. Reseating or replacing RAM can resolve.

RAID 0 provides which feature?

Striping without redundancy. Data is split across drives for performance but offers no fault tolerance.

What causes light prints on a laser printer?

Low toner or a defective toner cartridge. Also, the transfer roller or drum can cause light prints, but vertical lines are more specific to the drum.

Cat5e cable supports up to what speed?

1 Gbps at 100 meters. It is suitable for most home networks but not for 10 Gbps applications.

What could cause smartphone sync issues besides connectivity?

Disabled account sync settings, incorrect date/time (affects certificates), or authentication problems. After confirming internet, sync settings are the next check.

What does a multimeter measure?

Voltage, current, and resistance. It is used to test power supplies, continuity, and components, but does not prevent ESD.

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220-1201 CompTIA A+ Certification: Core 110 questions in this practice set
2.1 Compare and contrast TCP and UDP ports(1)
3.2 Compare and contrast storage and memory(1)
3.1 Compare and contrast cables and connectors(2)
5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common problems(1)
3.3 Given a scenario, configure RAID(1)
3.6 Given a scenario, install and configure printers(1)
2.2 Compare and contrast network cables(1)
4.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot mobile devices(1)
4.1 Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures(1)
Exam-focused analysis

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.

Study workflow

Turn one 220-1201 attempt into a study plan

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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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