220-1201 · Original practice content · Last reviewed October 3, 2026

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Quick-Start Practice Test

Try a free 10-question CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) mixed sample covering all five exam domains, with answer explanations.

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.

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Mixed sample questions with answers

Hardware

Sample question 1

Which display technology produces light at each individual pixel and therefore needs no backlight?

  1. IPS LCD
  2. Mini-LED
  3. VA LCD
  4. 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?

  1. Power supply unit
  2. System memory module
  3. Storage drive
  4. 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?

  1. mSATA
  2. SODIMM
  3. M.2
  4. 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?

  1. 22
  2. 443
  3. 445
  4. 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?

  1. Type 2 hypervisor
  2. Hardware emulator
  3. Container engine
  4. 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?

  1. Digitizer
  2. Backlight
  3. Inverter
  4. 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?

  1. Update the UEFI firmware
  2. Replace the system board
  3. Replace the CMOS battery
  4. 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?

  1. A can of compressed air
  2. An ESD wrist strap
  3. A magnetic parts tray
  4. 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?

  1. 22
  2. 23
  3. 25
  4. 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?

  1. It runs directly on the hardware with no host OS
  2. It streams single applications to client computers
  3. It shares the host kernel among isolated app packages
  4. 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.

Keep practicing

A+ Core 1 practice-test hub · Mixed quick start · CompTIA Security+ sample tests · CompTIA Network+ sample tests