CompTIA A+ Practice Tests | 220-1101 | 220-1102

Master the CompTIA A+ certification with our comprehensive free CompTIA A+ Practice Tests. Includes sample questions, study tips, exam strategies, and everything you need to pass Core 1 and Core 2 exams.

The CompTIA A+ certification is the gold standard entry-level credential for IT professionals, validating foundational skills in hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting. With over 1 million IT professionals certified worldwide, A+ opens doors to lucrative tech careers with an average salary of $50,000-$65,000 for entry-level positions.

Creating a structured study schedule that incorporates free CompTIA A+ practice tests significantly increases your chances of first attempt success. Begin by taking a diagnostic practice exam to establish your baseline knowledge across all exam domains including mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing. Dedicate specific study blocks to weak areas identified through practice testing, then reassess with additional free exams to measure progress. Schedule practice tests at regular intervals throughout your preparation period rather than cramming them all at the end. Mix different free resources to expose yourself to varied question styles and explanations, preventing overreliance on any single source.

As your exam date approaches, increase practice test frequency to build stamina for the 90-minute testing sessions and fine-tune your ability to quickly eliminate incorrect answers using test-taking strategies specific to CompTIA certification exams.

CompTIA A plus Practice Tests

However, passing the CompTIA A+ exam requires more than just reading study guides. CompTIA A+ Practice Tests are the most effective way to prepare, helping you identify knowledge gaps, build exam confidence, and familiarize yourself with question formats. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about CompTIA A+ practice tests and includes sample questions to jumpstart your preparation.

220-1202 Test

A Plus Practice Test

Understanding the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam

Free CompTIA A+ practice tests offer more than just question-and-answer sessions—they provide a risk-free environment to assess your readiness without financial commitment. By taking multiple practice exams, you familiarize yourself with the diverse question types including multiple-choice, performance-based, and drag-and-drop scenarios that appear on the actual certification exam. These free resources help you recognize knowledge gaps early in your study journey, allowing you to focus your efforts on domains where you need the most improvement, whether that’s hardware troubleshooting, operating systems, security fundamentals, or networking concepts.

Numerous reputable platforms offer free CompTIA A+ practice questions that align with current exam objectives. Official CompTIA resources occasionally provide sample questions that reflect the actual exam structure and difficulty level. Educational websites, IT certification forums, and technology training platforms frequently publish complimentary CompTIA A+ Practice Test featuring detailed explanations for each answer. YouTube channels dedicated to IT certification often include quiz-style content, while study groups on social media platforms share community-created practice questions. When selecting free CompTIA A+ Practice Test, prioritize sources that update their content regularly to match the latest exam objectives and provide comprehensive explanations rather than just correct answers.

Exam Structure and Format

The CompTIA A+ certification requires passing two separate exams:

Core 1 (220-1101): Focuses on mobile devices, networking technology, hardware, virtualization, and cloud computing

  • 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based)
  • 90 minutes to complete
  • Passing score: 675 (on a scale of 100-900)

Core 2 (220-1102): Covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures

  • 90 questions (multiple-choice and performance-based)
  • 90 minutes to complete
  • Passing score: 700 (on a scale of 100-900)

Both exams include multiple-choice questions and performance-based questions (PBQs) that simulate real-world scenarios. Understanding this format is crucial for effective CompTIA A+ Practice Test preparation.

Benefits of Taking FREE CompTIA A+ Practice Tests

Simply taking free practice tests isn’t enough—strategic utilization makes the difference between passing and failing. Treat each practice exam as if it were the real thing by timing yourself, eliminating distractions, and avoiding the temptation to look up answers mid-test. After completing each practice exam, thoroughly review both correct and incorrect answers to understand the underlying concepts rather than memorizing specific questions. Create a study log documenting your scores across different domains to track improvement over time and identify persistent weak areas. Supplement free CompTIA A+ Practice Test with hands-on lab experience, official study guides, and video tutorials to reinforce theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring you’re truly prepared for the performance-based questions that comprise a significant portion of the CompTIA A+ certification.

