CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) is a certification exam created and carefully designed by CompTIA that tests the applicant (advanced users and entry-level IT professionals) on basic IT knowledge and skills. This exam also assesses their safety and prevention knowledge in the computer field, which is a perfect start for candidates considering an IT career and planning to follow it up by CompTIA A+ or a similar type of certification. Cybrary has also designed training courses for CompTIA A+: CompTIA A+ 220-1001 and CompTIA A+ 220-1002.
Who should take the COMPTIA ITF+ Certification Exam?
CompTIA ITF+ is an excellent certification to kickstart your career in IT and ensures that the candidates grasp the basics of IT at the introductory and the foundational levels. So who should take the certification?
- Students who seek a career in IT.
- Professionals who work in the domain that requires a concrete understanding of IT.
- Operations, Sales, and Marketing staff of an IT-based organization.
- Professionals who wish to learn IT concepts and terminology.
Online training platforms has made it easier for everyone to learn ITF+ by curating the CompTIA IT Fundamentals course.
What is on the COMPTIA ITF+?
CompTIA first launched the CompTIA Fundamentals Exam (FC0-051 is a course that consists of labs as well) in October 2014. It covered the foundational IT concepts such as identification of computer components, software installation, network connectivity establishment, and security risk prevention. The syllabus breakdown for it is:
This course was retired in English on December 1, 2019, and retired in other languages and on July 15, 2019, for the English language.
CompTIA designed and released the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) exam on September 4, 2018. ITF+ emphasizes the skills and knowledge required to identify computing basics, Information Technology infrastructure, database use, and software development. CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ FC0-U61 Lab is a course designed for beginners with the additional benefit of labs. The syllabus breakdown is as follows:
1. IT Concepts and Terminology
This section comprises notational system basics like binary and hexadecimal. It will also teach the differentiation between various data types like integers, char, strings, and Boolean. Also, the section discusses the basics of computing and processing with the value of data and information. Lastly, this section concludes with data unit types and troubleshooting methodology.
2. Infrastructure
This section comprises various input-output device types and installing basic peripherals for computers and laptops. It discusses information about the internal components of a computer, different internet connectivity types, computing devices, and storage types. Finally, this section discusses basic network concepts and has hands-on training to secure and set up a wireless network.
3. Applications and Software
This section discusses the functionality and purpose of an operating system, identifying its components, their appropriate intent, and their use. This section also comprises basic knowledge of application architecture, web browsers, delivery models, and general application concepts and issues.
4. Software Development
This section compares and contrasts the various programming languages categories like Assembly, Compiled, Interpreted, and Query language. Also, this section discusses the application of programming organizational techniques and interpretation of logic, along with logic components. The user must be aware of the purpose and use of programming languages.
5. Database Fundamentals
This section comprises database concepts with their given purpose and usage. It covers flat files, databases, storage, records, and contrasts between database structures. It also covers schema, rows, tables, columns, and keys (primary and foreign). Methods used while interfacing the database and non-relational topics such as key and value or document database are integral parts of this section.
6. Security
This section is slightly similar to Security+ fundamentals; it includes confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It focuses on making the candidate aware of security issues such as: snooping, social engineering, wiretapping, eavesdropping, and dumpster diving. Attacks that fall under integrity and availability are integral parts of this section covering DoS attack, hardware failure, Man in the Middle attack (MITM), power outage, replay, destruction, impersonation, modification of unauthorized information, and much more.
Now that we are aware of the exam syllabus, let us gather some more information about the exam:
Number of questions: 75 Type of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Length of test: 60 minutes (extra 30 minutes for NDA) Passing score: 650 (on a scale of 900) Recommended Experience: No prior experience is necessary Languages: English Cost: $130
Visit CompTIA IT Fundamentals FC0-U61 Practice Test to take a practice test.
Study Tips For ITF+
Some effective tips that candidates should follow are:
1. Attempt CompTIA ITF+ Practice Tests
Taking practice tests before the actual ITF+ examination can be quite beneficial as the candidate gets familiar with the exam structure and the types of exam questions. They can focus more on the wrong answers to identify the areas needing improvement. Any misconceptions regarding the exam are gone.
