FC0-U71 · ● New · Entry · CompTIA
CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) is the newly redesigned foundational IT certification that replaces ITF+ (FC0-U61). Launched July 16, 2024, it covers computing fundamentals, IT infrastructure, applications, software development, databases, and security—designed as a stepping stone before A+ or other specialized certifications.
Exam facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost | USD $135 |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Questions | 70 maximum |
| Passing | 650/900 scaled score |
| Format | Multiple choice |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE |
| Languages | English, Japanese |
| Valid | Lifetime (no renewal required) |
| Renewal | N/A (lifetime credential) |
| Prerequisites | None (entry-level; no prior experience required) |
| Released | July 16, 2024 |
| Retiring | N/A (active and growing) |
Vendor source — CompTIA Tech+ Official ↗
Exam objectives — CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Exam Objectives (v2.0) ↗
About
CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) is the modernized replacement for IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+ FC0-U61, retired July 31, 2025). It is purpose-built as a pre-career foundational credential, helping career changers and non-IT professionals validate digital literacy and decide if IT is the right path before pursuing deeper certifications like A+ or vendor-specific tracks. Released July 2024, Tech+ aligns with 2024–2026 IT realities, including cloud, security awareness, and basic development concepts.
Domain context — Foundation
Vendor-neutral foundational IT support domain—digital literacy, computing basics, troubleshooting concepts, and security awareness. Entry point for all IT careers.
Read full deep dive — Foundation / IT Support / Helpdesk Domain →
Topics covered
The CompTIA Tech+ exam covers 6 domains with published weights:
- IT Concepts and Terminology (26%) — Binary, hexadecimal, IT terminology, troubleshooting methodology, computing device purpose
- Infrastructure (18%) — Computing devices, internal components, storage types, peripheral device installation and configuration
- Applications and Software (14%) — OS fundamentals, software installation, application concepts
- Software Development Concepts (10%) — Programming basics, loops, conditionals, algorithm concepts
- Database Fundamentals (13%) — Database concepts, tables, queries, relational data
- Security (19%) — CIA triad, confidentiality, integrity, availability; password best practices; encryption; phishing, malware, and threat identification; digital privacy
Source: Official exam objectives ↗
Common skills at Foundation · Entry
Shared content for the Foundation domain at Entry level — not specific to this cert.
- Digital literacy and basic computer operation
- File management and directory structure concepts
- Understanding hardware components (RAM, storage, CPU, motherboard basics)
- Operating system fundamentals (Windows, macOS, Linux at intro level)
- Basic networking concepts (LAN, WAN, Internet, IP addresses, DNS)
- Password security and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Threat recognition (phishing, malware, social engineering)
- Software installation and system configuration basics
- Troubleshooting methodology and logical problem-solving
- Mobile device fundamentals and app concepts
Recommended courses at Foundation · Entry
| Provider | Title | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Udemy (Jason Dion) | CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) Complete Course & Practice Exam | $15–$50 | ↗ |
| Udemy (Various) | CompTIA Tech+ 6 Practice Exams | $15–$50 | ↗ |
| Total Seminars (Coursera) | TOTAL: CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) | $49/mo | ↗ |
| Pluralsight | CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) Path | Subscription | ↗ |
| uCertify | CompTIA Tech (FC0-U71) Exam Prep Course | Varies | ↗ |
Course-selection rule: Each course listed is specifically for FC0-U71 (not generic "IT Fundamentals"). Free video alternatives (YouTube) are limited; Professor Messer and CBT Nuggets have not yet published dedicated FC0-U71 playlists as of May 2026.
Practice exams
| Provider | Title | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| MeasureUp | CompTIA Tech+ Practice Test | ~$100–$150 | ↗ |
| MeasureUp | CompTIA Tech+ Certkit (elearning + practice) | ~$150–$200 | ↗ |
| CompTIA CertMaster | CertMaster Practice for Tech+ | ~$100–$130 | Official source (CompTIA.org) |
| Crucial Exams | CompTIA Tech+ (V6) Free Practice Tests | Free | ↗ |
Books
| Title | Author | Publisher | Year | ISBN | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide: Exam FC0-U71 | Quentin Docter | Sybex | 2024 | 9781394288793 | ↗ |
About the author: Quentin Docter holds CompTIA Tech+ and A+ certifications; started in IT support at Packard Bell in 1994; has worked in tech support, network administration, consulting, training, web development, and project management; holds multiple industry certifications.
Typical job titles at Foundation · Entry
Help Desk Technician · IT Support Specialist · Technical Support Associate · Junior IT Support · Career Changer (transitioning into IT)
(Job titles drawn from entry-level IT postings; Tech+ alone does not guarantee job placement—typically paired with hands-on experience or pursued as a pre-step to A+.)
Salary
| Region | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| USD | $38,000–$50,000 (entry-level help desk, pre-A+ roles) | ZipRecruiter: CompTIA A+ Salary ↗ |
| ZAR | R170,000–R220,000 (entry-level IT support) | PayScale ZA: Help Desk Support ↗ |
| GBP | £22,000–£26,000 (entry IT support) | Glassdoor UK: IT Support ↗ |
Salary note: Tech+ is a stepping-stone credential; direct salary impact is minimal. Salary jumps occur when combined with A+ or hands-on experience in an IT support role. Entry-level roles requiring Tech+ are rare; most employers expect A+ or equivalent hands-on training for paid IT support positions.
Skills validated
Cert-specific — what the FC0-U71 exam actually tests.
- Binary and hexadecimal number systems and conversion
- IT troubleshooting methodology (define problem → research → implement → verify)
- Hardware component identification and purpose (RAM, storage drives, motherboards, CPUs, power supplies)
- Peripheral device installation (USB, networking, printing)
- Operating system concepts and installation basics
- Web browser configuration and safe browsing practices
- Network basics (IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, LAN/WAN, Internet concepts)
- Mobile device configuration and MDM concepts
- Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) at foundational level
- Database tables, records, and basic query concepts
- Programming logic (loops, conditionals, variables, data types)
- Password management, encryption, and MFA
- Malware types (virus, worm, ransomware, spyware, adware)
- Phishing, social engineering, and threat identification
- Data privacy and GDPR basics
- Backup and disaster recovery concepts
Related certifications
- Next step: CompTIA A+ (220-1201 & 220-1202) ↗ — primary step after Tech+ for IT support roles
- Alternative entry-level: Cisco Certified Support Technician: IT Support (100-140) ↗
- Replaces: CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (FC0-U61; retired July 31, 2025)
- Stacks with: Any Foundation-domain cert at Entry level (Apple ACSP, Google IT Support Certificate)
- Vendor overview: CompTIA Vendor Overview ↗
Sources
- CompTIA Tech+ Official Certification Page
- CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Exam Objectives (v2.0 PDF)
- SkillTestPro: CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Exam Objectives
- Udemy: CompTIA Tech+ Complete Course & Practice Exam
- Pluralsight: CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) Path
- MeasureUp: CompTIA Tech+ Practice Test
- Amazon: CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide by Quentin Docter (Sybex)
- BrainDump4IT: CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) in 2026
- CCI Training: Introducing CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71)
Last verified: 2026-05-01
Parent ecosystem: CompTIA Foundational Certifications
Parent domain: Foundation / IT Support / Helpdesk Domain
Vendor overview: CompTIA Vendor Overview