FC0-U61 · ● Active · Entry · CompTIA
Entry-level vendor-neutral IT certification designed for career changers, advanced end users, and those preparing for CompTIA A+. Pre-A+ foundation; lowest-cost CompTIA cert with lifetime validity.
Exam facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost | USD $138 (lowest CompTIA cert) |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Questions | 75 |
| Passing | 650/900 scaled |
| Format | Multiple choice + performance-based (practical simulations) |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE testing center or OnVUE remote proctoring |
| Languages | English (other languages available regionally) |
| Valid | Lifetime (no renewal required) |
| Renewal | N/A — lifetime credential |
| Prerequisites | None; entry-level (no prior IT experience required) |
| Released | 2014 (current version ongoing) |
| Retiring | N/A (being transitioned to CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 in 2026, but FC0-U61 remains valid) |
Vendor source — CompTIA ITF+ Official Page ↗
Exam objectives — CompTIA ITF+ Exam Objectives (PDF) ↗
About
CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) is the entry point to IT careers for those without prior technical background. Launched in 2014 and maintained as an active credential, FC0-U61 tests foundational concepts only—hardware basics, operating system fundamentals, networking 101, security awareness, and troubleshooting methodology—at a level well below CompTIA A+. Widely used by employers as a filter for career changers and those seeking IT apprenticeships. Lifetime validity (no renewal) makes it a low-risk stepping stone. In 2026, CompTIA rebranded ITF+ to "Tech+" (FC0-U71), but FC0-U61 remains active and fully credible.
Domain context — Foundation / IT Support
Vendor-neutral entry-level helpdesk, IT support, and career-changer foundation domain. Overlaps with IT apprenticeships, helpdesk tiers (T1/T2), and first-IT-job prep.
Read full deep dive — Foundation Domain →
Topics covered
Based on the official CompTIA ITF+ exam blueprint:
- Computing Device Basics (understanding hardware, form factors, peripherals, input/output devices)
- Troubleshooting Methodology (systematic problem-solving, asking diagnostic questions, common failure modes)
- Memory and Storage (bits, bytes, KB→MB→GB→TB conversions; RAM vs. storage; data persistence)
- Network Concepts (TCP/IP fundamentals, DNS, DHCP, IP addressing basics, network topology)
- Security Risks and Prevention (authentication, encryption, common threats, phishing, malware types, best practices)
- Preventive Maintenance (BIOS/UEFI, drivers, system updates, backup strategy, cooling and power)
- Database Fundamentals (concept of data organization, relational tables, keys, queries)
- Basic Programming Concepts (algorithms, variables, loops, conditional logic, software development life cycle)
Source: Official exam guide ↗
Common skills at Foundation · Entry
Shared content for the Foundation domain at Entry level — not specific to this cert.
- Hardware identification and hands-on troubleshooting (POST codes, BIOS, device manager, safe mode)
- Operating system basics (file systems, user management, permissions, multi-tasking)
- Networking fundamentals (IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, wireless standards, connectivity)
- Mobile device support (iOS, Android, sync, BYOD management, MDM)
- Security hygiene (password policy, encryption, phishing recognition, malware identification)
- Customer communication and ticket management (soft skills, documentation, escalation)
Recommended courses at Foundation · Entry
| Provider | Title | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Udemy (Jason Dion) | CompTIA IT Fundamentals (FCO-U61) Complete Course | $15–$100* | ↗ |
| Udemy (Total Seminars/Scott Jernigan) | TOTAL: CompTIA IT Fundamentals FC0-U61 The Total Course | $15–$100* | ↗ |
| YouTube (Professor Messer) | CompTIA IT Fundamentals (Free Video Series) | Free | ↗ |
| Pluralsight | CompTIA ITF+ Path | $29/month (subscription) | ↗ |
| CompTIA CertMaster Learn | Official CompTIA ITF+ Training | $299 | ↗ |
*Udemy courses frequently on sale; typical price $15–$40.
Practice exams
| Provider | Title | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| MeasureUp | CompTIA ITF+ Practice Test (150 questions) | $49 | ↗ |
| Boson | CompTIA IT Fundamentals Practice Lab FC0-U61 | $35–$50 | ↗ |
| ExamTopics | CompTIA ITF+ Free Practice Test | Free | ↗ |
Note: MeasureUp marked FC0-U61 as retired (replaced by Tech+ FC0-U71 in 2026); however, legacy practice materials remain available and relevant.
Books
| Title | Author | Publisher | Year | ISBN | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Study Guide: Exam FC0-U61 | Quentin Docter | Sybex | 2018 | 9781119513124 | ↗ |
| CompTIA IT Fundamentals All-in-One Exam Guide | Mike Meyers, Scott Jernigan | McGraw-Hill | 2018 | 9781260143812 | ↗ |
Typical job titles at Foundation · Entry
IT Support Technician · Help Desk Technician (Tier I) · IT Apprentice · Desktop Support Specialist · IT Support Specialist (entry-level helpdesk trainee)
(Job titles drawn from current job-board postings that list ITF+ or equivalent entry-level IT support roles.)
Salary
| Region | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| USD | $48,000–$72,000 (Tier I–II helpdesk entry range) | Indeed ↗ · Glassdoor ↗ · ZipRecruiter ↗ |
| GBP | £24,000–£30,000 | IT Jobs Watch ↗ · Hays ↗ |
Salary note: ITF+ certification alone rarely unlocks immediate permanent roles; it is most valuable for apprenticeships, internships, trainee positions, or as a stepping stone toward A+. Salary data reflects entry-level helpdesk with some certification; employer, location, and IT experience significantly affect compensation.
Skills validated
Cert-specific — what this exam tests, distinct from shared Foundation skills above.
- Bit/byte/storage unit conversions and memory hierarchy
- Troubleshooting methodology and diagnostic flowcharts
- TCP/IP and basic network addressing (DHCP, DNS, IP classes)
- BIOS/UEFI, drivers, and system boot sequence
- Encryption and authentication concepts (symmetric vs. asymmetric)
- Mobile operating systems (iOS/Android) and device management
- Database structure (tables, keys, relationships) and SQL basics
- Programming fundamentals (loops, conditionals, variables, functions)
- Malware types and common attack vectors
- Performance optimization and preventive maintenance
Related certifications
- Next step (horizontal): CompTIA A+ 220-1201 / 220-1202 ↗ (the gold standard entry-level IT cert)
- Alternative entry path: Google IT Support Professional Certificate ↗
- Alternative entry path: Cisco CCST IT Support (100-140) ↗
- Replaces / Renamed to: CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) — ITF+ transitioned in 2026; FC0-U61 remains valid
- Vendor overview: CompTIA Vendor Overview ↗
Sources
- CompTIA ITF+ Official Page
- CompTIA ITF+ Exam Objectives PDF
- Jason Dion Udemy Course
- Total Seminars Udemy Course
- MeasureUp Practice Exam
- Boson Practice Lab
- Sybex Study Guide (Amazon)
- Indeed Entry-Level Helpdesk Salaries
- Glassdoor Entry-Level Help Desk Salary
- ZipRecruiter Entry-Level Helpdesk Salary
- IT Career Finder ITF+ Guide
- ExamTopics Practice Test
Last verified: 2026-05-01
Parent ecosystem: CompTIA Vendor Ecosystem
Parent domain: Foundation / IT Support