CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Test 3
Question 20
At Amberline Finance, a technician working in small-office network service desk identifies this issue: A domain receives email at the wrong destination after DNS changes. The supporting record states that its MX record points to a decommissioned mail host while SPF TXT data still names authorized outbound senders. The desired outcome is to distinguish mail routing records from sender authorization policies. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which acceptance result best demonstrates the issue is resolved?
- Verify guest traffic cannot reach payroll while VPN users reach their approved internal resources
- Verify hostname access returns while the assigned IP lease remains unchanged
- Verify incoming mail resolves to the right mail exchanger and SPF evaluates approved senders
- Confirm the same address returns on renewal and is not leased to another client
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Verify incoming mail resolves to the right mail exchanger and SPF evaluates approved senders. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that its MX record points to a decommissioned mail host while SPF TXT data still names authorized outbound senders. The support goal is to distinguish mail routing records from sender authorization policies; this validate action specifically addresses mx and spf dns records distinct purposes without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify guest traffic cannot reach payroll while VPN users reach their approved internal resources. This action is appropriate for vlan segmentation versus vpn encrypted tunneling, normally when a small office needs guest Wi-Fi isolated from payroll devices but also needs secure remote employee access. Here the observed facts require mx and spf dns records distinct purposes instead.
B:
Verify hostname access returns while the assigned IP lease remains unchanged. This action is appropriate for dns resolution versus dhcp address assignment, normally when a workstation has a valid IPv4 address, gateway and lease but cannot reach services by hostname. Here the observed facts require mx and spf dns records distinct purposes instead.
D:
Confirm the same address returns on renewal and is not leased to another client. This action is appropriate for dhcp reservation versus exclusion, normally when a networked printer must keep the same IPv4 address while the rest of the office remains DHCP-managed. Here the observed facts require mx and spf dns records distinct purposes instead.
Question 21
During Beacon Group's computer equipment refresh, the technician encounters this condition: A laptop screen is bright but a stylus cannot register pressure on one strip of the touch layer. The desired outcome is to distinguish touch digitizer trouble from display brightness or backlight faults. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. What should be tracked after the fix to maintain service reliability?
- Monitor new panel substitutions and reported off-axis color changes
- Monitor driver updates that reset mode selection
- Monitor touch dead zones and accidental touch events after repairs
- Monitor remaining SSD health and firmware updates
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Monitor touch dead zones and accidental touch events after repairs. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that a laptop screen is bright but a stylus cannot register pressure on one strip of the touch layer. The support goal is to distinguish touch digitizer trouble from display brightness or backlight faults; this monitor action specifically addresses digitizer input versus backlight inverter without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor new panel substitutions and reported off-axis color changes. This action is appropriate for ips versus tn versus oled displays, normally when a graphic designer prioritizes consistent viewing angles and color accuracy over lowest display price. Here the observed facts require digitizer input versus backlight inverter instead.
B:
Monitor driver updates that reset mode selection. This action is appropriate for refresh rate versus screen resolution, normally when a support buyer mistakes 144 Hz for a count of display pixels when comparing two monitors. Here the observed facts require digitizer input versus backlight inverter instead.
D:
Monitor remaining SSD health and firmware updates. This action is appropriate for ssd versus hdd latency and interface, normally when a mobile user needs low-latency storage and shock resistance but a procurement request specifies a 5400 RPM hard disk. Here the observed facts require digitizer input versus backlight inverter instead.
Question 22
During Horizon College's laptop and mobile device repair, the technician encounters this condition: A wireless headset pairs with a tablet but does not appear on a new laptop's device discovery list. The supporting record states that the headset is still connected to the tablet and has not entered discoverable pairing mode. The desired outcome is to pair the intended audio accessory without erasing unrelated device settings. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Check headset pairing mode, existing connections, Bluetooth visibility and adapter status
- Check device and cable specifications for DisplayPort Alternate Mode, Thunderbolt or USB4 video support
- Check the convertible's active pen standard and supported pressure or hover features
- Check backup success, recovery-key availability, drive connector and manufacturer form-factor compatibility
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Check headset pairing mode, existing connections, Bluetooth visibility and adapter status. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that the headset is still connected to the tablet and has not entered discoverable pairing mode. The support goal is to pair the intended audio accessory without erasing unrelated device settings; this diagnose action specifically addresses bluetooth headset pairing without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Check device and cable specifications for DisplayPort Alternate Mode, Thunderbolt or USB4 video support. This action is appropriate for usb-c connector versus supported protocol, normally when a user assumes every laptop USB-C port can send video to a USB-C monitor. Here the observed facts require bluetooth headset pairing instead.
