General Questions about PBQs, Answers to PBQs, and Links
The instructions window in the practice simulation PBQ covers part of the workspace. If I close this
window in the real exam to answer the question, can I reopen it if needed?
Answer: Yes, the item question and instructions are always available within a simulation PBQ
and can be minimized, moved, and resized as needed. Press the show question button to bring
the question back to the screen. The same is not true for virtual PBQs. Virtual PBQs do not cover
the exam environment and must be completed when they are encountered.
What does the Reset button within a simulation PBQ do? Does it restart the question, or the entire
exam—and will it delete any work that I have already completed?
Answer: The Reset button inside a simulation PBQ will reset that question only. It will entirely
remove any work you have completed for that question but nothing else. Selecting the Reset
button will allow you to begin the question again.
How do I move to the next question in the exam after completing a PBQ?
Answer: Pressing the Next or Previous buttons on the bottom right-hand side of the screen will
take you to the subsequent questions in the exam. Remember, if you are working on a virtual
PBQ, you will NOT be able to return to the item. You can return to simulation PBQs. If you select
the Next or Previous buttons and have completed any work toward your answer, your work on a
simulation PBQ will be saved.
If there is more than one way to get to a correct answer on a question, does the exam scoring address
that?
Answer: Yes. There may be questions for which there is more than one way to get to a correct
answer. In those cases, the candidate will receive a correct score if the correct solution to the
problem is achieved.
Is partial credit given if I answer part of a PBQ correctly?
Answer: There may questions for which partial credit is offered. However, exam questions and
their scoring are confidential, so no further information can be provided regarding which
questions may offer partial credit.
Sites for students to work some PBQs
https://wordwall.net/resource/3075157/comptia-simulation-smartphone-mail-configuration-1
https://wordwall.net/resource/3075393/comptia-simulation-smartphone-mail-configuration-2
https://wordwall.net/resource/690714/english/comptia-simulation-soho-wireless-configuration
https://wordwall.net/resource/690618/english/comptia-simulation-public-library-wireless-configuration
https://wordwall.net/resource/3072866/comptia-simulation-3-motherboard-interface
https://wordwall.net/resource/3073133/comptia-simulation-ip-address
https://wordwall.net/resource/3086863/comptia-simulation-pc-beep-codes
https://wordwall.net/resource/3088990/exam-wireless-technologies
https://wordwall.net/resource/3090760/exam-connector-types
https://wordwall.net/resource/3073584/comptia-simulation-2-match-wireless-connectors
https://simulation.comptia.org/
CompTIA SmartBuilder PBQ examples
CompTIA 220-1101 & 220-1102 Prep Lab
PBQs-Udemy-Dion
PBQs-Wordwall
CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Core1 | Exam Premium
A+ (plus) Performance Based Question (certblaster.com)
https://player.vimeo.com/video/641177324?h=b1a815e059&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app
_id=58479
a+ 1102 simulation part 2 - YouTube
a+ 1101 simulation part 1 - YouTube
Link to Questions
Link to Answers
The Types of Questions Asked and Answers
1. Here is how to remove a DIMM and replace it with another one:
a. Pull the tabs on either end of the DIMM away from the DIMM.
b. Pull the loose DIMM straight out of the slot and away from the motherboard.
c. Ensure that the locking tabs are completely opened and out of the way of the slot.
d. Align the new module’s notch with the tab or tabs in the slot.
e. Insert the new DIMM straight down into the slot.
f. Apply firm and even pressure downward until the locking tabs automatically snap into place.
g. Nudge the tabs inward toward the module to make sure that they are tight.
2. You need to be able to answer what items are on a motherboard.
3. How do you remove a power supply from a computer chassis?
a. Here are the steps to remove a power supply from a computer chassis:
b. Remove the power source from the system.
c. Ground yourself and the computer to the same source of ground.
d. Remove the cover from the system.
e. Locate the power supply.
f. Follow all wiring harnesses from the power supply to their termini, disconnecting each one.
g. Remove any obstructions that appear as if they might hinder removal of the power supply.
h. Locate and remove the machine screws on the outside of the case that are used to secure
the power supply.
i. Pull the power supply out of the case.
