CompTIA A+ Core 2 — All Questions

Why is it important to maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation such as network diagrams and asset inventories?

• a.It speeds troubleshooting and supports consistent, informed decisions✓
• b.It replaces the need for backups
• c.It encrypts all network traffic
• d.It increases the monitor refresh rate

Accurate documentation helps technicians understand the environment quickly, reducing troubleshooting time and supporting good decisions. It does not encrypt traffic, change hardware behavior, or substitute for backups.

In a formal change-management process, what should be prepared in case a change causes unexpected problems in production?

• a.A faster CPU
• b.A rollback (back-out) plan✓
• c.A brighter display
• d.A louder alarm

A rollback or back-out plan defines how to revert a change safely if it fails, minimizing downtime. It is a core part of responsible change management and unrelated to hardware upgrades or alarms.

Which safety practice protects sensitive electronic components from static discharge while a technician works inside a computer?

• a.Turning up the room heat
• b.Working on a carpet
• c.Wearing rubber-soled shoes only
• d.Using an anti-static (ESD) wrist strap connected to ground✓

An ESD wrist strap connected to ground equalizes charge and prevents static from damaging components. Carpet actually increases static risk, and shoe type or room temperature does not provide reliable ESD protection.

According to standard change management, what must typically happen before a significant change is implemented in a production environment?

• a.A social media post
• b.Documented request, risk analysis, and approval by the change board✓
• c.Only the technician's verbal note
• d.Nothing; changes are made immediately

Significant changes generally require a documented request, risk assessment, and formal approval before implementation to control impact. Making changes without review or approval undermines stability and accountability.

Which document defines the acceptable ways employees may use company computers, networks, and internet access?

• a.Bill of materials
• b.Purchase order
• c.Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)✓
• d.Network diagram

An Acceptable Use Policy specifies permitted and prohibited uses of company IT resources. A network diagram maps topology and a bill of materials lists parts, neither of which governs user behavior.

When handling a customer's confidential data during a repair, which behavior best respects privacy and professional conduct?

• a.Posting screenshots online
• b.Sharing interesting files with coworkers
• c.Accessing only what is necessary and keeping the data confidential✓
• d.Copying personal photos for yourself

Professionals should access only the data required for the task and keep customer information confidential. Sharing, posting, or copying personal data violates privacy expectations and ethical standards.

Which fire extinguisher class is appropriate for electrical fires involving energized equipment?

• a.Class B (flammable liquids)
• b.Class C (electrical)✓
• c.Class A (ordinary combustibles)
• d.Class K (cooking oils)

Class C extinguishers are rated for fires in energized electrical equipment and use a non-conductive agent. Class A is for ordinary combustibles and Class B for flammable liquids, which are unsafe on live electrical fires.

Which scripting file type is native to Windows and commonly used to automate administrative tasks with cmdlets?

• a..ps1 (PowerShell)✓
• b..py (Python) only
• c.VBScript only
• d..sh (Bash)

PowerShell scripts (.ps1) use cmdlets and are the native automation language for Windows administration. Bash (.sh) is native to Linux/Unix. Python and VBScript can be used but .ps1 is the Windows-native choice described.

What is the primary purpose of a knowledge base or ticketing system in an IT support environment?

• a.To overclock the CPU
• b.To encrypt hard drives
• c.To track issues and share documented solutions for consistency✓
• d.To replace the firewall

A knowledge base and ticketing system record incidents and proven solutions, enabling consistent, efficient support and knowledge sharing. They do not perform encryption, overclocking, or firewall functions.

When lifting a heavy piece of equipment such as a large UPS or printer, which technique reduces the risk of injury?

• a.Bend at the waist and twist while lifting
• b.Lift as quickly as possible
• c.Lift with your legs, keep your back straight, and hold the load close✓
• d.Carry it one-handed

Proper lifting means bending the knees, keeping the back straight, using the leg muscles, and holding the load close to the body. Bending at the waist and twisting greatly increases the chance of back injury.

Which document is typically required before disposing of batteries, toner cartridges, or other chemicals to ensure proper handling?

• a.A network diagram
• b.A change request form
• c.An acceptable use policy
• d.A Safety Data Sheet (SDS)✓

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides handling, storage, and disposal guidance for hazardous materials like batteries and toner. Network diagrams and change requests do not address chemical safety or disposal.

Which regulated data type requires special handling under privacy rules and should never be exposed carelessly during support work?

• a.Public marketing brochures
• b.Press releases
• c.Personally identifiable information (PII) and healthcare data (PHI)✓
• d.Open-source code

PII and PHI are protected categories subject to privacy regulations and must be safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure. Public brochures, open-source code, and press releases are not confidential regulated data.

In change management, what is the purpose of documenting the 'scope' of a proposed change?

