- A
The user's browser cache is corrupted.
Why wrong: While browser cache can cause issues, it would not affect multiple users simultaneously and wouldn't produce a 'service unavailable' message from the provider.
- B
The cloud service provider is experiencing an outage.
A provider-side outage would affect all users of that specific service, matching the symptoms of multiple employees unable to access only that application.
- C
The business's firewall is blocking the accounting application.
Why wrong: A firewall block would likely affect all cloud services, not just one, and would not typically show a 'service unavailable' message from the provider.
- D
The employees' user accounts have been disabled.
Why wrong: Account disablement would affect only specific users, not all employees, and would likely show a different error message related to authentication.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the cloud service provider is experiencing an outage. This is the most likely cause because the issue is isolated to a single cloud-based accounting application while the business’s internet connection remains functional and other cloud services are still accessible, which rules out local network problems or client-side failures. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of cloud service models and the distinction between provider-side outages and local connectivity issues—a common trap is to blame the user’s internet or browser when the real problem lies with the service itself. When troubleshooting cloud service outages, remember that if only one application fails while everything else works, the provider is likely down. A useful memory tip is “one app down, provider’s frown”—if a single cloud service is unavailable despite a working network, the outage is almost certainly on the provider’s end.
220-1102 Virtualization and Cloud Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization and cloud technologies. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 small business uses a cloud-based accounting application. Several employees report that they can no longer access the application, and they receive a message stating that the service is temporarily unavailable. The business's internet connection is working, and other cloud services are accessible. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The cloud service provider is experiencing an outage.
This scenario tests the understanding of cloud service models and common issues. The correct answer is B because the problem is isolated to a single cloud service, indicating a service outage on the provider's end, not a local network or client issue. The other options are less likely as the internet is working and other services are accessible.
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.
- ✗
The user's browser cache is corrupted.
Why it's wrong here
While browser cache can cause issues, it would not affect multiple users simultaneously and wouldn't produce a 'service unavailable' message from the provider.
- ✓
The cloud service provider is experiencing an outage.
Why this is correct
A provider-side outage would affect all users of that specific service, matching the symptoms of multiple employees unable to access only that application.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The business's firewall is blocking the accounting application.
Why it's wrong here
A firewall block would likely affect all cloud services, not just one, and would not typically show a 'service unavailable' message from the provider.
- ✗
The employees' user accounts have been disabled.
Why it's wrong here
Account disablement would affect only specific users, not all employees, and would likely show a different error message related to authentication.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A firewall block would likely affect all cloud services, not just one, and would not typically show a 'service unavailable' message from the provider.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — This question tests Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The cloud service provider is experiencing an outage. — This scenario tests the understanding of cloud service models and common issues. The correct answer is B because the problem is isolated to a single cloud service, indicating a service outage on the provider's end, not a local network or client issue. The other options are less likely as the internet is working and other services are accessible.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1202
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 company uses a cloud-based SaaS application for customer relationship management (CRM). Several employees report that they cannot access the CRM this morning, but internet connectivity is working. The IT support team checks the cloud provider's status page and finds no reported outages. What should the technician check next?
easy- A.Verify that the DNS server is resolving the CRM URL correctly.
- ✓ B.Check if the users' accounts have expired or if passwords need to be reset.
- C.Reboot the company's firewall to clear any temporary blocks.
- D.Reinstall the CRM application on the affected workstations.
Why B: When a cloud service is accessible to some but not others, the issue is often local authentication or configuration. Expired credentials or browser cache problems are common causes. The cloud provider's status page shows no outage, so the issue is likely client-side. DNS and firewall settings would affect all users if misconfigured.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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.
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