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Security — A+ Core 2 practice questions

Domain 2 of the CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1102) exam. 211 questions on this domain in the full bank — here are four free samples with answers and explanations.

Question 1 · Difficulty 2/5

Which physical security control is specifically designed to prevent a vehicle from ramming into a building entrance or restricted area? (Select the best answer.)
  1. Magnetometer
  2. Bollard
  3. Access control vestibule
  4. Motion sensor
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Bollard
A bollard is a short, sturdy vertical post installed at building entrances and perimeters specifically to stop or deflect vehicle-based attacks. A magnetometer is a walk-through or handheld device that detects metal objects on a person's body. An access control vestibule controls pedestrian entry by allowing only one door to be open at a time, preventing tailgating, but it does not stop vehicles. A motion sensor detects movement to trigger alarms or lighting but provides no physical barrier against vehicles.

Question 2 · Difficulty 3/5

A hospital wants to authenticate staff entering a high-security pharmacy without requiring any physical token that could be lost or stolen. The chosen method must also be difficult to share between employees. Which physical security credential best meets these requirements? (Select the best answer.)
  1. Key fob with one-time passcode
  2. Smart card with PIN
  3. Fingerprint scanner
  4. Proximity badge reader
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Fingerprint scanner
A fingerprint scanner authenticates based on a biological characteristic that is unique to each individual, cannot be lost or stolen like a physical token, and is inherently difficult to share between employees. A key fob is a physical token that can be lost, stolen, or lent to another person, failing the no-token requirement. A smart card with PIN is also a physical token subject to the same risks. A proximity badge reader relies on a badge, which is a physical token that can be lost, cloned, or shared.

Question 3 · Difficulty 2/5

Which physical security device scans a person's body for concealed metallic weapons or objects before granting entry to a secured facility? (Select the best answer.)
  1. Badge reader
  2. Magnetometer
  3. Motion sensor
  4. Retina scanner
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Magnetometer
A magnetometer detects metallic objects by sensing disturbances in a magnetic field, making it the standard walk-through or handheld device used at facility entrances to screen for concealed weapons. A badge reader authenticates identity via a credential card but does not detect physical objects. A motion sensor detects movement to trigger alarms or lighting but cannot identify concealed items. A retina scanner is a biometric identity authentication tool, not a concealed-object detection device.

Question 4 · Difficulty 3/5

A corporate security team wants to ensure that activity in a server room can be reviewed after a security incident occurs, even if no guard is present at the time of the incident. Which physical security control best satisfies this requirement? (Select the best answer.)
  1. Motion sensors connected to an audible alarm
  2. Video surveillance with recorded footage retention
  3. A badge reader log on the server room door
  4. A security guard stationed outside the room
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Video surveillance with recorded footage retention
Video surveillance with recorded footage retention provides a continuous visual record that investigators can review after an incident, satisfying the post-event review requirement even when no guard is on duty. Motion sensors with audible alarms alert in real time but do not capture a record of what occurred. A badge reader log records entry and exit events but provides no visual context about activity inside the room. A stationary guard provides real-time deterrence and response but cannot review activity that occurred during their absence.

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