You can see it againUnder pressure people bring back shapes and positions long after the wording has gone.
Picture superiority · Shepard 1967, Standing 1973
COMPTIACompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)
The CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) certification is the essential starting point for anyone exploring a career in technology. It validates foundational knowledge and hands-on skills across computing basics, infrastructure, applications, software development, databases, and security. Earning ITF+ gives you the confidence to take the first step toward a tech-related career and a strong foundation for future learning and growth.
DeliveryPearson VUE
Free questions699
Content last reviewed 30 July 2026 · Up to date
The certification
What CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) proves, and what it asks of you
What this certification covers, who it is written for, and what the exam itself looks like on the day.
6domains
29objectives
162concepts
What it is
What this certification is
What it validates, who it is written for, and the experience it assumes.
About this certification
The CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) certification is designed for individuals who are considering a career in IT or who want to build a solid understanding of the technology that powers the modern world. It focuses on practical, real-world skills, helping you understand core tech concepts, troubleshoot basic issues, and build a strong foundation for future learning and growth in the tech industry.
This certification covers a broad range of foundational topics, including computing basics, infrastructure, applications and software, software development concepts, data and database fundamentals, and security. By earning ITF+, you demonstrate that you have the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate today's digital world, making it an ideal first step for students, career changers, and professionals in non-technical roles who work alongside IT.
Who it’s for
The CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) certification is for anyone exploring a career in technology or looking to build a foundational understanding of IT concepts. It is particularly well-suited for students, career changers, and professionals in non-technical roles who want to demonstrate their digital literacy and readiness for more advanced IT training. No prior experience is necessary to pursue this certification. It is the perfect starting point for those who want to confirm their interest in IT before committing to a more specialized career path, such as help desk support, network administration, or cybersecurity.
Recommended experience
No prior experience is necessary. This certification is designed for individuals who are new to IT and want to build foundational knowledge and skills. Basic familiarity with computers and common software applications; An interest in learning how technology works and how to troubleshoot common issues
The syllabus
What you’ll learn
Every domain and objective CompTIA measures, with the weight they carry on the exam.
The official CompTIA exam outline · checked 30 July 2026 · See the source
Tech concepts and terminology
- Computing basics: input, processing, output, and storage fundamentals.
- Notational systems: binary, hexadecimal, decimal, and octal systems.
- Units of measure: storage (bit, byte, KB, GB, TB), speed (MHz, GHz), and throughput (bps, Mbps, Gbps).
- Troubleshooting methodology: identifying problems, testing theories, implementing solutions, and documenting findings.
Infrastructure
- Computing devices: smartphones, tablets, laptops, servers, IoT devices, and gaming consoles.
- Internal components: motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage (HDD, SSD, NVMe), NIC, and GPU.
- Storage types: volatile vs. non-volatile, local, network, and cloud storage.
- Peripheral setup: printers, scanners, monitors, and driver installation.
- Device interfaces: USB, HDMI, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and NFC.
- Virtualization and cloud: hypervisors, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, hybrid, and on-premises models.
- Networking basics: LAN vs. WAN, IP/MAC addresses, routers, switches, and firewalls.
- Wireless networks: 802.11 standards, speed, and interference considerations.
Applications and software
- Operating systems: mobile, desktop, server, embedded systems.
- OS components: file systems (NTFS, FAT32), interfaces (GUI, command line), utilities, and drivers.
- Software types: productivity tools, collaboration apps, web browsers, and remote support.
- Web browser features: private browsing, add-ons, password management, and cache clearing.
- Artificial intelligence: chatbots, assistants, and generative AI for content and predictions.
Software development concepts
- Programming languages: interpreted, compiled, scripting, markup, and assembly.
- Data types: char, strings, numbers (integers, floats), and Boolean.
- Programming concepts: variables, constants, arrays, functions, and objects.
- Organizational techniques: pseudocode, flowcharts, object-oriented methods, branching, looping.
Data and database fundamentals
- Value of data: data-driven decisions, reporting, and monetization.
- Database concepts: relational vs. non-relational, tables, rows, fields, primary/foreign keys.
- Database use: queries, reports, scalability, cloud vs. local storage.
- Backup concepts: file and system backups, local vs. cloud storage.
Security
- Security concepts: confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, and authorization.
- Device security: anti-malware, firewalls, patching, physical security, safe browsing.
- Password practices: length, complexity, privacy, reuse, and password managers.
- Encryption: data at rest, data in transit, HTTPS, VPNs, mobile devices.
On the day
The exam itself
Everything CompTIA publishes about sitting it, and nothing we inferred.
Prerequisites
No mandatory prerequisites — this certification has no required predecessor exam or credential.
CertificationCompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)
DeliveryPearson VUE
Certification levelFundamentals
After you pass
Where this credential goes next
The path CompTIA lays out, how the credential is kept, and where to book.