1. Identify Knowledge Gaps Early

CompTIA A+ Practice Tests reveal which exam objectives you’ve mastered and which require additional study. Rather than discovering weaknesses on exam day, you can target specific domains for improvement.

2. Build Time Management Skills

With only 90 minutes for 90 questions, time management is critical. CompTIA A+ Practice Tests help you develop pacing strategies, ensuring you can complete all questions without rushing.

3. Reduce Test Anxiety

Familiarity breeds confidence. Regular practice testing makes the exam format feel routine rather than intimidating, significantly reducing test-day stress.

4. Improve Information Retention

The “testing effect” is a proven cognitive phenomenon: retrieving information during practice strengthens memory more effectively than passive review. Free CompTIA A+ Practice Tests transform temporary knowledge into long-term retention.

5. Learn Question Patterns and Formats

CompTIA uses specific question styles and distractors. CompTIA A+ Practice Tests teach you to recognize these patterns, identify keyword clues, and eliminate wrong answers efficiently.

How to Use CompTIA A+ Practice Tests Effectively

Create a Study Schedule

Don’t wait until the end of your study period to take CompTIA A+ Practice Tests. Integrate them throughout your preparation:

  • Week 1-2: Study foundational concepts, take baseline practice test
  • Week 3-4: Deep dive into weak areas, take domain-specific quizzes
  • Week 5-6: Complete full-length practice exams weekly
  • Week 7-8: Take multiple timed CompTIA A+ Practice Tests, review all incorrect answers

Simulate Real Exam Conditions

When taking full-length CompTIA A+ Practice Tests:

  • Set a 90-minute timer and stick to it
  • Eliminate distractions (put phone away, close unnecessary tabs)
  • Don’t pause or look up answers during the test
  • Complete it in one sitting to build stamina

Review Thoroughly

The learning happens during review, not during the test itself:

  • Analyze every incorrect answer to understand why you missed it
  • Review correct answers to reinforce your reasoning
  • Study the explanations for both correct and incorrect options
  • Take notes on concepts that confused you
  • Revisit related study materials for topics you struggled with

Track Your Progress

Maintain a study log tracking:

  • Practice test scores over time
  • Performance by exam domain
  • Common mistake patterns
  • Topics requiring additional review

When you consistently score 85% or higher on multiple full-length CompTIA A+ Practice Tests, you’re likely ready for the actual exam.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Sample Practice Questions

Question 1: Mobile Devices

A technician needs to replace a smartphone battery that is swollen and causing the back cover to separate. Which of the following should the technician do FIRST?

A) Remove the battery and dispose of it in regular trash
B) Power off the device and discontinue use immediately
C) Attempt to discharge the battery completely before removal
D) Press down on the back cover to reseat it properly

Correct Answer: B) Power off the device and discontinue use immediately

Explanation: A swollen battery is a serious safety hazard that can potentially catch fire or explode. The first priority is safety—the device should be powered off immediately and not used until the battery is properly replaced. Never attempt to discharge a swollen battery (C), as this increases the risk of rupture. Swollen batteries must be disposed of properly at designated recycling centers, not in regular trash (A). Pressing on the cover (D) could puncture the battery, causing a dangerous reaction.

Domain: Mobile Devices (1.0)

Question 2: Networking

A user reports that they can access local network resources but cannot browse the internet. The workstation has been assigned the IP address 169.254.100.50. Which of the following is MOST likely the cause?

A) Incorrect subnet mask configuration
B) DHCP server is unavailable
C) DNS server is not responding
D) Default gateway is misconfigured

Correct Answer: B) DHCP server is unavailable

Explanation: The IP address 169.254.x.x is an APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) address, which Windows automatically assigns when it cannot obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. This indicates the DHCP server is down, unreachable, or has exhausted its address pool. While a misconfigured default gateway (D) would prevent internet access, the APIPA address clearly indicates a DHCP failure. DNS issues (C) would typically show different symptoms, and the subnet mask (A) wouldn’t cause an APIPA address assignment.

