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COMPTIA A+ CORE 1 (220-1101) EXAM STUDY
GUIDE – PRACTICE TEST & DETAILED
RATIONALES
Information Technology / Computer Science
• Reader expects: Foundational IT knowledge, hardware
identification, networking concepts, and systematic
troubleshooting skills.
Exam coverage:-
• Section 1 (Q1–25): Mobile device hardware, displays,
batteries, and accessories.
• Section 2 (Q26–50): Networking protocols, cables, wireless
standards, and commands.
• Section 3 (Q51–75): PC hardware, CPUs, RAM, storage,
power, and cooling.
• Section 4 (Q76–100): Virtualization, cloud models, and
hardware/network troubleshooting.
Section 1: Questions 1–25 – Mobile Devices
1. A user needs a laptop display that produces the deepest
blacks and the best contrast ratio for graphic design work.
Which display technology should be recommended?
A) IPS
, Page 2 of 42
B) TN
C) OLED
D) VA
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE: OLED displays produce true blacks and have
superior contrast ratios because individual pixels emit their own
light and can be turned off completely.
2. A technician is replacing a laptop keyboard. Which type of
connector is most commonly used to attach the keyboard
ribbon cable to the motherboard?
A) SATA
B) ZIF
C) Molex
D) PCIe
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: Laptop keyboards typically connect to the
motherboard using a Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) connector,
which securely holds the ribbon cable in place.
3. Which laptop component is most likely to fail if a user
frequently places the laptop on soft surfaces like beds or
couches?
A) Hard drive
B) CPU
C) Cooling fan
D) RAM
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Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE: Blocking the ventilation ports on soft surfaces
causes the cooling fan to overwork, leading to premature
failure.
4. A user reports that their laptop battery is not holding a
charge and the laptop shuts down unexpectedly. Which
component should be checked first?
A) AC adapter
B) CMOS battery
C) DC jack
D) Battery
Correct Answer: D
RATIONALE: When a laptop shuts down immediately when
unplugged, the primary battery is the most likely component to
have failed.
5. Which of the following is a characteristic of a TN (Twisted
Nematic) display?
A) Best viewing angles
B) Fastest response times
C) Most accurate color reproduction
D) Highest contrast ratio
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: TN panels have the fastest response times and
lowest latency, making them ideal for gaming, but they sacrifice
color accuracy and viewing angles.
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6. A technician needs to upgrade the RAM in a laptop. Which
type of memory module is most commonly used in modern
laptops?
A) DIMM
B) SODIMM
C) RIMM
D) SIMM
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: SODIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory
Module) is the compact memory form factor designed for
laptops and small-form-factor computers.
7. A user wants to connect their laptop to an external
monitor and charge the laptop simultaneously using a single
cable. Which port should be recommended?
A) USB-A
B) VGA
C) USB-C
D) DVI
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE: USB-C supports both data/video output (via
DisplayPort Alt Mode) and power delivery, allowing a single
cable to carry video and charge the laptop.
8. Which of the following best describes a laptop's DC jack?
A) It provides audio output
B) It connects the laptop to a wired network
COMPTIA A+ CORE 1 (220-1101) EXAM STUDY
GUIDE – PRACTICE TEST & DETAILED
RATIONALES
Information Technology / Computer Science
• Reader expects: Foundational IT knowledge, hardware
identification, networking concepts, and systematic
troubleshooting skills.
Exam coverage:-
• Section 1 (Q1–25): Mobile device hardware, displays,
batteries, and accessories.
• Section 2 (Q26–50): Networking protocols, cables, wireless
standards, and commands.
• Section 3 (Q51–75): PC hardware, CPUs, RAM, storage,
power, and cooling.
• Section 4 (Q76–100): Virtualization, cloud models, and
hardware/network troubleshooting.
Section 1: Questions 1–25 – Mobile Devices
1. A user needs a laptop display that produces the deepest
blacks and the best contrast ratio for graphic design work.
Which display technology should be recommended?
A) IPS
, Page 2 of 42
B) TN
C) OLED
D) VA
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE: OLED displays produce true blacks and have
superior contrast ratios because individual pixels emit their own
light and can be turned off completely.
2. A technician is replacing a laptop keyboard. Which type of
connector is most commonly used to attach the keyboard
ribbon cable to the motherboard?
A) SATA
B) ZIF
C) Molex
D) PCIe
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: Laptop keyboards typically connect to the
motherboard using a Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) connector,
which securely holds the ribbon cable in place.
3. Which laptop component is most likely to fail if a user
frequently places the laptop on soft surfaces like beds or
couches?
A) Hard drive
B) CPU
C) Cooling fan
D) RAM
, Page 3 of 42
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE: Blocking the ventilation ports on soft surfaces
causes the cooling fan to overwork, leading to premature
failure.
4. A user reports that their laptop battery is not holding a
charge and the laptop shuts down unexpectedly. Which
component should be checked first?
A) AC adapter
B) CMOS battery
C) DC jack
D) Battery
Correct Answer: D
RATIONALE: When a laptop shuts down immediately when
unplugged, the primary battery is the most likely component to
have failed.
5. Which of the following is a characteristic of a TN (Twisted
Nematic) display?
A) Best viewing angles
B) Fastest response times
C) Most accurate color reproduction
D) Highest contrast ratio
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: TN panels have the fastest response times and
lowest latency, making them ideal for gaming, but they sacrifice
color accuracy and viewing angles.
, Page 4 of 42
6. A technician needs to upgrade the RAM in a laptop. Which
type of memory module is most commonly used in modern
laptops?
A) DIMM
B) SODIMM
C) RIMM
D) SIMM
Correct Answer: B
RATIONALE: SODIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory
Module) is the compact memory form factor designed for
laptops and small-form-factor computers.
7. A user wants to connect their laptop to an external
monitor and charge the laptop simultaneously using a single
cable. Which port should be recommended?
A) USB-A
B) VGA
C) USB-C
D) DVI
Correct Answer: C
RATIONALE: USB-C supports both data/video output (via
DisplayPort Alt Mode) and power delivery, allowing a single
cable to carry video and charge the laptop.
8. Which of the following best describes a laptop's DC jack?
A) It provides audio output
B) It connects the laptop to a wired network
