CompTIA A+ Core 1 & Core 2 Exam
Questions & Answers Updated Actual
Exam 2026/2027 – Complete Exam-Style
Q&As | 100% Certified Verified – Pass
Guaranteed – A+ Graded
Core 1 (220-1101) - Hardware & Networking
1. Which component is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical
operations in a computer system?
• A) RAM
• B) Hard Drive
• C) CPU (Correct)
• D) Power Supply
Rationale: The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the primary processing
component responsible for executing instructions and performing arithmetic and
logical calculations. RAM only stores temporary data, the hard drive stores
persistent data, and the power supply distributes electrical power .
2. Which type of memory is volatile and loses data when power is turned off?
• A) SSD
• B) ROM
• C) RAM (Correct)
• D) BIOS
,Rationale: RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory used for
temporarily storing data currently in use by the system. When power is lost, all
data in RAM is erased. SSDs and ROM are non-volatile, retaining data without
power .
3. Which port is commonly used for modern high-definition video and audio
transmission?
• A) VGA
• B) DVI
• C) HDMI (Correct)
• D) PS/2
Rationale: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) transmits both digital
video and audio signals over a single cable, making it the standard for modern
displays and monitors. VGA and DVI are older interfaces, while PS/2 is for legacy
peripherals .
4. What is the primary purpose of an operating system?
• A) Manage hardware and software resources (Correct)
• B) Perform hardware repairs
• C) Manufacture system drivers
• D) Replace BIOS firmware
Rationale: The operating system manages hardware resources and software
applications, providing an interface between the user and the computer hardware. It
allocates memory, manages processes, and handles file systems .
5. What is the function of a firewall?
• A) Increase CPU speed
• B) Block unauthorized network access (Correct)
• C) Store backup data
, • D) Defragment hard drives
Rationale: A firewall monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic
based on security rules, preventing unauthorized access to private networks. It does
not affect CPU speed, store data, or perform disk maintenance .
6. Which storage device uses spinning magnetic platters?
• A) SSD
• B) HDD (Correct)
• C) RAM
• D) Flash drive
Rationale: A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) uses spinning magnetic platters and
mechanical read/write heads to store data. SSDs use flash memory with no moving
parts, RAM is temporary memory, and flash drives use solid-state storage .
7. What does IP stand for in networking?
• A) Internet Protocol (Correct)
• B) Internal Processing
• C) Interface Program
• D) Internet Provider
Rationale: Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules governing how data packets are
addressed and routed across networks, enabling devices to communicate over local
and global networks .
8. Which tool is used to prevent static electricity damage when working on
computer components?
• A) Multimeter
• B) ESD strap (Correct)
• C) Loopback plug
, • D) Toner probe
Rationale: An Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) strap prevents static electricity
buildup on the technician's body, protecting sensitive electronic components from
damage. Multimeters measure voltage, loopback plugs test ports, and toner probes
trace cables .
9. Which file system is commonly used by Windows operating systems?
• A) EXT4
• B) NTFS (Correct)
• C) HFS+
• D) FAT64
Rationale: NTFS (New Technology File System) is the primary file system used
in modern Windows operating systems. It supports file permissions, encryption,
and large storage volumes. EXT4 is used in Linux and HFS+ in macOS .
10. Which type of printer uses toner instead of ink?
• A) Inkjet
• B) Laser (Correct)
• C) Thermal
• D) Dot matrix
Rationale: Laser printers use toner powder and a laser imaging process to produce
high-quality, fast prints. Inkjet printers use liquid ink, thermal printers use heat-
sensitive paper, and dot matrix printers use impact ribbons .
11. What is the main purpose of DNS?
• A) Encrypt network traffic
• B) Translate domain names to IP addresses (Correct)
• C) Assign MAC addresses
Questions & Answers Updated Actual
Exam 2026/2027 – Complete Exam-Style
Q&As | 100% Certified Verified – Pass
Guaranteed – A+ Graded
Core 1 (220-1101) - Hardware & Networking
1. Which component is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical
operations in a computer system?
• A) RAM
• B) Hard Drive
• C) CPU (Correct)
• D) Power Supply
Rationale: The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the primary processing
component responsible for executing instructions and performing arithmetic and
logical calculations. RAM only stores temporary data, the hard drive stores
persistent data, and the power supply distributes electrical power .
2. Which type of memory is volatile and loses data when power is turned off?
• A) SSD
• B) ROM
• C) RAM (Correct)
• D) BIOS
,Rationale: RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory used for
temporarily storing data currently in use by the system. When power is lost, all
data in RAM is erased. SSDs and ROM are non-volatile, retaining data without
power .
3. Which port is commonly used for modern high-definition video and audio
transmission?
• A) VGA
• B) DVI
• C) HDMI (Correct)
• D) PS/2
Rationale: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) transmits both digital
video and audio signals over a single cable, making it the standard for modern
displays and monitors. VGA and DVI are older interfaces, while PS/2 is for legacy
peripherals .
4. What is the primary purpose of an operating system?
• A) Manage hardware and software resources (Correct)
• B) Perform hardware repairs
• C) Manufacture system drivers
• D) Replace BIOS firmware
Rationale: The operating system manages hardware resources and software
applications, providing an interface between the user and the computer hardware. It
allocates memory, manages processes, and handles file systems .
5. What is the function of a firewall?
• A) Increase CPU speed
• B) Block unauthorized network access (Correct)
• C) Store backup data
, • D) Defragment hard drives
Rationale: A firewall monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic
based on security rules, preventing unauthorized access to private networks. It does
not affect CPU speed, store data, or perform disk maintenance .
6. Which storage device uses spinning magnetic platters?
• A) SSD
• B) HDD (Correct)
• C) RAM
• D) Flash drive
Rationale: A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) uses spinning magnetic platters and
mechanical read/write heads to store data. SSDs use flash memory with no moving
parts, RAM is temporary memory, and flash drives use solid-state storage .
7. What does IP stand for in networking?
• A) Internet Protocol (Correct)
• B) Internal Processing
• C) Interface Program
• D) Internet Provider
Rationale: Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules governing how data packets are
addressed and routed across networks, enabling devices to communicate over local
and global networks .
8. Which tool is used to prevent static electricity damage when working on
computer components?
• A) Multimeter
• B) ESD strap (Correct)
• C) Loopback plug
, • D) Toner probe
Rationale: An Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) strap prevents static electricity
buildup on the technician's body, protecting sensitive electronic components from
damage. Multimeters measure voltage, loopback plugs test ports, and toner probes
trace cables .
9. Which file system is commonly used by Windows operating systems?
• A) EXT4
• B) NTFS (Correct)
• C) HFS+
• D) FAT64
Rationale: NTFS (New Technology File System) is the primary file system used
in modern Windows operating systems. It supports file permissions, encryption,
and large storage volumes. EXT4 is used in Linux and HFS+ in macOS .
10. Which type of printer uses toner instead of ink?
• A) Inkjet
• B) Laser (Correct)
• C) Thermal
• D) Dot matrix
Rationale: Laser printers use toner powder and a laser imaging process to produce
high-quality, fast prints. Inkjet printers use liquid ink, thermal printers use heat-
sensitive paper, and dot matrix printers use impact ribbons .
11. What is the main purpose of DNS?
• A) Encrypt network traffic
• B) Translate domain names to IP addresses (Correct)
• C) Assign MAC addresses
