CompTIA 220-1201 Sample Questions with Explanations

These original sample questions are designed to help you check how the exam topics appear in decision-style prompts. They are not taken from the live exam.

Use these sample questions as a guided self-assessment for CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) topics such as mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, cloud concepts, printers, and hardware troubleshooting. The prompts stay technician-focused and emphasize first-step judgment.

Where these questions fit in the 220-1201 guide

The sample set below is part of the CompTIA 220-1201 guide path:

• CompTIA certification hub
• 220-1201 exam guide
• 220-1201 cheat sheet
• 220-1201 study plan
• 220-1201 FAQ
• 220-1201 resources
• 220-1201 glossary

220-1201 technician sample questions

Work through each prompt before opening the explanation. A+ Core 1 questions usually reward a practical first step that protects data, confirms the symptom, and avoids unnecessary replacement.

Question 1

Topic: Laptop display troubleshooting

A laptop powers on, but the built-in display remains black. An external monitor works normally. What should the technician check first?

• A. Replace the CPU immediately.
• B. Display brightness, display toggle settings, and the internal display cable or panel connection.
• C. Reinstall the operating system.
• D. Replace the wireless card.

Best answer: B

Explanation: The external monitor proves the system is booting and producing video. The likely issue is local to the internal display path: brightness, toggle state, cable, backlight, or panel.

Why the other choices are weaker:

• A is too invasive and not supported by the symptom.
• C ignores that external video works.
• D is unrelated to display output.

What this tests: Isolating a hardware symptom before replacing unrelated parts.

Related topics: Laptops; Displays; Troubleshooting; Hardware

Question 2

Topic: SOHO Wi-Fi coverage issue

A user reports weak Wi-Fi in a home office far from the router. Speeds are normal next to the router, and the internet service is not down. Which action is most appropriate?

• A. Replace the user’s laptop SSD.
• B. Change the printer toner cartridge.
• C. Improve wireless coverage with better access point placement, a mesh node, or an extender after checking interference and signal strength.
• D. Disable all wireless encryption.

Best answer: C

Explanation: The symptom changes by location, so the likely problem is coverage, attenuation, or interference. The fix should address wireless placement or coverage while preserving security.

Why the other choices are weaker:

• A does not address radio signal strength.
• B is unrelated to Wi-Fi coverage.
• D weakens security and does not solve the coverage problem correctly.

What this tests: Applying SOHO wireless troubleshooting logic before replacing unrelated components.

Related topics: SOHO; Wi-Fi; Signal strength; Networking

Question 3

Topic: Printer streaks

A laser printer produces pages with repeated vertical streaks. Other users can print to the device, but every page has the same defect. What should the technician inspect first?

• A. The user’s monitor refresh rate.
• B. The DHCP lease time on the router.
• C. The keyboard language setting.
• D. The toner cartridge, drum, and internal paper path for contamination or damage.

Best answer: D

Explanation: Repeated print defects point to printer consumables or the paper path, especially toner, drum, rollers, or contamination.

Why the other choices are weaker:

• A, B, and C do not affect physical marks on printed pages.

What this tests: Mapping printer symptoms to the correct hardware area.

Related topics: Printers; Laser printing; Toner; Troubleshooting

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