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CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101): Hardware & Networking
Certification Exam | Latest Verified Questions and
Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION:
This collection of multiple-choice questions is meticulously designed for the CompTIA A+ Core 1
(220-1101) exam domains, covering Mobile Devices (15%), Networking (20%), Hardware (25%),
Virtualization & Cloud Computing (11%), and Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (29%). Each
question includes a correct answer and a concise expert rationale, ensuring technicians
understand both the right choice and the underlying principle. The content reflects 2026 exam
trends such as hybrid workforce support, cloud and SaaS reliance, IoT security basics, and
scripting for help desk technicians.
Mobile Devices (15%)
QUESTION 1
A technician needs to replace a laptop LCD screen. After removing the bezel and screws,
what critical step must be taken to avoid damaging the new screen?
A) Disconnect the battery
B) Update the graphics driver
C) Run a self-test on the display
D) Disable the ambient light sensor
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: Disconnecting the battery prevents electrical shorts and backlight
power from damaging the new LCD or inverter during replacement.
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QUESTION 2
Which laptop component is most likely to require a firmware password to be removed
before accessing BIOS settings?
A) RAM module
B) TPM chip
C) Storage drive
D) Motherboard CMOS battery
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) stores BitLocker keys and
system integrity hashes; a firmware password protects these from unauthorized BIOS
changes.
QUESTION 3
A user reports that their laptop charges only when the cable is held at a specific angle.
What is the most likely cause?
A) Faulty AC adapter
B) Broken DC jack
C) Dead battery
D) Overheating CPU
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: A loose or cracked DC power jack on the motherboard loses
continuity unless the plug is positioned just right.
QUESTION 4
Which mobile device accessory uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to pair quickly?
A) Bluetooth mouse
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B) Wired headset
C) Portable SSD
D) Docking station
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: NFC tap-to-pair simplifies Bluetooth pairing without going into
settings menus; common with headphones, speakers, and mice.
QUESTION 5
A technician is replacing a laptop keyboard. After installation, several keys do not work.
What did the technician likely forget?
A) To update the BIOS
B) To reconnect the ribbon cable fully
C) To remove the old thermal paste
D) To reseat the CPU
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Laptop keyboards connect via a delicate ZIF ribbon cable;
improper seating or a lifted locking bar causes intermittent or dead keys.
QUESTION 6
What is the primary difference between a laptop SO-DIMM and a desktop DIMM?
A) SO-DIMM has more pins
B) SO-DIMM is physically smaller and uses lower voltage
C) DIMM supports ECC only
D) SO-DIMM cannot be removed
CORRECT ANSWER: B
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EXPERT RATIONALE: SO-DIMMs (Small Outline DIMMs) are about half the length of
desktop DIMMs and often run at 1.2V or 1.35V to save space and power.
QUESTION 7
Which mobile display technology typically offers the best outdoor visibility?
A) TN (Twisted Nematic)
B) OLED
C) IPS with anti-glare coating
D) VA (Vertical Alignment)
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: IPS panels maintain color accuracy at wide angles, and anti-glare
coatings reduce reflections, improving outdoor readability.
QUESTION 8
A laptop fan runs constantly at high speed, even when idle. What is the most probable
cause?
A) Dust-clogged heatsink
B) Failed Wi-Fi card
C) Low battery charge
D) Broken keyboard backlight
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: Dust blocks airflow, causing heat buildup; the BIOS or EC forces
the fan to max RPM to compensate for high internal temperatures.
QUESTION 9
Which wireless technology is specifically designed for low-power, short-range device-to-
CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101): Hardware & Networking
Certification Exam | Latest Verified Questions and
Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION:
This collection of multiple-choice questions is meticulously designed for the CompTIA A+ Core 1
(220-1101) exam domains, covering Mobile Devices (15%), Networking (20%), Hardware (25%),
Virtualization & Cloud Computing (11%), and Hardware & Network Troubleshooting (29%). Each
question includes a correct answer and a concise expert rationale, ensuring technicians
understand both the right choice and the underlying principle. The content reflects 2026 exam
trends such as hybrid workforce support, cloud and SaaS reliance, IoT security basics, and
scripting for help desk technicians.
Mobile Devices (15%)
QUESTION 1
A technician needs to replace a laptop LCD screen. After removing the bezel and screws,
what critical step must be taken to avoid damaging the new screen?
A) Disconnect the battery
B) Update the graphics driver
C) Run a self-test on the display
D) Disable the ambient light sensor
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: Disconnecting the battery prevents electrical shorts and backlight
power from damaging the new LCD or inverter during replacement.
,2|Page
QUESTION 2
Which laptop component is most likely to require a firmware password to be removed
before accessing BIOS settings?
A) RAM module
B) TPM chip
C) Storage drive
D) Motherboard CMOS battery
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) stores BitLocker keys and
system integrity hashes; a firmware password protects these from unauthorized BIOS
changes.
QUESTION 3
A user reports that their laptop charges only when the cable is held at a specific angle.
What is the most likely cause?
A) Faulty AC adapter
B) Broken DC jack
C) Dead battery
D) Overheating CPU
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: A loose or cracked DC power jack on the motherboard loses
continuity unless the plug is positioned just right.
QUESTION 4
Which mobile device accessory uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to pair quickly?
A) Bluetooth mouse
,3|Page
B) Wired headset
C) Portable SSD
D) Docking station
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: NFC tap-to-pair simplifies Bluetooth pairing without going into
settings menus; common with headphones, speakers, and mice.
QUESTION 5
A technician is replacing a laptop keyboard. After installation, several keys do not work.
What did the technician likely forget?
A) To update the BIOS
B) To reconnect the ribbon cable fully
C) To remove the old thermal paste
D) To reseat the CPU
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: Laptop keyboards connect via a delicate ZIF ribbon cable;
improper seating or a lifted locking bar causes intermittent or dead keys.
QUESTION 6
What is the primary difference between a laptop SO-DIMM and a desktop DIMM?
A) SO-DIMM has more pins
B) SO-DIMM is physically smaller and uses lower voltage
C) DIMM supports ECC only
D) SO-DIMM cannot be removed
CORRECT ANSWER: B
, 4|Page
EXPERT RATIONALE: SO-DIMMs (Small Outline DIMMs) are about half the length of
desktop DIMMs and often run at 1.2V or 1.35V to save space and power.
QUESTION 7
Which mobile display technology typically offers the best outdoor visibility?
A) TN (Twisted Nematic)
B) OLED
C) IPS with anti-glare coating
D) VA (Vertical Alignment)
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: IPS panels maintain color accuracy at wide angles, and anti-glare
coatings reduce reflections, improving outdoor readability.
QUESTION 8
A laptop fan runs constantly at high speed, even when idle. What is the most probable
cause?
A) Dust-clogged heatsink
B) Failed Wi-Fi card
C) Low battery charge
D) Broken keyboard backlight
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: Dust blocks airflow, causing heat buildup; the BIOS or EC forces
the fan to max RPM to compensate for high internal temperatures.
QUESTION 9
Which wireless technology is specifically designed for low-power, short-range device-to-