Step-by-step path to CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+)
Credential earnedCompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Fundamentals level certification Renewal and maintenance
CompTIA certifications must be renewed every three years through Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or by retaking the current exam. Stay current with the latest technologies and maintain your certification.
Learn more about renewal requirements Lifecycle status
This certification is currently active and available. CompTIA maintains this certification to validate current skills and industry relevance.
Exam status: ActiveMaintained by CompTIA
Exam registration
Register for the exam through Pearson VUE, CompTIA’s authorized testing partner.
Schedule your examVisit the official CompTIA certification page for exam policies and requirements.
View the official pageYour coach
And when you are serious, your coach Pip takes over
Your coach in the app reads what you have answered with the book closed and tells you one thing to do tonight. It will not count an answer you gave with the page open, and it will tell you when you are not ready.
See how the coach worksBefore you book
Questions people ask
Is the ITF+ certification a prerequisite for other CompTIA certifications like A+ or Network+?
No, ITF+ is not a mandatory prerequisite for any other CompTIA certification. It is designed as an entry-level certification to build foundational knowledge, but you can pursue other certifications like A+ or Network+ without first earning ITF+.
What is the difference between ITF+ and the newer Tech+ certification?
Tech+ is the successor to ITF+ and represents an updated version of the entry-level certification. While ITF+ focused on foundational IT concepts, Tech+ (V6) includes updated content on topics like artificial intelligence and reflects the current technology landscape. Candidates should check the specific exam objectives for each to determine which is more appropriate for their goals.
How do I schedule my ITF+ exam?
You can schedule your ITF+ exam directly through Pearson VUE, either online or at a local test center. You will need to create a Pearson VUE account and select a convenient date and time for your exam.
What is the retake policy if I fail the ITF+ exam?
CompTIA's standard retake policy applies. You must wait a period of time before retaking a failed exam. For specific waiting periods and any applicable fees, it is best to consult the official CompTIA retake policy on their website.
Are there any hands-on or performance-based questions on the ITF+ exam?
The ITF+ exam primarily uses multiple-choice questions. However, CompTIA exams often include performance-based questions that require you to solve problems in a simulated environment. The exact question types are detailed in the exam objectives.
What job roles is the ITF+ certification designed for?
ITF+ is designed for individuals exploring a career in IT, including students, career changers, and professionals in non-technical roles. It validates foundational knowledge that can lead to entry-level roles such as help desk support specialist, IT support technician, or field service technician.
Can I renew my ITF+ certification by passing a higher-level CompTIA exam?
Yes, passing a higher-level CompTIA certification exam, such as A+, Network+, or Security+, will automatically renew your ITF+ certification. This is a common way to maintain your credentials while advancing your career.
Information freshness · Content last reviewed on 2026-07-30 Up to date
Practice free questions 699 questions, free, no account needed.
The curriculum
The whole exam, mapped and written
Every domain, every objective, and every concept CompTIA measures — each one written out.
6domains
29objectives
162concepts
152free pages
The domains, and what sits inside them
Every objective below is a page you can open and practise now, without an account.
The official CompTIA exam outline · checked 30 July 2026 · See the source
1Tech concepts and terminology99 questions
Computing basics: input, processing, output, and storage fundamentals.6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Notational systems: binary, hexadecimal, decimal, and octal systems.5 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Units of measure: storage (bit, byte, KB, GB, TB), speed (MHz, GHz), and throughput (bps, Mbps, Gbps).4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Troubleshooting methodology: identifying problems, testing theories, implementing solutions, and documenting findings.4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
2Infrastructure206 questions
Computing devices: smartphones, tablets, laptops, servers, IoT devices, and gaming consoles.10 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →Internal components: motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage (HDD, SSD, NVMe), NIC, and GPU.6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Storage types: volatile vs. non-volatile, local, network, and cloud storage.4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Peripheral setup: printers, scanners, monitors, and driver installation.4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Device interfaces: USB, HDMI, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and NFC.5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Virtualization and cloud: hypervisors, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, hybrid, and on-premises models.9 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →Networking basics: LAN vs. WAN, IP/MAC addresses, routers, switches, and firewalls.6 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Wireless networks: 802.11 standards, speed, and interference considerations.3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →
3Applications and software134 questions
Operating systems: mobile, desktop, server, embedded systems.5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →OS components: file systems (NTFS, FAT32), interfaces (GUI, command line), utilities, and drivers.12 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →Software types: productivity tools, collaboration apps, web browsers, and remote support.4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Web browser features: private browsing, add-ons, password management, and cache clearing.4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Artificial intelligence: chatbots, assistants, and generative AI for content and predictions.5 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →
4Software development concepts60 questions
Programming languages: interpreted, compiled, scripting, markup, and assembly.6 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Data types: char, strings, numbers (integers, floats), and Boolean.6 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Programming concepts: variables, constants, arrays, functions, and objects.5 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →Organizational techniques: pseudocode, flowcharts, object-oriented methods, branching, looping.5 concepts · 2 pagesOpen →
5Data and database fundamentals112 questions
Value of data: data-driven decisions, reporting, and monetization.3 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Database concepts: relational vs. non-relational, tables, rows, fields, primary/foreign keys.6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Database use: queries, reports, scalability, cloud vs. local storage.10 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →Backup concepts: file and system backups, local vs. cloud storage.5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
6Security88 questions
Security concepts: confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, and authorization.5 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →Device security: anti-malware, firewalls, patching, physical security, safe browsing.5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Password practices: length, complexity, privacy, reuse, and password managers.5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Encryption: data at rest, data in transit, HTTPS, VPNs, mobile devices.5 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →
Not a table of contents
Every line on this map already opens
In front of every objective the practice pages are already there, free and without an account. This is one objective, opened.
