Quick Answer
The correct answer is port 993, as IMAP over SSL—often abbreviated as IMAPS—uses this port to establish a secure, encrypted connection between an email client and a mail server. When a user accesses webmail from a public Wi-Fi hotspot, SSL encryption ensures that login credentials and email content are protected from eavesdropping, which is why port 993 is the standard choice for secure IMAP traffic. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your knowledge of common port numbers and their security protocols, often appearing alongside other email ports like 143 (unencrypted IMAP) and 587 (SMTP with STARTTLS). A common trap is confusing port 993 with port 143, but remember that SSL encryption always bumps the port number up—think of it as “993 is 143 with a security upgrade.” To lock it in, use the mnemonic: “993, SSL’s key—secure IMAP for you and me.”
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of tcp & udp ports. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user wants to access their company's webmail using a secure connection from a public Wi-Fi hotspot. The webmail server is configured to use IMAP over SSL. Which port should the email client use?
143
Why wrong: Port 143 is standard IMAP, which is unencrypted and not secure on public Wi-Fi.
110
Why wrong: Port 110 is POP3, which is also unencrypted.
993
Port 993 is IMAPS, the secure version of IMAP using SSL/TLS.
995
Why wrong: Port 995 is POP3S, used for secure POP3, not IMAP.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
993
IMAP over SSL (IMAPS) uses port 993. This provides encrypted access to email, protecting credentials and data on public networks.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
143
Why it's wrong here
Port 143 is standard IMAP, which is unencrypted and not secure on public Wi-Fi.
110
Why it's wrong here
Port 110 is POP3, which is also unencrypted.
993
Why this is correct
Port 993 is IMAPS, the secure version of IMAP using SSL/TLS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
995
Why it's wrong here
Port 995 is POP3S, used for secure POP3, not IMAP.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
TCP & UDP Ports — This question tests TCP & UDP Ports — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 993 — IMAP over SSL (IMAPS) uses port 993. This provides encrypted access to email, protecting credentials and data on public networks.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.
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