4. You need to know the ports on the computer.
a. A: VGA
b. B: USB
c. C: Audio (or 1/8")
d. D: HDMI
e. E: eSATA
f. F: DisplayPort
g. G: USB-C
h. H: Mini-DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 2
5. Here are some example steps to take to clean an inkjet printer. The process for starting the
cleaning cycle on inkjet printers can vary, and some printers have both quick and deep-clean
cycles. Always check your documentation for steps specific to your printer.
a. Power on the printer and open the top cover to expose the area containing the print
cartridges.
b. Initiate a self-cleaning cycle.
c. When the print head moves from its resting place, pull the AC power plug.
d. Locate the sponge pads on which to apply the cleaning solution.
e. Using the supplied syringe, apply the cleaning solution to the sponge pads until they are
saturated.
f. Plug the printer back into the wall outlet and turn it on. The print head will park themselves.
g. Turn off the printer. Let the solution sit for at least three hours.
h. Power the printer back on and run three printer cleaning cycles. Print a nozzle check pattern
(or a test page) after each cleaning cycle to monitor the cleaning progress.
6. Possible answers for examples of physical network topologies could include bus, ring, star,
mesh, and hybrid. The simplest topology, and the one that uses the least amount of cable, is a
bus. It consists of a single cable that runs to every workstation, as shown in the following
illustration.
You will also need to know what ends belonging to these images.
7. You must know your ports and protocols.
FTP
SSH
Telnet
SMTP
DNS
DHCP
TFTP
HTTP
POP3
NetBIOS/NetBT
IMAP
SNMP
LDAP
HTTPS
SMB/CIFA
RDP
Protocols
20, 21
22
23
25
53
67, 68
69
80
110
137, 139
143
161, 162
389
443
443
3389
Ports
8. Here are the steps to install a PCIe network card for a Windows 10 desktop:
a. Power off the PC.
b. Remove the case and the metal or plastic blank covering the expansion slot opening.
c. Insert the new expansion card into the open slot.
d. Secure the expansion card with the screw provided.
e. Put the case back on the computer and power it up. Windows Plug and Play (PnP) should
recognize the NIC and install the driver automatically. It may also ask you to provide a copy
of the necessary driver if it does not recognize the type of NIC that you have installed. If
Windows does not start the installation routine immediately, you can add it manually.
f. Click Start ➢ Settings (it looks like a gear) ➢ Devices ➢ Bluetooth & Other Devices, and then
click the plus sign next to Add Bluetooth or Other Device. That will bring up the Add a Device
window.
g. Click Everything Else.
h. When Windows finds the NIC, choose it and continue the installation. After installing a NIC,
you must hook the card to the network using the appropriate cable (if you’re using wired
connections).
i. Attach a patch cable to the connector on the NIC and to a port in the wall (or connectivity
device), thus connecting your PC to the rest of the network.
9. To enable Microsoft Hyper-V, perform the following steps:
a. Check for minimum system requirements.
b. Windows 10 Enterprise, Pro, or Education
c. 64-bit processor with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT)
d. CPU support for VM Monitor Mode Extension (VT-c on Intel CPUs)
e. 4 GB of RAM or more
f. If requirements are met, then right-click the Windows (Start) button.
g. Click Apps and Features.
h. Click Programs and Features.
i. Click Turn Windows Features On Or Off.
j. Select the Hyper-V check box and click OK.
k. After installation, restart your computer.
10. Here is how to replace the hard drive in the example laptop computer:
a. Turn off the computer.
b. Remove the bottom of the case.
c. Remove the screw holding the M.2 drive in place.
d. Slide the hard drive straight out of the M.2 connector.
e. Insert the new drive into the connector at the same angle the old drive was at when it was
unscrewed.
f. Press the drive down and secure it with a screw.
g. Put the bottom of the case back on.
11. Here are the steps to connect an iPhone to a Wi-Fi network:
a. Tap the Settings app on the Home screen.
b. Select Wi-Fi from the Settings menu.
c. Swipe the Wi-Fi switch to the right to turn it on if it is off. You can also tap switches to toggle
them to the opposite state.
d. In the Choose a Network list, tap the name of the wireless network you want to join.