C:
Check the convertible's active pen standard and supported pressure or hover features. This action is appropriate for active stylus digitizer compatibility, normally when a designer needs pen pressure and palm rejection on a convertible laptop. Here the observed facts require bluetooth headset pairing instead.
D:
Check backup success, recovery-key availability, drive connector and manufacturer form-factor compatibility. This action is appropriate for laptop ssd replacement and encryption, normally when a laptop SSD is failing SMART health checks and holds company data protected with full-disk encryption. Here the observed facts require bluetooth headset pairing instead.
Question 23
A support request at Falcon Transit presents this problem: A shared printer is reachable on the network but user jobs accumulate in an offline queue. The supporting record states that the client print queue points to an obsolete IP address after the printer's DHCP lease changed. The desired outcome is to restore the print queue target without replacing the working printer. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. Which acceptance result best demonstrates the issue is resolved?
- Verify multiple pages feed without double picks or jams
- Verify dark print appears on the active coated side without consumable ink
- Verify cyan lines are continuous and color image banding is reduced
- Verify queued and new jobs print and the queue reports the device online
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Verify queued and new jobs print and the queue reports the device online. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that the client print queue points to an obsolete IP address after the printer's DHCP lease changed. The support goal is to restore the print queue target without replacing the working printer; this validate action specifically addresses printer offline queue despite network availability without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify multiple pages feed without double picks or jams. This action is appropriate for laser printer repeated paper jams at pickup, normally when a laser printer jams on the first page when it tries to feed paper from tray 1. Here the observed facts require printer offline queue despite network availability instead.
B:
Verify dark print appears on the active coated side without consumable ink. This action is appropriate for thermal printer paper orientation, normally when a shipping label printer feeds paper but produces completely blank labels. Here the observed facts require printer offline queue despite network availability instead.
C:
Verify cyan lines are continuous and color image banding is reduced. This action is appropriate for inkjet horizontal banding and nozzle obstruction, normally when an inkjet photo printer produces blank horizontal stripes in cyan images. Here the observed facts require printer offline queue despite network availability instead.
Question 24
On a service ticket for Brookside Agency, the team observes: A new residential fiber line is installed but the user keeps trying to reuse a coaxial modem. The desired outcome is to choose access equipment that terminates the actual carrier medium. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. Which acceptance result best demonstrates the issue is resolved?
- Verify upload and download meet agreed service performance targets
- Verify permitted inter-subnet traffic succeeds and disallowed networks remain isolated
- Verify all ports supply stable power at maximum expected simultaneous load
- Verify internet access and signal status follow the approved provider equipment path
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Verify internet access and signal status follow the approved provider equipment path. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that a new residential fiber line is installed but the user keeps trying to reuse a coaxial modem. The support goal is to choose access equipment that terminates the actual carrier medium; this validate action specifically addresses ont versus cable modem access equipment without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify upload and download meet agreed service performance targets. This action is appropriate for fiber wan versus dsl last-mile capacity, normally when a remote design office regularly transfers multi-gigabyte files and can order either fiber or DSL. Here the observed facts require ont versus cable modem access equipment instead.
B:
Verify permitted inter-subnet traffic succeeds and disallowed networks remain isolated. This action is appropriate for router versus layer 2 switch forwarding, normally when two PCs on separate IPv4 subnets can communicate within their own LANs but not across subnets. Here the observed facts require ont versus cable modem access equipment instead.
C:
Verify all ports supply stable power at maximum expected simultaneous load. This action is appropriate for poe switch power budget, normally when new IP cameras power off when all connected access points and phones start at once. Here the observed facts require ont versus cable modem access equipment instead.
Question 25
A support request at Riverlight Retail presents this problem: A portable computer loses battery while attached to a cheap dock driving two 4K monitors. The desired outcome is to choose a dock meeting host charging and display requirements. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Verify the app receives usable location when authorized and loses access when revoked
- Verify pressure levels vary correctly and resting the hand does not draw unintended strokes
- Confirm the display works only through a documented compatible video path
- Verify both displays run at specified resolutions and the battery gains charge under expected load
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Verify both displays run at specified resolutions and the battery gains charge under expected load. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that a portable computer loses battery while attached to a cheap dock driving two 4K monitors. The support goal is to choose a dock meeting host charging and display requirements; this validate action specifically addresses docking station display and power capability without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify the app receives usable location when authorized and loses access when revoked. This action is appropriate for location permission for navigation, normally when a dispatch app cannot show a user's current position on an otherwise connected smartphone. Here the observed facts require docking station display and power capability instead.
