220-1201 · Original practice content · Last reviewed October 3, 2026
Free CompTIA A+ Core 1 Practice Test
Prepare for entry-level IT support with original 220-1201 practice questions. Start with a mixed sample, review the reasoning behind each answer, then focus on the hardware, networking, mobile, cloud, and troubleshooting topics you need most.
Core 1: up to 90 questions in 90 minutes. Passing score: 675 on a 100–900 scale. Both Core 1 and Core 2 are required for CompTIA A+.
These short multiple-choice samples report practice accuracy, not official scaled scores, and do not simulate interactive performance-based questions.
Which display technology produces light at each individual pixel and therefore needs no backlight?
IPS LCD
Mini-LED
VA LCD
OLED
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. OLED
D is correct because organic light-emitting diodes emit their own light, so each pixel can turn fully off and no backlight is needed. A is a liquid crystal panel that only filters light from a separate backlight. B uses thousands of small LEDs as a backlight behind an LCD panel, so it still relies on a backlight. C is a liquid crystal panel that blocks or passes light from a separate backlight.
Hardware & Network Troubleshooting
Sample question 2
A desktop PC shows the wrong date and time every time it is unplugged overnight, even though the time is correct when it is shut down. Which component MOST likely needs to be replaced?
Power supply unit
System memory module
Storage drive
CMOS battery
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. CMOS battery
D is correct because the CMOS battery keeps the real-time clock running while the PC has no AC power, so a dead battery causes the clock to reset. A provides power only while the PC is plugged in and does not keep the clock running when the PC is unplugged. B holds data only while the system is running and has no role in keeping time. C stores the operating system and files but does not maintain the hardware clock.
Mobile Devices
Sample question 3
A technician is upgrading the memory in a laptop. Which memory module form factor will the laptop MOST likely use?
mSATA
SODIMM
M.2
DIMM
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. SODIMM
B is correct because laptops use Small Outline DIMMs, which are physically smaller than desktop memory modules. A is an older small form factor for SSDs, not for system memory. C is a form factor for SSDs and wireless cards, not for system memory. D is the full-size memory module used in desktop computers and does not fit laptop memory slots.
Networking
Sample question 4
A technician needs to allow Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections through a firewall. Which port must be opened?
22
443
445
3389
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. 3389
D is correct because RDP uses port 3389. A is used by SSH for secure command-line remote access. B is used by HTTPS for secure web traffic. C is used by SMB for Windows file and printer sharing.
Virtualization & Cloud
Sample question 5
A company wants to run several virtual machines directly on server hardware, without a host operating system, for the best performance. Which type of hypervisor should be used?
Type 2 hypervisor
Hardware emulator
Container engine
Type 1 hypervisor
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Type 1 hypervisor
D is correct because a Type 1 (bare-metal) hypervisor runs directly on the hardware without a host OS. A runs as an application on top of a host operating system. B imitates different hardware in software and is much slower than a hypervisor. C shares the host OS kernel and does not run full virtual machines.
Hardware
Sample question 6
Which component of a touch screen converts a finger or stylus contact into input coordinates for the operating system?
Digitizer
Backlight
Inverter
LCD panel
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Digitizer
A is correct because the digitizer is the touch-sensitive layer that detects where the screen is touched and reports the position as input. B provides the light behind an LCD panel and does not sense touch. C converts DC power to AC to drive the CCFL backlight on older LCD panels. D forms the image by filtering light and does not detect touch.
Hardware & Network Troubleshooting
Sample question 7
While inspecting a PC that reboots at random, a technician sees several capacitors on the system board with bulging, domed tops and brown residue. What is the BEST fix?
Update the UEFI firmware
Replace the system board
Replace the CMOS battery
Add more system memory
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Replace the system board
B is correct because swollen or leaking capacitors have failed and cause unstable power to the components, so the system board should be replaced. A cannot repair physically failed capacitors on the board. C affects the clock and saved firmware settings but does not cause swollen capacitors or random reboots. D does nothing to correct the unstable power caused by failed capacitors.
Mobile Devices
Sample question 8
Before handling the internal components of a laptop, which item should a technician use to protect the components from electrostatic discharge?