2. Visit CompTIA Official Webpage
CompTIA provides regular exam updates; the candidate must visit the official website of CompTIA to browse through the details of the exam. Also, the candidate must meet the exam prerequisites, structure, syllabus topics, regulations, study guide, and recommended training resources. All candidates must go through the details mentioned on the official website before exam preparation.
3. Be Confident
Candidates must not let any uncertainties strike them while preparing for their FC0-U61 examination. The only way to gain confidence is to study well and commit entirely to it. Confidence is the key while taking any exam; do not allow distractions or loss of concentration at any cost.
4. Learn From Online Videos
If one wishes to gain a solid grasp of challenging topics, learning from videos is a fascinating and effective method to study, as images stimulate our minds more than written words. Videos make it easier to soak up and retain the explained topics. Youtube and other websites have tutorial videos that provide the candidate a range of options to select from and if one video does not work, move to the next one.
5. Set Aside Sufficient Time To Study
If the candidate wishes to succeed, they must study daily for two hours and review the exam material regularly. One has to balance between studying and other responsibilities to avoid ignoring them.
6. Accept Help From Online Communities & Forums
One can find many online communities relevant to the CompTIA ITF+ certification where people with similar interests interact and share their preparation and exam-taking experience. Being a part of these online communities, one can get their doubts solved by subject experts, answer questions from other members, strengthen their basics, and share study materials.
Why Should One Get ITF+ Certified?
Among the numerous benefits of CompTIA ITF+ certification, the most valuable ones are:
1. Staying Relevant
It is essential to keep yourself updated with the latest advancements, especially in the Information Technology industry. The IT industry has been rapidly developing; therefore, professional development is vital. CompTIA Certifications assist professionals in staying relevant in their concerned fields; they are an essential part of a person’s career progression.
2. Progressively Sharpen Your Skills
One needs to consistently sharpen their skills irrespective of whether they are looking for a new job or seeking a promotion in their company. People apply for jobs that empower them to foster their growth even if they do not possess the required skills for it. CompTIA ITF+ certification significantly helps individuals acquire skills to achieve their career objectives.
3. Invest In Yourself
Having cutting-edge knowledge and education can never go out of fashion. If one is CompTIA ITF+ certified, it displays the candidate’s will to invest in their career. It also depicts that the candidate is an enduring learner who wishes to expand their knowledge base to start a career in IT. Additionally, a CompTIA ITF+ certification can significantly advance the candidate’s career, steering them in a direction with multiple career paths.
4. Expect Success With CompTIA ITF+ Certification
Certifications are a great way to make first expressions and solidify your career. Often, HR managers use IT certifications as screening or hiring criteria during recruitment interviews. Nine out of ten employees agree that certifications play a significant role in finding the right person for the job. An additional benefit is that IT-certified professionals are more likely to be promoted, unlike people without IT certifications.
REFERENCES
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals logo, Retrieved on March 11, 2022:
https://www.it-ology.org/event/august-19-23-comptia-it-fundamentals-itf-certification-boot-camp/ (Image 1)
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification Exam Objectives (FC0-U51) (2014), Retrieved on March 11, 2022: https://www.comptia.jp/pdf/CompTIA%20IT%20Fundamentals%20(FC0-U51).pdf
- CompTIA, What Is The CompTIA ITF+ Certification? Retrieved on March 11, 2022: https://www.comptia.org/faq/itf/what-is-the-comptia-itf-certification
- CompTIA, CompTIA IT Fundamentals Retrieved on March 11, 2022: https://partners.comptia.org/certifications/comptia-it-fundamentals#:~:text=The%20CompTIA%20IT%20Fundamentals%20exam%20focuses%20on%20the%20knowledge%20and,software%20development%2C%20and%20database%20use.
- CBTNuggets (2021), Is The CompTIA Fundamentals+ Worth It? Retrieved on March 11, 2022: https://www.cbtnuggets.com/blog/certifications/comptia/is-the-comptia-it-fundamentals-worth-it
- Admin’s blog, No Experience? Start Your IT Career With CompTIA ITF+ Certification Retrieved on March 11, 2022: https://www.edusum.com/blog/no-experience-start-your-it-career-comptia-itf-certification
