South Carolina IT Support Technician
Certification License Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A corporate employee reports that their desktop computer powers on
but displays a blank screen with no startup logo. Which
troubleshooting step should an IT support technician perform first to
isolate the problem?
A. Reinstall the operating system immediately
B. Replace the computer’s motherboard
C. Disconnect all external peripherals
D. Check monitor power and video cable connections
Answer: D
Rationale: The most fundamental troubleshooting step is verifying physical
connections and power to display devices. Loose or disconnected video
cables or an unpowered monitor commonly cause a blank screen, and
checking these components first follows the standard troubleshooting
methodology of examining the simplest causes before more complex
interventions.
2. Which component of a computer is primarily responsible for executing
program instructions and performing calculations?
, A. Random Access Memory
B. Central Processing Unit
C. Hard Disk Drive
D. Network Interface Card
Answer: B
Rationale: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) executes program instructions
and performs arithmetic and logical operations required for computing
tasks. While RAM temporarily stores data and the hard drive stores files,
the CPU is the primary processor responsible for executing commands.
3. A user complains that their computer has become extremely slow after
installing several applications. What is the most likely cause of this
performance degradation?
A. Excessive free disk space
B. Insufficient installed drivers
C. Too many startup programs running
D. Incorrect monitor resolution settings
Answer: C
Rationale: Many applications install startup processes that automatically
run when the system boots. Excessive startup programs consume CPU and
memory resources, significantly slowing system startup and overall
performance.
4. Which file system is commonly used by modern Windows operating
systems because it supports large file sizes and advanced security
permissions?
A. FAT16
B. FAT32
C. NTFS
D. exFAT
,Answer: C
Rationale: NTFS (New Technology File System) supports features such as
file permissions, encryption, journaling, and large storage volumes, making
it the default file system for modern Windows operating systems.
5. A technician is installing a new internal hard drive into a desktop
computer. Which connector is most commonly used for modern
internal drives?
A. IDE
B. SATA
C. VGA
D. PS/2
Answer: B
Rationale: SATA (Serial ATA) is the standard interface used for connecting
modern internal hard drives and solid-state drives. It provides faster data
transfer speeds and simpler cabling compared to the older IDE interface.
6. A user cannot access the internet even though the network icon
indicates connectivity. Which command-line tool can the technician
use to test connectivity to a remote server?
A. dir
B. ping
C. format
D. tasklist
Answer: B
Rationale: The ping command sends Internet Control Message Protocol
(ICMP) echo requests to a remote server to test whether the host is
reachable and measure response time. It is commonly used in network
troubleshooting.
, 7. What is the primary function of Random Access Memory (RAM) in a
computer system?
A. Permanent storage of operating system files
B. Temporary storage for actively used data and programs
C. Management of network traffic
D. Conversion of analog signals to digital signals
Answer: B
Rationale: RAM temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU
actively uses during program execution. Because RAM is volatile, its
contents are lost when the computer is powered off.
8. Which device allows multiple computers on a local network to
communicate with each other and share a single internet connection?
A. Switch
B. Router
C. Printer
D. Scanner
Answer: B
Rationale: A router connects multiple networks and directs traffic between
them. In home and office environments, routers typically distribute internet
access from an ISP to multiple devices within a local network.
9. Which troubleshooting methodology step involves identifying the root
cause of a problem before implementing a solution?
A. Establish a theory of probable cause
B. Implement preventive maintenance
C. Verify full system functionality
D. Document findings and actions
Answer: A
Certification License Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A corporate employee reports that their desktop computer powers on
but displays a blank screen with no startup logo. Which
troubleshooting step should an IT support technician perform first to
isolate the problem?
A. Reinstall the operating system immediately
B. Replace the computer’s motherboard
C. Disconnect all external peripherals
D. Check monitor power and video cable connections
Answer: D
Rationale: The most fundamental troubleshooting step is verifying physical
connections and power to display devices. Loose or disconnected video
cables or an unpowered monitor commonly cause a blank screen, and
checking these components first follows the standard troubleshooting
methodology of examining the simplest causes before more complex
interventions.
2. Which component of a computer is primarily responsible for executing
program instructions and performing calculations?
, A. Random Access Memory
B. Central Processing Unit
C. Hard Disk Drive
D. Network Interface Card
Answer: B
Rationale: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) executes program instructions
and performs arithmetic and logical operations required for computing
tasks. While RAM temporarily stores data and the hard drive stores files,
the CPU is the primary processor responsible for executing commands.
3. A user complains that their computer has become extremely slow after
installing several applications. What is the most likely cause of this
performance degradation?
A. Excessive free disk space
B. Insufficient installed drivers
C. Too many startup programs running
D. Incorrect monitor resolution settings
Answer: C
Rationale: Many applications install startup processes that automatically
run when the system boots. Excessive startup programs consume CPU and
memory resources, significantly slowing system startup and overall
performance.
4. Which file system is commonly used by modern Windows operating
systems because it supports large file sizes and advanced security
permissions?
A. FAT16
B. FAT32
C. NTFS
D. exFAT
,Answer: C
Rationale: NTFS (New Technology File System) supports features such as
file permissions, encryption, journaling, and large storage volumes, making
it the default file system for modern Windows operating systems.
5. A technician is installing a new internal hard drive into a desktop
computer. Which connector is most commonly used for modern
internal drives?
A. IDE
B. SATA
C. VGA
D. PS/2
Answer: B
Rationale: SATA (Serial ATA) is the standard interface used for connecting
modern internal hard drives and solid-state drives. It provides faster data
transfer speeds and simpler cabling compared to the older IDE interface.
6. A user cannot access the internet even though the network icon
indicates connectivity. Which command-line tool can the technician
use to test connectivity to a remote server?
A. dir
B. ping
C. format
D. tasklist
Answer: B
Rationale: The ping command sends Internet Control Message Protocol
(ICMP) echo requests to a remote server to test whether the host is
reachable and measure response time. It is commonly used in network
troubleshooting.
, 7. What is the primary function of Random Access Memory (RAM) in a
computer system?
A. Permanent storage of operating system files
B. Temporary storage for actively used data and programs
C. Management of network traffic
D. Conversion of analog signals to digital signals
Answer: B
Rationale: RAM temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU
actively uses during program execution. Because RAM is volatile, its
contents are lost when the computer is powered off.
8. Which device allows multiple computers on a local network to
communicate with each other and share a single internet connection?
A. Switch
B. Router
C. Printer
D. Scanner
Answer: B
Rationale: A router connects multiple networks and directs traffic between
them. In home and office environments, routers typically distribute internet
access from an ISP to multiple devices within a local network.
9. Which troubleshooting methodology step involves identifying the root
cause of a problem before implementing a solution?
A. Establish a theory of probable cause
B. Implement preventive maintenance
C. Verify full system functionality
D. Document findings and actions
Answer: A