• a.To brighten the display
• b.To define exactly what will and will not be affected✓
• c.To disable the firewall
• d.To increase the clock speed

Defining scope clarifies which systems, users, and processes the change affects and which it does not, guiding testing and communication. It has nothing to do with clock speed, firewalls, or display brightness.

Which environmental control helps protect data-center equipment from damage caused by static electricity and overheating?

• a.Removing all air filtration
• b.Maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels✓
• c.Storing equipment in direct sunlight
• d.Increasing dust accumulation

Controlled temperature and humidity reduce both overheating and static-discharge risk, protecting equipment. Excess heat, sunlight, dust, or overly dry air all increase the likelihood of hardware damage.

What is a key reason to use a change board or approval step rather than letting any technician change production systems freely?

• a.It encrypts the network
• b.It reviews risk and reduces unplanned outages✓
• c.It removes the need for backups
• d.It makes the CPU faster

A review or approval step evaluates risk, dependencies, and timing, reducing the chance of unplanned outages from uncoordinated changes. It does not affect CPU speed, backups, or encryption directly.

Which basic scripting construct repeats a block of instructions until a condition is met, and is fundamental to automation?

• a.A comment
• b.A file path
• c.A loop✓
• d.A variable

A loop repeats instructions until a condition is satisfied, letting a script automate repetitive work. A variable stores a value and a comment documents code, but neither performs repetition on its own.

When a customer becomes upset during a support interaction, which professional communication practice is most appropriate?

• a.Listen actively, stay calm, and avoid arguing or being defensive✓
• b.Walk away without explanation
• c.Interrupt and raise your voice
• d.Blame the customer

Active listening, staying calm, and not arguing help de-escalate tension and maintain professionalism. Interrupting, blaming, or abandoning the customer damages trust and violates good conduct standards.

Which purpose does a 'bill of materials' (BOM) or asset inventory serve in IT operations?

• a.It measures Wi-Fi signal strength
• b.It encrypts the hard drive
• c.It configures the firewall
• d.It lists components or assets and their details for tracking and procurement✓

A bill of materials or asset inventory itemizes components or devices with relevant details, supporting tracking, procurement, and lifecycle management. It does not measure signal strength or configure security controls.

Under change management, why should a change include a documented 'end-user acceptance' or verification step after implementation?

• a.To increase RAM automatically
• b.To confirm the change works as intended and the issue is resolved✓
• c.To disable logging
• d.To overclock the GPU

Verifying end-user acceptance confirms the change achieved its goal and did not introduce new problems before the change is closed. It does not alter hardware or logging by itself.

Which environmental and safety consideration applies when using compressed air to clean dust from a computer?

• a.Spray directly into spinning fans at full speed
• b.Use short bursts, keep the can upright, and hold fans still to avoid over-spinning✓
• c.Use it while the unit is powered on and open
• d.Shake and heat the can first

Compressed air should be used in short bursts with the can upright, and fans should be held still so they do not over-spin and get damaged. Powering on the unit or forcing fans to spin can cause damage or injury.

What is the main benefit of following a standardized incident-response and documentation procedure during a security event?

• a.Brighter monitors
• b.Faster internet speeds
• c.Lower electricity bills
• d.Consistent handling, proper evidence preservation, and clear communication✓

A standardized procedure ensures incidents are handled consistently, evidence is preserved for possible investigation, and stakeholders are informed. It is unrelated to internet speed, display brightness, or utility costs.

When disposing of old electronics, which approach aligns with environmental regulations and responsible practice?

• a.Recycle through certified e-waste programs and follow local regulations✓
• b.Throw them in regular household trash
• c.Burn them to save space
• d.Bury them in a backyard

Certified e-waste recycling handles hazardous components properly and complies with regulations. Household trash, burying, or burning electronics can release toxic materials and violate environmental laws.

Which practice best supports accountability when multiple technicians manage the same systems over time?

• a.Using one shared, undocumented login
• b.Keeping a change log and updated documentation of who changed what and when✓
• c.Deleting logs weekly
• d.Skipping all records

A change log and current documentation record who made each change and when, supporting accountability and troubleshooting. Shared undocumented logins and deleted logs destroy the audit trail and hinder accountability.

Before performing maintenance that may cause downtime, what professional step should a technician take regarding affected users?

• a.Disable their accounts permanently
• b.Communicate the planned maintenance window and expected impact in advance✓
• c.Say nothing and hope no one notices
• d.Change the wallpaper first

Notifying affected users of the maintenance window and expected impact sets expectations and reduces disruption complaints. Staying silent or disabling accounts is unprofessional and harms trust.

Which practice best protects customer privacy when a technician must step away from a workstation that displays sensitive information?

• a.Lock the screen so credentials are required to resume✓
• b.Leave it unlocked for convenience
• c.Increase the brightness
• d.Post the password nearby

Locking the screen prevents unauthorized viewing or use of sensitive data while the technician is away. Leaving it unlocked or posting the password exposes confidential information and violates privacy best practices.