Computing basics: input, processing, output, and storage fundamentals.6 pagesOpen →
Free in front of it
27 questions on this objective, five to a page. Every range above is a real page, open now, with no account.
Reading the map is not the same as knowing the ground
The curriculum tells you what is on the exam. Proving you know it is a different job — and it is the one the closed-book run does.
Free questions
699 questions. No account, no card.
The whole bank is open. 5 questions to a page, every answer explained, and a discussion thread on each one.
699questions
152pages
29objectives
Freealways
Start anywhereComputing basics: input, processing, output, and storage fundamentals. 27 questions · 6 pages
Browse by domain
Every objective, and every page range, is a link — so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
1Tech concepts and terminology99 questions
2Infrastructure206 questions
Peripheral setup: printers, scanners, monitors, and driver installation.24 questions · 5 pagesOpen →
3Applications and software134 questions
4Software development concepts60 questions
5Data and database fundamentals112 questions
6Security88 questions
What a practice page gives you
1Five to a page
Short enough to finish, long enough to matter.
2Every answer explained
Not only which one is right — why the others are wrong.
3A discussion on each
Ask, answer, and vote. Every question has its own thread.
A question, and the idea behind it
Every question comes from a concept
These are not trivia. Each one is written against a concept in the book, so when you get one wrong there is somewhere to go and find out why.
The visual book
See it once. Carry it into the exam.
The pages shown here come from our AI-900 book — an example of how each concept is written in plain language and, where the idea needs one, drawn as a full page you can take in at a glance.
162concepts
699free questions
Why a picture, and not another paragraph
Three reasons, and each one is a real finding rather than a slogan.
You can see it againThe whole idea at onceWhere it starts, what happens in the middle, what comes out, and the mistake to avoid.
Multimedia principle · MayerThe look-alikes sit togetherThe pairs the exam tests are drawn side by side, so the difference is seen, not told.
Dual coding · PaivioWhat one page is made of
You are never asked to read a poster here — only to see how one is built. After that, every other page is legible at a glance.
1A numbered strip on top
The idea as a sequence, followed with a finger before a word is read.
2Panels for the parts
What it is, how the machine learns it, when it is the right tool.
3The trap, framed
The distinction the exam tests, given its own box instead of buried in prose.
4One line at the bottom
The sentence to carry into the exam room.
Open book, on purpose
Answer it with the picture beside you
This is the part that teaches. The illustration and the written explanation stay where they are while you work, so a scenario stops being a memory test and becomes something you can simply look at.
It teaches · it does not count
A smartphone uses AI to unlock when the owner looks at the camera. Which AI capability is being used?
AImage classification
BFacial recognition
COptical character recognition
DObject detection
Look at the five steps. Detect finds a face, align straightens it, encode turns it into numbers, search compares it with a stored face, and decide answers one question: is this the same person? Classification would only say “a face”. Detection would only draw a box. Neither decides whose.
Then the page shuts, and it starts counting
The same questions come back with the book closed — that run is the one that counts. After it, your coach picks one thing for tonight, sized to the time you have, and brings pages back before you lose them.
Testing effect · Roediger & Karpicke 2006 · spacing effect · Cepeda et al. 2006
Official resources
Straight from CompTIA
Where the exam is defined, scheduled and scored.
2official links
162concepts mapped
The source
CompTIA’s own pages
We link to them rather than repeat them, so nothing here goes stale behind them.
Checked against the source
Every objective on the official CompTIA outline already has questions here
We build from the official skills outline, not from a summary of it — 29 objectives, 162 concepts written under them, and free questions against every one. When CompTIA changes the outline, this page changes with it.
29objectives on the outline→162concepts written→699free questions
An official page tells you what will be asked. It cannot tell you what you will get right.
That is the only question worth answering the night before, and no link answers it. You answer it by taking the questions with the book closed, and seeing what comes back.