12. The correct order for the best practice methodology is shown here. Getting the sub-steps in the
exact order isn’t critical but getting the major steps in order and the right sub-step under the
correct major step is.
a. Identify the problem.
a. Gather information from the user, identify user changes, and, if applicable, perform
backups before making changes.
b. Inquire regarding environmental or infrastructure changes.
b. Establish a theory of probable cause (question the obvious).
a. If necessary, conduct external or internal research based on symptoms.
c. Test the theory to determine the cause.
a. Once the theory is confirmed, determine the next steps to resolve the problem.
b. If the theory is not confirmed, reestablish a new theory or escalate.
d. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.
a. Refer to the vendor’s instructions for guidance.
e. Verify full system functionality and, if applicable, implement preventive measures.
f. Document the findings, actions, and outcomes.
13. You have been to called to a printer the is not printing,
a. Open the Services app. One way is to click Start and type Services, and then click Services
under Best Match.
b. Find the Print Spooler service.
c. Stop the spooler service. There are several ways that you can do this: Right-click the service
and choose Stop.
d. Click the Stop square above the list of services. Use the More Actions menu on the right.
e. Restart the spooler by right clicking the service and choosing Start, or by clicking the Start
arrow above the list of services.
f. Close the Services app.
CertMaster Learn Learning Resource PBQ Answers
1. Core 1 PBQ: Installing and Configuring PC Components Performance-based Question Lesson 1 B
2. Core 1 PBQ: Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Internal System Components
Performance-based Question Lesson 1 B
3. Core 1 PBQ: Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Storage Devices Performance-based
Question Lesson 2B
4. Core 1 PBQ: Troubleshooting System Issues Performance-based Question Lesson 3C
5. Core 1 PBQ: Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Display and Multimedia Devices
Performance-based Question Lesson 3D
6. Core 1 PBQ: Using Network Hardware and Tools Performance-based Question Lesson 4C
7. Core 1 PBQ: Networking Infrastructure Concepts Performance-based Question Lesson 4B
8. Core 1 PBQ: Configuring and Troubleshooting Networks Performance-based Question Lesson 5B
9. Core 1 PBQ: Implementing Client Virtualization and Cloud Computing Performance-based Question
Lesson 7B
10. Core 1 PBQ: Supporting and Troubleshooting Laptops Performance-based Question Lesson 8C
11. Core 1 PBQ: Installing, Configuring, and Troubleshooting Print Devices Performance-based
Question Lesson 9 B and C
12. Core 1 PBQ: Troubleshooting Print Devices and Services Performance-based Question Lesson 9C
CertMaster Learn Final Assessment PBQs
Configure a Router
Step 1: Decide where to place the router
The best place for a wireless business router is in an open area of the workplace, as you'll benefit from
even coverage. However, sometimes it's not easy to find a space out in the open because you must
connect the router to a broadband gateway from your ISP (Internet service provider), which is usually
attached to a cable near an outside wall.
Step 2: Connect to the Internet
Attach the router to a cable - or choose a mesh router
To solve the "long-distance" problem when connecting a router, you can use a CAT5e or CAT6 cable to
connect the router to the ISP gateway's Ethernet port. Another option is to run Ethernet cables through
the walls of your office to the chosen central location for the router.
Yet another option is to install a mesh network with a router. A mesh network allows you to place
multiple Wi-Fi transmitters across your home or office, all on one network. Unlike extenders, which can
be used with any wireless router, mesh networks require a router with this capability built-in.
No matter which option you choose, you'll use a basic Ethernet cable, plugged into the router's widearea network (WAN) or Internet port. The Internet port is typically set apart from other ports by a
different color.
Check the router's LED lights
Your router's LED lights tell you if you've successfully made an active Internet connection. If you don't
see lights confirming such a connection, make sure you've plugged the cable into the correct port.
Test the connection with a device
Confirm that your router has a working connection by plugging a laptop computer into one of the device
ports on the back of the router. If all goes well, you should be able to begin a wired connection, just as
you did when confirming an active Internet connection.
Step 3: Configure the wireless router gateway
In some cases, ISPs offer customers gateways with built-in routers. In most cases, these combined
devices are not built for business environments, nor do they have extra ports, security, and other
options that allow you to add services and expand networks as the business grows.
If you have a gateway with an integrated router, you'll have to configure the gateway to disable the
router and pass the WAN IP address—the unique Internet protocol address that the Internet provider
assigns to your account—and all network traffic through to your new router.
If you don’t take this step, you may run into conflicts that prevent devices from working properly. You
may need to contact your ISP for help with this step.
