CompTIA A+ Core 1 Certification Exam Practice Test
The CompTIA A+ Core 1 practice page covers computer hardware, networking, mobile devices, and troubleshooting. Its questions use practical situations such as diagnosing storage detection, choosing network equipment, checking processor cooling, and preparing a printer or power supply for service.
Exam overview
About the CompTIA A+ Core 1 Certification Exam
The practice material touches on matching components to user needs and isolating common faults. Scenarios involve wireless access points, Ethernet cabling, DNS name resolution, network address translation, and backup power. Hardware tasks include checking system monitoring information, confirming M.2 drive compatibility or configuration, and verifying a replacement power supply before installation. Other questions address printer readiness and using Windows security options to reach Task Manager when the operating system is partly responsive. These situations call for interpreting symptoms, identifying the relevant component or service, and choosing a safe, practical next step. Use them to connect concepts such as network connectivity, storage interfaces, power protection, and device operation with routine technician decisions.
Sample Practice Questions
Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.
A small office needs to provide Wi-Fi to wireless clients while allowing them to reach an existing wired LAN. Which device provides this function?
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Correct answer: AA wireless access point bridges wireless clients to a wired network. A KVM switch shares keyboard, video, and mouse peripherals; a patch panel organizes cabling; and a UPS provides backup power.
A technician needs to verify whether a desktop’s CPU fan is turning and check the reported processor temperature. Which source is most appropriate to consult first?
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Correct answer: AMany UEFI/BIOS setup interfaces include hardware-monitoring information such as fan speeds and temperatures. This can help determine whether the fan is operating before troubleshooting within the operating system.
A user needs a paper copy of a document from a computer, but the printer is out of paper. Which action should the user take before sending another print job?
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Correct answer: AThe printer needs paper in its input tray to produce a physical page. The other actions do not address the printer's out-of-paper condition.
A technician wants to reduce the chance that a desktop's hard drive is damaged by a brief power interruption. Which device provides temporary backup power during an outage?
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Correct answer: AAn uninterruptible power supply (UPS) includes a battery that can provide temporary power when utility power is interrupted, allowing continued operation or an orderly shutdown. The other devices do not provide backup power.
A technician is installing an M.2 SSD. The drive is secured in its socket, but the computer does not detect it. What should the technician verify first?
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Correct answer: AM.2 describes a form factor, not a single storage protocol. A motherboard slot may support SATA, NVMe over PCIe, or both, so compatibility between the drive and slot should be checked.
A laptop is connected to a wireless network but cannot open websites by name. It can reach a public IP address when tested directly. Which service is most likely misconfigured?
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Correct answer: BDNS translates domain names into IP addresses. If direct IP connectivity works but names do not resolve, DNS is the most likely issue.
A computer's operating system becomes unresponsive, but the mouse pointer still moves. Which keyboard shortcut opens the Windows security screen, from which Task Manager can be selected?
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Correct answer: ACtrl+Alt+Delete opens the Windows security screen, which provides access to options including Task Manager. Task Manager can help identify and close an unresponsive application.
How to use this practice test
Access is free. Each practice session presents up to 20 random questions from the 50-question bank, and results appear after the session. Use the scenarios to check how you identify likely causes and select troubleshooting steps; review any missed items by topic, such as networking, hardware, or printers.
Preparation tips
- Distinguish the roles of wireless access points, routers, DNS, and NAT when tracing a client’s path to a website.
- Review M.2 form factors, interface compatibility, firmware or system configuration checks, and common reasons a drive may not be detected.
- Practice matching power problems to solutions, including UPS protection for brief outages and compatibility checks when replacing a desktop PSU.
- For desktop hardware scenarios, identify which system monitoring source can report fan operation and processor temperature.
- Trace printer and Windows troubleshooting steps in order, including confirming paper availability and opening the security screen to access Task Manager.