CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71 (no expiration) or FC0-U71-CE (renewable, 5 years)) Exam Guide
Validates foundational IT knowledge across computing basics, hardware, software, programming concepts, databases and security.
Tech+ tests whether you understand the basic ideas behind computers, networks, software, programming, data and security. There are no hands-on simulations. Learn the six domains with one short course or the official guide, then use practice questions to find gaps.
Understand the exam
Syllabus
1.0IT concepts and terminology13%
- 1.1Explain the basics of computing.
- 1.2Identify notational systems.
- 1.3Compare and contrast common units of measure.
- 1.4Explain the troubleshooting methodology.
Example scenario: A file is 3 GB and a download runs at 100 Mbps. Roughly how long will it take, and why are bits and bytes different?
2.0Infrastructure24%
- 2.1Explain common computing devices and their purposes.
- 2.2Explain the purpose of common internal computing components.
- 2.3Compare and contrast storage types.
- 2.4Install and configure common peripheral devices.Scenario
- 2.5Compare and contrast common types of input/output device interfaces.
- 2.6Compare and contrast virtualization and cloud technologies.
- 2.7Compare and contrast common internet service types.
- 2.8Identify basic networking concepts.
- 2.9Explain the basic capabilities of a small wireless network.
Example scenario: A home office printer works over USB but not over Wi-Fi. What would you check on the printer and the router?
3.0Applications and software18%
- 3.1Identify components of an OS.
- 3.2Explain the purpose of operating systems.
- 3.3Explain the purpose and proper use of software.
- 3.4Configure and use web browser features.Scenario
- 3.5Identify common uses of artificial intelligence (AI).
Example scenario: A colleague's browser keeps opening unwanted pages after installing a free tool. Which browser settings would you review?
4.0Software development concepts13%
- 4.1Compare and contrast programming language categories.
- 4.2Identify fundamental data types and their characteristics.
- 4.3Explain the purpose and use of programming concepts.
- 4.4Identify programming organizational techniques and logic concepts.
Example scenario: A program must repeat a task for each name in a list. Which programming concept would you use?
5.0Data and database fundamentals13%
- 5.1Explain the value of data and information.
- 5.2Explain database concepts and the purpose of a database.
- 5.3Compare and contrast various database structures.
- 5.4Explain basic data backup concepts.
Example scenario: A small business tracks orders in a spreadsheet that several people edit at once. Why might a database work better?
6.0Security19%
- 6.1Explain fundamental security concepts and frameworks.
- 6.2Explain methods to secure devices and security best practices.
- 6.3Explain password best practices.
- 6.4Identify common use cases for encryption.
- 6.5Configure security settings for a small wireless network.Scenario
Example scenario: A family wants to secure a new home Wi-Fi router. Which settings would you change first?
Official FC0-U71 exam objectives · FC0-U71 (V6)
Format
- Questions
- Up to 70
- Duration
- 60 min
- Passing score
- 650 / 900
- Delivery
- Test centre or online
- Languages
- English, Japanese
Question types
Multiple choice. Choose the best answer from the options, or the stated number of answers when a question asks for more than one.
A user wants files to stay on the computer after it is switched off. Which component should hold them?
Show answer
B. An SSD keeps data without power. RAM loses its contents when the computer is switched off.
Make a study plan
Read the objectives and try a short set of practice questions. Work through one course or guide, then use practice questions to find and fix gaps.
Most candidates spend 15–40 hours. Plan for the low end if you already use computers and the internet confidently; plan for the high end if IT is new to you.
- 1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.2 h
- 3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.17 h
- 4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.9 h
- 5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.2 h
Learn the core concepts
Use one short course or CompTIA's study guide as your main resource, and the objectives as your checklist.
Best overallTOTAL: CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71)Best detailed courseCompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) Complete Course & Practice Exam
Best official optionCertMaster Study for Tech+Try things on your own computer. Look up your computer's components, check your home router's Wi-Fi security settings and write a few lines of simple code as you study each domain.
Practice with mock exams
Use practice questions to find weak domains, then review why each option is right or wrong. Take one timed test before you book.
See all 5 Tech+ practice tests →
Are you ready?
- You can explain every objective in your own words.
- You can convert between bits and bytes and between common storage units.
- You can finish a timed 70-question test with time left to review.
Prepare for exam day
Buy a voucher and schedule with Pearson VUE. Choose FC0-U71 or FC0-U71-CE when you book.
At a test centre
Testing from home
- Bring the identification listed in your appointment confirmation, with the same name as your booking.
- Arrive at the time specified in your confirmation and store personal belongings as instructed.
- Use the exam tutorial before the 60-minute timer starts.
- Run the OnVUE system test on the computer and connection you will use.
- Prepare a private room and clear your desk.
- Have your accepted ID ready and begin check-in at the time stated in your confirmation.