- A
Username and password only.
Why wrong: Username and password are both knowledge factors (something you know), so this is single-factor authentication, not meeting the requirement.
- B
Smart card and PIN.
Correct. A smart card (something you have) plus a PIN (something you know) constitutes two distinct factors.
- C
Biometric fingerprint and a PIN.
Correct. A biometric fingerprint (something you are) plus a PIN (something you know) also constitutes two distinct factors.
- D
Two different passwords.
Why wrong: Two different passwords are still both knowledge factors, so this is single-factor authentication, not meeting the requirement.
Question 246 of 750
Implementing Two-Factor Authentication for Remote VPN Access
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. A key principle to apply: multi-factor authentication (MFA). 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's security policy mandates that all remote access connections must be authenticated using two different factors. A technician is configuring VPN access for teleworkers. Which combination meets this requirement?
Quick Answer
The answer is a smart card and PIN, because multifactor authentication for VPN access requires two factors from different categories, and this combination pairs something you have (the smart card) with something you know (the PIN). On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this concept tests your understanding that using two items from the same category—like a password and a PIN—does not count as true multifactor authentication; the factors must be distinct. A common trap is assuming a password plus a one-time code from a hardware token is incorrect, but that actually satisfies the policy since the token is something you have and the password is something you know. Remember the three categories: something you know, something you have, and something you are. For exam day, a quick memory tip is “have and know” for smart card plus PIN, or “know and have” for password plus token—always ensure the two factors come from separate groups.
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
✓
Smart card and PIN.
Option B (smart card + PIN) uses something you have and something you know, while option C (biometric fingerprint + PIN) uses something you are and something you know. Both combinations satisfy the mandate for two different authentication factors, making both correct. The question does not prioritize one over the other based on practical implementation.
Key principle: Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Username and password only.
Why it's wrong here
Username and password are both knowledge factors (something you know), so this is single-factor authentication, not meeting the requirement.
- ✓
Smart card and PIN.
Why this is correct
Correct. A smart card (something you have) plus a PIN (something you know) constitutes two distinct factors.
Related concept
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- ✓
Biometric fingerprint and a PIN.
Why this is correct
Correct. A biometric fingerprint (something you are) plus a PIN (something you know) also constitutes two distinct factors.
Related concept
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- ✗
Two different passwords.
Why it's wrong here
Two different passwords are still both knowledge factors, so this is single-factor authentication, not meeting the requirement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may think that only the smart card + PIN combination is valid because it's the most common in enterprise VPN setups. However, the question's requirement is simply 'two different factors,' which both B and C meet.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In practice, smart card authentication for VPNs typically uses X.509 certificates stored on the card, with the PIN protecting the private key. The VPN gateway validates the certificate chain (e.g., via EAP-TLS or IKEv2 with certificate authentication) and the PIN ensures the user is the legitimate holder. This contrasts with a simple password, which is vulnerable to phishing or brute-force attacks, whereas the smart card adds a hardware-bound cryptographic element.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Authentication factors
- VPN authentication
TExam Day Tips
- 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
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
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. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) 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.
Review multi-factor authentication (MFA), then practise related 220-1202 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Logical Security Concepts — This question tests Logical Security Concepts — Multi-factor authentication (MFA).
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Smart card and PIN. — Option B (smart card + PIN) uses something you have and something you know, while option C (biometric fingerprint + PIN) uses something you are and something you know. Both combinations satisfy the mandate for two different authentication factors, making both correct. The question does not prioritize one over the other based on practical implementation.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review multi-factor authentication (MFA), then practise related 220-1202 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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