Domain: Networking (2.0)

Question 3: Hardware

A technician is building a workstation that will be used for video editing with 4K footage. Which of the following components is MOST important to prioritize in the configuration?

A) High-capacity SSD storage
B) Dedicated graphics card with ample VRAM
C) Multi-core processor with high clock speed
D) 32GB or more of RAM

Correct Answer: C) Multi-core processor with high clock speed

Explanation: While all these components are important for video editing, the CPU (processor) is the most critical component for rendering and processing 4K video footage. Video encoding and effects processing are extremely CPU-intensive tasks that benefit significantly from multiple cores and high clock speeds. A dedicated GPU (B) helps with preview rendering and certain effects, high-capacity storage (A) is needed for large video files, and 32GB+ RAM (D) ensures smooth multitasking, but the processor is the primary bottleneck in video editing performance.

Domain: Hardware (3.0)

Question 4: Virtualization and Cloud Computing

A company wants to implement a cloud solution where they maintain control over their applications and data but rely on a cloud provider for the underlying infrastructure. Which cloud service model should they choose?

A) SaaS (Software as a Service)
B) IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
C) PaaS (Platform as a Service)
D) DaaS (Desktop as a Service)

Correct Answer: B) IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

Explanation: IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, including servers, storage, and networking, while giving the customer full control over operating systems, applications, and data. This matches the requirement of controlling applications and data while the provider manages infrastructure. SaaS (A) provides complete applications managed by the provider. PaaS (C) provides a platform for developing and deploying applications but abstracts more of the infrastructure away. DaaS (D) provides virtual desktop environments as a service.

Domain: Virtualization and Cloud Computing (4.0)

Question 5: Hardware Troubleshooting

A user reports that their laptop screen is very dim and difficult to read, even with brightness settings at maximum. The image is visible when examined closely. Which component has MOST likely failed?

A) LCD panel
B) Inverter or backlight
C) Graphics card
D) Display cable

Correct Answer: B) Inverter or backlight

Explanation: When the screen displays an image but is extremely dim, this is a classic symptom of backlight or inverter failure. The LCD panel is still functioning (producing the image), but the backlight that illuminates it has failed. If the LCD panel itself failed (A), you would see no image or distorted images. A graphics card failure (C) would typically cause no display, artifacts, or system instability. A loose display cable (D) would usually cause flickering, intermittent display, or no display at all, not consistent dimness.

Domain: Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (5.0)

CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) Sample Practice Questions

Question 6: Operating Systems

A technician needs to run a legacy application that is only compatible with Windows 7, but the company has standardized on Windows 11. Which Windows feature would allow the application to run?

A) Windows Update
B) Compatibility Mode
C) Safe Mode
D) Virtual Desktop

Correct Answer: B) Compatibility Mode

Explanation: Compatibility Mode allows applications designed for older versions of Windows to run on newer operating systems by emulating the environment of the older OS. Users can right-click the application, select Properties, and choose the Compatibility tab to select which previous Windows version to emulate. Windows Update (A) provides system patches, Safe Mode (C) is a troubleshooting boot option, and Virtual Desktop (D) is a workspace organization feature, none of which address application compatibility.

Domain: Operating Systems (1.0)

Question 7: Security

A company wants to ensure that data on employee laptops remains secure even if the device is lost or stolen. Which of the following security measures would BEST accomplish this?

A) BIOS password
B) Strong user account passwords
C) Full disk encryption
D) Disable USB ports

Correct Answer: C) Full disk encryption

Explanation: Full disk encryption (such as BitLocker on Windows or FileVault on macOS) encrypts all data on the drive, making it unreadable without the proper decryption key or password. Even if someone removes the hard drive and connects it to another computer, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible. A BIOS password (A) can be bypassed by removing the drive, user account passwords (B) protect against unauthorized logins but not physical access to the drive, and disabling USB ports (D) doesn’t protect against drive removal or other access methods.

