The answer is a USB-C to HDMI cable. This is correct because a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode can transmit video signals directly through the cable, allowing a simple USB-C to HDMI connection to carry both video and audio to the display without needing any adapters or converters. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of USB-C Alt Mode capabilities, specifically that not all USB-C ports output video—only those labeled with a DisplayPort or Thunderbolt icon. A common trap is choosing a USB-C to USB-C cable, which would only work if the display also supported USB-C video input, but since the display supports HDMI, the direct USB-C to HDMI cable is the simplest and most reliable solution. Memory tip: “Alt Mode” means alternate video output—so if the port has it, you can go straight to HDMI.
220-1101 Mobile Device Connection Methods Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device connection methods. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 technician is setting up a conference room where a laptop must connect to a large display for presentations. The display supports HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C. The laptop only has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. Which cable should the technician use to connect the laptop to the display?
Why wrong: A USB-C to USB-C cable would only work if the display also supports USB-C video input, which is not specified.
B
USB-C to HDMI cable
This cable directly uses the laptop's DisplayPort Alt Mode to output video to the display's HDMI port, requiring no additional adapters.
C
USB-C to DisplayPort cable
Why wrong: While technically possible, the display supports HDMI, and using DisplayPort would require an adapter or different cable, making it less straightforward.
D
USB-C to VGA cable
Why wrong: VGA is an analog standard and would require active conversion, reducing quality and reliability; HDMI is the better choice.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
USB-C to HDMI cable
USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode can transmit video signals directly, so a USB-C to HDMI cable is the simplest solution. HDMI is commonly supported on displays, and this avoids needing adapters. This tests knowledge of USB-C Alt Mode capabilities for video output.
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.
✗
USB-C to USB-C cable
Why it's wrong here
A USB-C to USB-C cable would only work if the display also supports USB-C video input, which is not specified.
✓
USB-C to HDMI cable
Why this is correct
This cable directly uses the laptop's DisplayPort Alt Mode to output video to the display's HDMI port, requiring no additional adapters.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
USB-C to DisplayPort cable
Why it's wrong here
While technically possible, the display supports HDMI, and using DisplayPort would require an adapter or different cable, making it less straightforward.
✗
USB-C to VGA cable
Why it's wrong here
VGA is an analog standard and would require active conversion, reducing quality and reliability; HDMI is the better choice.
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 220-1201 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
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.
Mobile Device Connection Methods — This question tests Mobile Device Connection Methods — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: USB-C to HDMI cable — USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode can transmit video signals directly, so a USB-C to HDMI cable is the simplest solution. HDMI is commonly supported on displays, and this avoids needing adapters. This tests knowledge of USB-C Alt Mode capabilities for video output.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user wants to connect their laptop to a 4K external monitor for a presentation. The laptop has USB-C ports, and the monitor supports HDMI and DisplayPort. Which adapter or cable should the technician recommend for the best video quality?
easy
A.USB-C to VGA adapter
B.USB-C to HDMI adapter
✓ C.USB-C to DisplayPort cable
D.USB-C to DVI adapter
Why C: USB-C can carry DisplayPort signals natively, so a USB-C to DisplayPort cable supports 4K at high refresh rates without compression. HDMI may also work but depends on the laptop's alternate mode support.
Variation 2. A user wants to connect their laptop to a 4K external monitor using a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. The monitor has only HDMI input. Which adapter or cable is required?
easy
A.USB-C to USB-A adapter
✓ B.USB-C to HDMI adapter
C.USB-C to DisplayPort cable
D.USB-C to VGA adapter
Why B: USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode outputs a DisplayPort signal; to connect to an HDMI monitor, a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable is needed. A simple USB-C to USB-A adapter will not carry video.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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