B:
Verify pressure levels vary correctly and resting the hand does not draw unintended strokes. This action is appropriate for active stylus digitizer compatibility, normally when a designer needs pen pressure and palm rejection on a convertible laptop. Here the observed facts require docking station display and power capability instead.
C:
Confirm the display works only through a documented compatible video path. This action is appropriate for usb-c connector versus supported protocol, normally when a user assumes every laptop USB-C port can send video to a USB-C monitor. Here the observed facts require docking station display and power capability instead.
Question 26
At Beacon Group, a technician working in small-office network service desk identifies this issue: New IP cameras power off when all connected access points and phones start at once. The supporting record states that the PoE switch ports support devices individually but the aggregate supplied wattage is below total load. The desired outcome is to select power-delivery capacity based on per-port and overall PoE requirements. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Verify internet access and signal status follow the approved provider equipment path
- Verify mapping succeeds for authorized users while unrelated users remain denied
- Verify permitted inter-subnet traffic succeeds and disallowed networks remain isolated
- Verify all ports supply stable power at maximum expected simultaneous load
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Verify all ports supply stable power at maximum expected simultaneous load. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that the PoE switch ports support devices individually but the aggregate supplied wattage is below total load. The support goal is to select power-delivery capacity based on per-port and overall PoE requirements; this validate action specifically addresses poe switch power budget without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify internet access and signal status follow the approved provider equipment path. This action is appropriate for ont versus cable modem access equipment, normally when a customer receives a fiber-to-the-premises service but attempts to connect the optical fiber directly to a DOCSIS cable modem. Here the observed facts require poe switch power budget instead.
B:
Verify mapping succeeds for authorized users while unrelated users remain denied. This action is appropriate for smb file sharing port versus rdp, normally when a user can ping a shared Windows file server but cannot map a network share. Here the observed facts require poe switch power budget instead.
C:
Verify permitted inter-subnet traffic succeeds and disallowed networks remain isolated. This action is appropriate for router versus layer 2 switch forwarding, normally when two PCs on separate IPv4 subnets can communicate within their own LANs but not across subnets. Here the observed facts require poe switch power budget instead.
Question 27
At Aster Systems, a technician working in end-user troubleshooting identifies this issue: After a wiring closet change, a desk computer receives a guest-network address and the VoIP phone cannot register. The desired outcome is to diagnose incorrect VLAN port policy rather than replacing healthy endpoints. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. What should support monitor to catch a recurrence of the same failure?
- Monitor resolver errors and DHCP option drift
- Monitor busy-channel duration and newly deployed neighboring radios
- Monitor outlet failures and repeated power interruptions
- Monitor port configuration drift and unexpected subnet allocations
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Monitor port configuration drift and unexpected subnet allocations. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that after a wiring closet change, a desk computer receives a guest-network address and the VoIP phone cannot register. The support goal is to diagnose incorrect VLAN port policy rather than replacing healthy endpoints; this monitor action specifically addresses vlan mismatch causing one desk to lose access without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor resolver errors and DHCP option drift. This action is appropriate for dns failure with working ip connectivity, normally when a workstation opens a service directly by numeric IP but says its hostname cannot be resolved. Here the observed facts require vlan mismatch causing one desk to lose access instead.
B:
Monitor busy-channel duration and newly deployed neighboring radios. This action is appropriate for intermittent wi-fi due to channel interference, normally when users near a lunchroom suffer slow 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi at peak periods while wired links stay normal. Here the observed facts require vlan mismatch causing one desk to lose access instead.
C:
Monitor outlet failures and repeated power interruptions. This action is appropriate for completely dead desktop power path, normally when a tower PC has no LEDs, fans, or POST activity after the user changed power outlets. Here the observed facts require vlan mismatch causing one desk to lose access instead.
Question 28
At Riverlight Retail, a technician working in small-office network service desk identifies this issue: A networked printer must keep the same IPv4 address while the rest of the office remains DHCP-managed. The supporting record states that a reservation can bind the printer's MAC to one address, while an exclusion only keeps a range from dynamic allocation. The desired outcome is to select a stable printer address assignment without disabling office DHCP. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. Which controlled service test best evaluates the planned approach?
