CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202
By Mr Sparkles · Updated Jun 17, 2026
| Certification | A+ (Core 2) (220-1102) |
| Questions | 25 |
| Passing Score | 90% |
| Format | 92% Multiple Choice |
| Sessions Logged | 645 |
| Your progress | Log in / Register to track times taken, best score, questions mastered, and coverage on this quiz. |
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Certification Summary
The CompTIA A+ 220-1102 is the second half of the hardware and software cert for entry-level helpdesk techs and field support staff. You sit this one if you are trying to land a tier-one support role or if your manager wants a piece of paper to prove you know how to navigate a client workstation without breaking the image.
Operating Systems, Security, and Software Troubleshooting make up most of the test, and they hit you with scenarios where you have to pick the right command line syntax or identify the source of a boot error. The exam covers configuring basic Linux permissions, setting up email clients, and choosing the right security protocol for a mobile device, while the operational procedures section tests if you can document a ticket properly and follow safety guidelines for wiping a hard drive using Windows-specific disk management tools.
Topics covered
Operating Systems8 questions
- Boot and Recovery Troubleshooting1 q
- Filesystems and Permissions1 q
- Linux and macOS Command-Line Tools1 q
- Windows Tools and Services1 q
- Windows Recovery and Updates1 q
- Scripting and Automation1 q
- User Profiles and Domain Authentication1 q
- Tool Selection and Troubleshooting Evidence1 q
Security8 questions
- Malware Response and Persistence1 q
- Authentication and Account Protection1 q
- Wireless and Endpoint Security1 q
- Malware Prevention and Hardening1 q
- Least Privilege and Local Accounts1 q
- Data Privacy and Secure Disposal1 q
- Mobile Device Management1 q
- Browser Security and Phishing1 q
Software Troubleshooting5 questions
- Application Compatibility and Permissions1 q
- OS Performance and Resource Usage1 q
- Mobile and Application Behavior1 q
- Browser and Certificate Issues1 q
- Email and Client Configuration1 q
Operational Procedures4 questions
- Safety and Data Protection1 q
- Change Management1 q
- Documentation and Ticket Handling1 q
- Malware Removal Process1 q
Question catalog for this preview
Catalog listing of the 5 preview questions for this quiz.
Question 1
A user's browser redirects search results to suspicious sites. The antivirus scan removes several files, but the behavior returns after reboot. The technician finds a scheduled task running a PowerShell command from the user's AppData folder at logon. The workstation has not been disconnected from the network yet.
What should the technician do first?
Explanation
The scheduled task indicates persistence. The workstation should be isolated to prevent further communication or spread while preserving evidence needed for analysis. After containment, the technician can remove the scheduled task, malicious files, and browser changes.
Clearing the browser profile may remove symptoms but not persistence. Reinstalling the browser ignores the scheduled task. Disabling Windows Update is unrelated and weakens the system.
Question 2
A legacy accounting application runs successfully when launched by a local administrator but fails for standard users with an error writing to C:\Program Files\AcctApp\config.ini. The vendor says the application cannot be upgraded for six months. The company does not want to give users local administrator rights.
Which remediation best balances compatibility and least privilege?
Explanation
The application is failing because it writes to a protected location. The best fix is to narrowly adjust permissions for the required file or path, or redirect configuration writes to an appropriate user-writable location. This preserves least privilege better than granting broad administrative rights.
Giving users local admin rights expands risk. Saving an administrator password in a shortcut is dangerous. Disabling UAC weakens the entire workstation security model.
Question 3
A technician is replacing a user's laptop SSD. The laptop contains regulated customer data and is still under warranty. The user needs their data migrated to the replacement drive, and the failed SSD must be returned to the manufacturer unless company policy prevents it.
Which TWO actions should the technician take?
Explanation
The technician must follow data handling policy for regulated data, especially before returning storage media to a vendor. Proper ESD precautions, asset documentation, serial number tracking, and chain-of-custody support both safety and accountability.
Using a personal cloud drive creates an uncontrolled data exposure. Leaving the SSD on a desk is poor custody. Removing warranty labels is inappropriate and may create support or legal issues.
Question 4
A Windows user can open a shared department folder but cannot save changes to one subfolder. Other users in the same group can save there. The share permissions grant Change access to the group. NTFS permissions on the subfolder show the group has Modify access, but the individual user has an explicit Deny Write entry inherited from an old project folder.
What is the most likely cause?
Explanation
In Windows permissions, an explicit Deny can override allowed permissions from group membership. The user can access the share but cannot write to the affected subfolder because the deny entry applies specifically to that user.
Share permissions are not the blocker because the group has Change access and other users can write. A firewall issue would affect access more broadly. exFAT does not support NTFS permissions, but the scenario states NTFS permissions are present.
Question 5
A remote employee reports repeated account lockouts every morning. The user recently changed their domain password. The lockouts continue even when the laptop is shut down overnight. Security logs show failed authentication attempts from the user's old smartphone using Exchange ActiveSync.
What should the technician do?
Explanation
The failed attempts are coming from the smartphone using an old stored password. Updating or removing saved credentials on mobile email clients and other connected apps is the correct fix.
Resetting the password again does not stop the phone from retrying. Disabling the account disrupts the user without solving the source. Clearing Windows Credential Manager on the laptop will not address failures from the phone.