hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: Deploy a custom configuration profile to 50 macOS…
A technician needs to deploy a custom configuration profile to 50 macOS devices in a lab. The profile must restrict access to System Settings and disable iCloud. Which tool is most appropriate for this task?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common pitfall in the A+ exam is thinking that the 'profiles' command in Terminal is sufficient for bulk deployment, but candidates overlook that it requires per-device execution and lacks the centralized management capabilities of Apple Configurator.
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
✓
Apple Configurator
Apple Configurator is the correct tool because it is designed for bulk deployment and management of configuration profiles on macOS and iOS devices. It allows a technician to create a single profile that restricts System Settings and disables iCloud, then apply it to multiple devices simultaneously via USB or network, making it ideal for lab environments with 50 machines.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Terminal with 'profiles' command
Why it's wrong here
The 'profiles' command in Terminal is a command-line utility designed for managing configuration profiles already present on a macOS device. While it can be used to install, list, or remove existing .mobileconfig files, it does not provide any functionality for authoring or generating new custom configuration profiles from scratch. Its primary use case is for scripting automated deployment or removal of pre-built profiles, not for their initial creation.
- ✓
Apple Configurator
Why this is correct
Apple Configurator is the correct and dedicated tool for creating and exporting custom configuration profiles (.mobileconfig files) for Apple devices, including macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. This application provides a graphical interface to define various settings, restrictions, and payloads, such as Wi-Fi, VPN, email accounts, and security policies. Once configured, the profile can be exported and then deployed to target devices, either manually or via a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution.
- ✗
System Preferences > Profiles
Why it's wrong here
The 'Profiles' pane within System Preferences (or System Settings in newer macOS versions) is a user-facing interface strictly for viewing and managing configuration profiles that are already installed on the local macOS device. Users can inspect the details of installed profiles, verify their status, and, if permitted by the profile's settings, remove them. However, this interface offers no capabilities whatsoever for designing, editing, or creating new custom configuration profiles.
- ✗
Remote Desktop
Why it's wrong here
Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) is a comprehensive macOS administration tool primarily focused on remote management, asset management, and software distribution across multiple Mac computers. It allows technicians to observe and control remote screens, perform software installations, generate reports, and automate tasks. However, ARD does not include any built-in functionality or interface for the creation or authoring of custom configuration profiles (.mobileconfig files).
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Related to this question
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macOS and Linux Basics for A+
Key term
iOS
iOS is Apple's mobile operating system that powers iPhones and iPads, providing a secure and user-friendly platform for apps and services.
Key term
macOS
macOS is the operating system that powers Apple's Mac computers, providing a graphical interface, system management, and security features for users and IT professionals.
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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.