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List of Command Prompt Commands for CompTIA A+ Core 2

Sarah Nguyen

Created at August 15, 2025

Mastering the command line is essential for every IT technician. This comprehensive list of command prompt commands for CompTIA A+ Core 2 is designed to align with the official exam objectives, giving you practical tools and real-world scenarios to prepare effectively. Whether you’re troubleshooting, managing files, or configuring networks, these commands are vital. Let’s dive in and explore exactly what you need to learn to earn your CompTIA A+ certification.

List of command prompt commands for CompTIA A+ Core 2

While each command has a defined syntax and function, the real challenge is recognizing which tool fits which scenario. That’s exactly what CompTIA tests through performance-based questions, less about recalling commands, more about applying the right one under pressure.

Here’s a breakdown of the List of Command Prompt Commands for CompTIA A+ Core 2, by purpose, to help you better understand when and how to use each one.

File and directory navigation

Navigating the file system is a fundamental skill when working in any operating system, whether you’re using the Command Line Interface (CLI) in Windows or Linux. Technicians often need to locate, organize, and manage files and directories efficiently, especially during troubleshooting, system maintenance, or software installation.

Command	Purpose	Sample question	Correct answer
cd	Changes the current directory	You need to switch to the C:\Users folder. Which command should you use?	cd C:\Users
dir	Lists the contents of a directory	What command displays the contents of a folder?	dir
md	Creates a new directory	Which command creates a folder named Backup?	md Backup
rmdir	Deletes an empty directory	Which command removes an empty folder named Logs?	rmdir Logs
C:, D:	Switches to a different drive	You want to change from the C: drive to the D: drive. What do you type?	D:

System utilities and disk management

These commands allow you to manage system health, disk partitions, and perform maintenance on file systems.

Command	Purpose	Sample question	Correct answer
chkdsk	Checks and repairs file system errors	What command checks a drive for file system errors?	chkdsk
sfc	Scans and repairs protected system files	A system file is missing or corrupted. What command should you run?	sfc /scannow
format	Formats a disk for use	You want to prepare a new USB drive. Which command formats it?	format X: (replace X: with correct drive letter)
diskpart	Opens the disk partitioning utility	Which command lets you create or delete partitions?	diskpart
shutdown	Shuts down or restarts the system	Which command restarts the system immediately?	shutdown /r /t 0
winver	Displays the current Windows version	You want to check your Windows version and build number. What do you use?	winver

File copy and backup tools

Copying files and creating backups are essential tasks in both day-to-day operations and disaster recovery planning. Technicians must be familiar with command-line tools that efficiently duplicate files, replicate directory structures, and perform large-scale data transfers.

Command	Purpose	Sample question	Correct answer
copy	Copies one or more files	What command copies data.txt to D:\Backup?	copy data.txt D:\Backup
xcopy	Copies files and directories with optional recursion	You want to copy a folder and all its contents. What command do you use?	xcopy /s /e Folder1 D:\Backup
robocopy	Advanced file copy tool with retry/resume features	What is the best command for copying large folders with automatic retries?	robocopy C:\Source D:\Destination

Network troubleshooting commands

Key tools such as ipconfig, ping, tracert, netstat, and nslookup help pinpoint the source of connectivity failures, whether it’s a misconfigured IP address, unreachable server, or DNS resolution error.

Command	Purpose	Sample question	Correct answer
ipconfig	Displays IP address and network info	How can you view your current IP address?	ipconfig
ping	Tests connectivity to another device or server	You want to check if 8.8.8.8 is reachable. Which command do you use?	ping 8.8.8.8
tracert	Displays the path a packet takes to a host	What command shows the hops to a destination?	tracert www.google.com
nslookup	Resolves domain names to IP addresses	How do you find the IP address for example.com?	nslookup example.com
netstat	Displays active network connections and ports	You want to see which ports are being used. What command do you use?	netstat -an
pathping	Combines ping and tracert with packet loss info	Which command diagnoses packet loss and latency along a route?	pathping www.google.com
hostname	Shows the current computer’s name	How do you find the hostname of your system?	hostname

Mastery of these commands is not only vital for day-to-day troubleshooting but also a core part of the CompTIA A+ objectives.

User and network resource management

Use these commands to manage local users and map shared network drives from the command line.

Command	Purpose	Sample question	Correct answer
net user	Adds, removes, or modifies user accounts	You need to create a new user account named tech. What command should you use?	net user tech /add
net use	Maps a network share to a drive letter	What command maps \\server\share to drive Z:?	net use Z: \\server\share

Group policy commands

These commands allow you to refresh and view Group Policy settings applied to the local system or users.

Command	Purpose	Sample question	Correct answer
gpupdate	Applies the latest Group Policy settings	You made changes to a GPO and want to apply it now. What command should you run?	gpupdate /force
gpresult	Displays the effective Group Policy for a user	What command shows the policies applied to the current user?	gpresult /r

Command help

This command provides built-in documentation for most other commands.

Command	Purpose	Sample question	Correct answer
[command name] /?	Shows usage and options for a command	You can’t remember how to use xcopy. What can you type?	xcopy /?

Looking to reinforce your command line knowledge with real questions? Try this free hands-on practice quiz: Operating Systems practice questions.

Final thoughts

Don’t just memorize; instead, master it. This list of command prompt commands for CompTIA A+ Core 2 isn’t just for passing a test; it’s your toolkit for solving real problems in real time. From network diagnostics to system recovery, these commands empower you to think like a true IT professional. Treat them as more than exam prep; they’re your daily allies in the field. The more you practice them, the faster you’ll go from help desk hopeful to trusted tech hero.