The answer is something you have. This is correct because authentication factors are classified into three distinct categories: something you know, such as a password or PIN; something you have, which refers to a physical object or device in your possession; and something you are, encompassing biometric traits like fingerprints or facial recognition. A one-time code sent to a mobile phone falls under the “something you have” factor because the user must physically possess that specific phone to receive and view the code, even though the code itself is a piece of information. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between the three factor types, and a common trap is confusing the one-time code as “something you know” since it is a number—but the key is that access to the code depends on possession of the device. A helpful memory tip is to think of the phone as a physical token: if you lose the phone, you lose the code, so it is always something you have.
220-1202 Logical Security Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of logical security concepts. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 company is implementing a new policy that requires users to authenticate using both a password and a one-time code sent to their mobile phone. What type of authentication factor is the one-time code?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Something you have
Authentication factors are categorized as something you know (password), something you have (token or phone), and something you are (biometrics). A one-time code sent to a mobile phone is considered 'something you have' because access to the phone is required. This question tests the classification of multi-factor authentication components.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Something you are
Why it's wrong here
'Something you are' refers to biometric traits like fingerprints or retina scans, not a code sent to a device.
✗
Something you know
Why it's wrong here
'Something you know' is information like a password or PIN. The one-time code is not pre-known; it is received on a device.
✓
Something you have
Why this is correct
The one-time code is delivered to a device (the phone) that the user possesses, making it a 'something you have' factor.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Somewhere you are
Why it's wrong here
'Somewhere you are' is a location-based factor, such as geolocation or IP address, not a code on a phone.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 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.
Logical Security Concepts — This question tests Logical Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Something you have — Authentication factors are categorized as something you know (password), something you have (token or phone), and something you are (biometrics). A one-time code sent to a mobile phone is considered 'something you have' because access to the phone is required. This question tests the classification of multi-factor authentication components.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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