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220-1202 Practice Question: During a macOS deployment, you need to create a…
During a macOS deployment, you need to create a bootable USB installer for macOS Sonoma to upgrade multiple iMacs. You have the 'Install macOS Sonoma' app in the Applications folder. Which command-line tool should you use to create the installer?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between disk management tools (`diskutil`, `hdiutil`) and the specific installer creation tool (`createinstallmedia`), leading candidates to pick `diskutil` or `hdiutil` because they are familiar with formatting drives or mounting images, but they cannot create a bootable installer from the macOS app bundle.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
createinstallmedia
The `createinstallmedia` command is the official Apple tool for creating a bootable USB installer from the 'Install macOS Sonoma' app. It is located inside the app bundle at `/Applications/Install macOS Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia` and is specifically designed for this purpose, ensuring the USB drive is properly formatted and the installer is written correctly for UEFI boot.
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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diskutil
Why it's wrong here
diskutil partitions and formats the USB volume but does not write the installer's boot files or system image, so the drive will not boot. It is the right tool for erasing and preparing the target disk beforehand, or for inspecting volume and partition layout.
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asr
Why it's wrong here
asr restores a disk image onto a volume and is used for block-level cloning of an existing system, not for building an installer from the Install macOS Sonoma app. It would be correct when replicating a configured Mac's volume to many identical machines.
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createinstallmedia
Why this is correct
The createinstallmedia executable inside the Install macOS Sonoma app's Contents/Resources directory writes the bootable installer to a target volume, satisfying the requirement for a USB installer. It is Apple's supported tool; diskutil only formats, and asr clones volumes.
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hdiutil
Why it's wrong here
hdiutil manipulates disk images, mounting, converting or resizing them, and cannot lay down a bootable macOS installer on a USB drive. It would be the correct choice for converting the installer's DMG or attaching an image during packaging work.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.