- Change MX in a test zone and validate mail routing versus outbound SPF evaluation
- Pilot NTP sync on one lab router and send a harmless test syslog entry
- Renew the printer lease in a lab subnet after applying its reservation
- Pilot guest-to-payroll denial and an authorized remote VPN session independently
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Renew the printer lease in a lab subnet after applying its reservation. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that a reservation can bind the printer's MAC to one address, while an exclusion only keeps a range from dynamic allocation. The support goal is to select a stable printer address assignment without disabling office DHCP; this pilot action specifically addresses dhcp reservation versus exclusion without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Change MX in a test zone and validate mail routing versus outbound SPF evaluation. This action is appropriate for mx and spf dns records distinct purposes, normally when a domain receives email at the wrong destination after DNS changes. Here the observed facts require dhcp reservation versus exclusion instead.
B:
Pilot NTP sync on one lab router and send a harmless test syslog entry. This action is appropriate for ntp time service versus centralized syslog, normally when authentication logs from two branch routers show conflicting timestamps during the same event. Here the observed facts require dhcp reservation versus exclusion instead.
D:
Pilot guest-to-payroll denial and an authorized remote VPN session independently. This action is appropriate for vlan segmentation versus vpn encrypted tunneling, normally when a small office needs guest Wi-Fi isolated from payroll devices but also needs secure remote employee access. Here the observed facts require dhcp reservation versus exclusion instead.
Question 29
A support request at Vertex Media presents this problem: A graphic designer prioritizes consistent viewing angles and color accuracy over lowest display price. The supporting record states that the available TN panel shifts colors off-axis while a calibrated IPS panel stays consistent across typical viewing angles. The desired outcome is to choose a display technology aligned with viewing-angle requirements. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. Which planned change most directly resolves the documented issue?
- Connect through a supported Thunderbolt or USB4 port and rated cable meeting the enclosure requirements
- Service or recalibrate the compatible digitizer assembly after confirming driver and physical damage
- Select an IPS-class monitor meeting the required color gamut rather than choosing TN solely for speed
- Choose a resolution meeting workspace needs and refresh rate supported by the GPU and cable
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Select an IPS-class monitor meeting the required color gamut rather than choosing TN solely for speed. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that the available TN panel shifts colors off-axis while a calibrated IPS panel stays consistent across typical viewing angles. The support goal is to choose a display technology aligned with viewing-angle requirements; this design action specifically addresses ips versus tn versus oled displays without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Connect through a supported Thunderbolt or USB4 port and rated cable meeting the enclosure requirements. This action is appropriate for usb-c versus thunderbolt port capability, normally when an external high-bandwidth storage enclosure only negotiates low speed on a laptop USB-C connector. Here the observed facts require ips versus tn versus oled displays instead.
B:
Service or recalibrate the compatible digitizer assembly after confirming driver and physical damage. This action is appropriate for digitizer input versus backlight inverter, normally when a convertible LCD image is visible but finger touches no longer register at a specific region. Here the observed facts require ips versus tn versus oled displays instead.
D:
Choose a resolution meeting workspace needs and refresh rate supported by the GPU and cable. This action is appropriate for refresh rate versus screen resolution, normally when a support buyer mistakes 144 Hz for a count of display pixels when comparing two monitors. Here the observed facts require ips versus tn versus oled displays instead.
Question 30
A support request at Amberline Finance presents this problem: An office run has continuity but pairs are crossed and technicians keep using a tone generator as proof of correctness. The desired outcome is to select the diagnostic tool for wiring correctness versus cable tracing. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. Which safe pilot action gives the most relevant evidence?
- Collect a short approved RF survey before and after changing the test AP channel
- Test an intentionally miswired patch cable with a wiremap tester and trace a separate unlabeled cable
- Renew the printer lease in a lab subnet after applying its reservation
- Sketch a hypothetical watch-to-phone, office switch, and remote-site circuit topology
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Test an intentionally miswired patch cable with a wiremap tester and trace a separate unlabeled cable. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that an office run has continuity but pairs are crossed and technicians keep using a tone generator as proof of correctness. The support goal is to select the diagnostic tool for wiring correctness versus cable tracing; this pilot action specifically addresses cable tester versus toner and probe without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Collect a short approved RF survey before and after changing the test AP channel. This action is appropriate for wi-fi analyzer versus network tap, normally when staff complain about busy wireless channels in a meeting room. Here the observed facts require cable tester versus toner and probe instead.
C:
Renew the printer lease in a lab subnet after applying its reservation. This action is appropriate for dhcp reservation versus exclusion, normally when a networked printer must keep the same IPv4 address while the rest of the office remains DHCP-managed. Here the observed facts require cable tester versus toner and probe instead.
D:
Sketch a hypothetical watch-to-phone, office switch, and remote-site circuit topology. This action is appropriate for pan versus lan versus wan scope, normally when a technician must classify a Bluetooth watch connection, office Ethernet and multi-site leased link. Here the observed facts require cable tester versus toner and probe instead.