Domain: Security (2.0)

Question 8: Software Troubleshooting

A user reports that their Windows 11 PC is running extremely slowly, applications take a long time to open, and the hard drive light is constantly active. Task Manager shows memory usage at 95%. What is the MOST likely cause?

A) Failing hard drive
B) Insufficient RAM causing excessive paging
C) CPU overheating
D) Malware infection

Correct Answer: B) Insufficient RAM causing excessive paging

Explanation: When physical RAM is exhausted (95% usage), Windows uses the hard drive as virtual memory (paging file), which is significantly slower than RAM. The constant hard drive activity and slow application performance are classic symptoms of excessive paging due to insufficient RAM. While a failing hard drive (A) causes performance issues, the 95% memory usage is the key indicator here. CPU overheating (C) would typically cause shutdowns or throttling, and while malware (D) can cause slowdowns, the specific combination of high memory usage and constant disk activity points to a RAM shortage.

Domain: Software Troubleshooting (3.0)

Question 9: Operational Procedures

A technician is about to service a laser printer that has recently printed. Which safety procedure should the technician follow?

A) Disconnect the printer from the network first
B) Wear an ESD wrist strap throughout the service
C) Allow the fuser assembly to cool before servicing
D) Remove the toner cartridge immediately

Correct Answer: C) Allow the fuser assembly to cool before servicing

Explanation: The fuser assembly in laser printers operates at extremely high temperatures (around 200°C or 400°F) to melt toner onto paper. After printing, the fuser remains dangerously hot for an extended period and can cause serious burns. Technicians must wait for it to cool completely before servicing. Disconnecting from the network (A) isn’t a safety issue. While ESD protection (B) is important for electronics, thermal burns from the fuser are the immediate safety hazard. Removing the toner cartridge (D) doesn’t address the burn risk from the hot fuser.

Domain: Operational Procedures (4.0)

Question 10: Security Implementation

An organization wants to ensure that only authorized devices can connect to their wireless network. Which security measure should they implement?

A) WPA3 encryption
B) SSID broadcasting disabled
C) MAC address filtering
D) Strong pre-shared key

Correct Answer: C) MAC address filtering

Explanation: MAC address filtering creates a whitelist of approved device MAC addresses that are allowed to connect to the network. Only devices with MAC addresses on the approved list can connect, even if they have the correct password. While WPA3 encryption (A) secures the connection, it doesn’t restrict which devices can connect. Disabling SSID broadcasting (B) provides security through obscurity but doesn’t prevent authorized devices from connecting if they know the SSID. A strong pre-shared key (D) secures the network but doesn’t specifically limit which devices can connect.

Domain: Security (2.0)

Advanced Performance-Based Question Example

Question 11: Network Configuration Scenario

A small office has 5 computers that need to share a cable internet connection. You have been provided with a cable modem, a wireless router, and Cat6 Ethernet cables. Drag and drop the steps in the correct order to set up the network:

Available Steps:

  1. Connect computers to the router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi
  2. Configure wireless security settings (WPA3, strong password)
  3. Connect the cable modem to the WAN port of the router
  4. Connect the cable modem to the internet service provider’s cable
  5. Power on the cable modem and wait for it to establish connection
  6. Configure DHCP settings on the router
  7. Power on the wireless router
  8. Test internet connectivity from each computer

Correct Order:

  1. Connect the cable modem to the internet service provider’s cable (Step 4)
  2. Power on the cable modem and wait for it to establish connection (Step 5)
  3. Connect the cable modem to the WAN port of the router (Step 3)
  4. Power on the wireless router (Step 7)
  5. Configure wireless security settings (Step 2)
  6. Configure DHCP settings on the router (Step 6)
  7. Connect computers to the router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi (Step 1)
  8. Test internet connectivity from each computer (Step 8)

Explanation: This logical sequence ensures each component is properly connected and configured before moving to the next step. The internet connection must be established at the modem first, then connected to the router, then the router configured for security and IP addressing, and finally devices connected and tested.

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