A can of compressed air
An ESD wrist strap
A magnetic parts tray
A plastic pry tool
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. An ESD wrist strap
B is correct because an ESD strap keeps the technician at the same electrical potential as the device, preventing static discharge into sensitive components. A removes dust but does not protect components from static discharge. C helps organize screws but provides no protection against static discharge. D helps open cases without scratching them but does not prevent static discharge.
Networking
Sample question 9
A network administrator wants to manage a switch through an encrypted command-line session. Which port does this connection use by default?
22
23
25
389
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. 22
A is correct because SSH provides encrypted command-line access and listens on TCP port 22. B is used by Telnet, which sends the session, including passwords, in plaintext. C is used by SMTP to send email between mail servers. D is used by LDAP to query directory services.
Virtualization & Cloud
Sample question 10
Which statement BEST describes a Type 2 hypervisor?
It runs directly on the hardware with no host OS
It streams single applications to client computers
It shares the host kernel among isolated app packages
It runs as an application on a host operating system
Show correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. It runs as an application on a host operating system
D is correct because a Type 2 (hosted) hypervisor is installed like other software on an existing OS such as Windows, macOS, or Linux. A describes a Type 1 (bare-metal) hypervisor. B describes application virtualization, not a hypervisor. C describes containers, which do not run separate guest operating systems.
Take the mixed sample without looking up answers. Treat the result as a short diagnostic, not a readiness guarantee. Record the topics behind each mistake.
Focus your domain review
Spend most of your review time on troubleshooting, hardware, and networking, which together account for 76% of Core 1. Use the domain samples to check understanding after studying.
Practice hands-on support tasks
Identify ports and connectors, plan a compatible hardware upgrade, configure a small wireless network, and work through systematic fault diagnosis. Follow safety and ESD precautions.
Build exam endurance
Review mobile devices and virtualization/cloud as well as your weaker topics. Use a full 90-minute mock session when your bank coverage and preparation are sufficient, and separately prepare for PBQs.
Core 1 versus Core 2
Topic
Core 1
Core 2
Exam focus
Hardware, networking, mobile devices, virtualization/cloud, and troubleshooting
Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures
Exam code
220-1201
220-1202
Practice on this page
Mixed and domain-focused multiple-choice samples
Not included in this Core 1 sample suite
Exam booking, retakes, and renewal
Check the official CompTIA page for current exam objectives, regional voucher pricing, retake rules, and renewal options before booking. Both exams from the same A+ series are required. FlashGenius is an independent practice resource, not CompTIA, and these are original practice questions—not exam dumps.
Core 1 supports preparation for help-desk, desktop-support, and junior IT-support work. Employers may also expect customer-service skills, hands-on experience, and the complete A+ credential. Pay varies by role, location, and experience; this practice result is not a job or salary guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Is this CompTIA A+ Core 1 practice test free?
Yes. The mixed 10-question sample and five domain samples are free and do not require an account. Each test includes answer explanations. An account lets you continue with the platform's full practice tools.
Which A+ exam version does this cover?
These samples cover CompTIA A+ Core 1, exam 220-1201 (V15). Core 1 focuses on mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud computing, and hardware/network troubleshooting. This is not a Core 2 or 220-1101 question set.
How many questions and how much time are on Core 1?
The real 220-1201 exam has a maximum of 90 questions and a 90-minute time limit. FlashGenius's full mock exam is configured for 90 questions in 90 minutes; the free samples are shorter practice sessions.
What is the Core 1 passing score?
The passing score is 675 on a 100–900 scale. A percentage on this short sample is practice accuracy, not an official CompTIA scaled score or a prediction that you will pass.
Does passing Core 1 earn the full A+ certification?
No. You must pass both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) from the same exam series to earn CompTIA A+.
Does the free sample include performance-based questions?
These samples use four-option multiple-choice questions. The actual CompTIA exam also includes performance-based questions. Practice hands-on tasks separately; this sample does not reproduce interactive PBQs.
How should I use the five domain tests?
Take the mixed sample first, review every explanation, and then choose the domains where you missed questions. Prioritize troubleshooting (28%), hardware (25%), and networking (23%) while continuing to review mobile devices (13%) and virtualization/cloud (11%).
How do exam costs, retakes, and renewal work?
Exam voucher prices and retake policies depend on the current CompTIA policy and your region. Verify them on CompTIA's official site before booking. CompTIA A+ is normally valid for three years and can be renewed through eligible continuing-education options.