Step 4: Connect gateway to router
First, turn off the gateway. If there is already an Ethernet cable plugged into the gateway's local-area
network (LAN) port, unplug the cable and plug it into your router's WAN port. Turn the gateway back on
and wait a few minutes for it to boot up. Plug in the router's power supply and turn it on, again waiting a
few minutes.
Step 5: Use app or web dashboard
The easiest way to continue with router setup is to use a mobile app if the router maker provided one. If
there is no app, or you'd rather use the router's web-based dashboard, connect the router to a
computer via an Ethernet cable.
You might find the router's IP address printed on the back of device itself; if not, type 192.168.1.1, a
common router address, into the browser search bar.
Step 6: Create a username and password
To configure the router, you'll need to log in, using its default admin name and password. You can
usually find this information printed on the router itself, or in an accompanying user manual.
Next, enter the required credentials. Once you're in, you should immediately create a new username
and password. The defaults are usually something like "admin" and "password1234," which are
obviously not secure—so make sure to change them at the first opportunity.
Step 7: Update the router's firmware
Your router may need an update of the "firmware," or software that operates it. Update it as soon as
possible, since the new firmware might fix bugs or offer new security protections.
Some routers may download new firmware automatically, but many do not. You may need to check for
updates through the app or the browser interface.
Step 8: Create a Wi-Fi password
Just as most routers come with preassigned admin usernames and passwords, most also come with
preset Wi-Fi usernames and passwords. You’ll likely be prompted to change the Wi-Fi username and
password, but even if you don't see such a prompt, plan to do so quickly.
Step 9: Use auto-configuration tools where possible
If your router is equipped with auto-install features, rely on them to help complete setup. For example,
you should be able to use auto-configuration to manage IP addresses with the Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which automatically assigns IP addresses to devices. You can always
change these addresses later.
Step 10: Set up security
Many router manufactures provide security functionality to safeguard network and user privacy. You
can login into the web dashboard and enabling added security features such as firewall, web filtering,
and access controls to protect yourself from malicious traffic. You can also set up virtual private
networks (VPNs) for privacy.
Configuring a SOHO Wireless Router - CompTIA A+ 220-901 - 2.6 - Professor Messer IT Certification
Training Courses
Possible AP PBQ
CompTIA A+ Core 1 Simulation Part 1 (Performance Based Questions) - YouTube
Laura, a customer, has instructed you to configure her home office wireless access point. Laura plans to
use the wireless network for finances and has requested that the network be setup with the highest
encryption possible. Additionally, Laura knows that her neighbors have wireless networks and wants to
ensure that her network is not being interfered with by the other networks. Laura requests that the
default settings be changed to the following.
Wireless Name: HomeWiFi
Shared Key: CompTIA
Router Password: Secure$1
Finally, Laura wants to ensure that only her laptop and SmartPhone can connect to the network.
Laptop: IP Address 192.168.1.100 Hardware Address: 00:0A:BF:03:C4:54
SmartPhone: IP Address 192.168.1.101 Hardware Address: 09:2C:D0:22:3F:11
Instructions: Select Laura’s house in the diagram to configure her wireless network. Once the wireless
network tabs are configured, select the save button and then the done button to submit.
A gaming computer that shuts down; what is the problem? and it gives you various components to
click on for clues.
•
•
•
•
•
Overheating
PSU problem
Virus infection
Driver issue
Other hardware issues
Gaming PC vs Virtualized vs Home Office vs Family
4 setting up family and gaming pc
Laser Printer -Printer Troubleshooting Where to Look
CompTIA A+ Core 1 Simulation Part 2 (Performance Based Questions) - YouTube
Simulation CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Printouts are smudging - YouTube
Simulation CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Paper jams - YouTube
Printers Cont.
Build a RAID Array for Storage
Selecting the Best RAID Level (oracle.com)
Choosing the Right RAID Configurations | Microsemi
2 the second Raid configuration it look like the second pic but the want me to select raid the best fit and
must not be more 600ssd and when click it show pic
How to set up Raid Array in MOBO How to set up a RAID array on your motherboard - YouTube
Raid Array - You would like to build a PC for storage redundancy. Select the appropriate IDE drives and
build the PC for MAXIMUM performance, while using the MINIMUM amount of drives
RAID - CompTIA A+ 220-1101 - 3.3 - Professor Messer IT Certification Training Courses
How to set up Raid Array in MOBO How to set up a RAID array on your motherboard - YouTube
Components of MOBO and where they go