You will earn the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) certification by passing one multiple-choice exam. Read on for some common-sense advice that can increase your chance to succeed in your exam and achieve CompTIA ITF+ certification status.
In its very basic nature, the CompTIA ITF+ exam is not that much different from any other written test that you may have taken to-date. The exam includes various types of questions to verify your knowledge in basic areas of information technology, specifically in the following areas:
Being well-prepared remains your best bet to score a positive exam outcome, namely passing the test and being awarded the CompTIA ITF+ certification.
While individual preferences on how to prepare for a test may differ in detail, there’s a simple strategy that can get you started and help keep yourself organized during your exam preparation process.
Not knowing what’s on the exam is like driving blind into a snow storm. A better approach is to spend some time reading about CompTIA ITF+ and what it takes to pass the exam. The more details you know about the questions you will have to answer, the better you will be able to judge what you already know and what you still need to learn.
The following steps will help you get a general understanding of what’s on the exam:
CompTIA ITF+ exam takers come from all walks of life with entry-level experience in foundational IT skills. No prior experience is necessary. The CompTIA ITF+ training you receive can also help you prepare for CompTIA A+.
The degree of exposure and experience infrastructure, software development, security and data you’ve already acquired has a substantial impact on the knowledge gap between what you know and what you’re expected to know. While some exam takers will have very little additional knowledge they need to acquire, others with little to no basic IT experience and knowledge may have to invest significant time and effort into their exam studies.
Regardless of experience, it’s worthwhile to take inventory of the exam areas that you don’t know or know little about. Being honest with yourself will help you focus on what you need to learn and, ultimately, make your studies more effective.
Our CompTIA Learning and Training offering is a set of comprehensive learning resources to support our certifications like CompTIA ITF+. This portfolio of products includes books, eLearning, labs and exam prep software, and is developed in house by CompTIA, based on feedback we hear from learners like you. These resources provide you with a variety of ways to acquire all or some of the knowledge that is outlined in the CompTIA ITF+ exam objectives.
Self-Study and Test Preparation
The self-study guide will teach you the fundamental principles of setting up and using a computer at home securely and keeping it in good working order, as well as providing informal support for PCs and simple computer networks to your colleagues in a small business. It will prepare you to take the CompTIA ITF+ exam by providing 100 percent coverage of the objectives and content examples listed on the syllabus. Browse our store or visit the Official CompTIA ITF+ Study Guide page to learn more.
Another great way to get an idea of what questions you can expect is to download a set of practice questions. Keep in mind that these practice questions are not questions that will be on the actual test and that there are different kinds of questions.
The CompTIA CertMaster brand is now a family of products that helps candidates learn the skills needed for a career in technology, and to prepare for their exam with confidence.
Classroom Training
For some, self-study isn’t the way to go and classroom training is either available to them, or simply the better choice to learn. CompTIA ITF+ certification training is offered by many public academic institutions, such as colleges, as well as private academic institutions, such as professional training centers.
The cost of classroom training depends on your choice and can range from a few hundred to several thousands of dollars. You can find classroom training in your area on your classroom training page. For organizations looking for instructor-led training, CompTIA offers Classroom Training for Organizations.
In short, there’s no simple answer to this question because it all depends on how much you already know, how much you have to learn, how quickly you will learn and when you feel confident enough to take the exam and pass it.
For example, some classroom training teaches all CompTIA ITF+ material in a matter of one week, while others stretch over several months. If you choose the path to learn on your own, you may, similarly be able to acquire the necessary knowledge within a few days, weeks or months – depending on how much knowledge and security experience you already have.
While we cannot tell you how long it will take you personally to get your CompTIA ITF+ certification, we do recommend that you invest enough time in your exam preparation and ensure you know what gaps exist instead of racing through the curriculum.
Our high-stakes exams are proctored at a Pearson VUE testing center in a highly- secure environment. Visit Pearson VUE to find a testing center near you. However, here’s what you should know about the testing process and what steps you need to take.
When you’re ready to take the exam, purchase your CompTIA ITF+ voucher from the CompTIA Store. A voucher is a code that will enable you to sign up for your exam. Not sure what cost to expect? Read more on our What does CompTIA ITF+ cost? page.
Keep in mind that you can also purchase a bundle and combine CertMaster Learn, CertMaster Practice and the CompTIA Official Study Guide in one package and save a good chunk of money on the way to your CompTIA ITF+ certification.
Next, you’ll need to take your CompTIA ITF+ exam from an approved location. As mentioned above, CompTIA works with Pearson VUE testing centers that has locations all over the world where you can schedule an appointment to take the exam. Members of the U.S. military may be eligible to take the CompTIA ITF+ exam from an on-base testing center.
We frequently get questions from test takers on how long they should plan for their exam to take. The allotted time for the exam is 60 minutes. Everyone is different, and passing the exam is not about speed. Go into your exam with confidence, and answer the questions at a pace that you feel comfortable with, while remembering that the CompTIA ITF+ exam consists of a maximum of 75 questions.
CompTIA now offers a number of exam training options for CompTIA ITF+ to fit your particular learning style and schedule, many of which may be used in combination with each other as you prepare for your exam.
There’s a wealth of information to take you from deciding if CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ is right for you, all the way to taking your exam. We’re with you every step of the way!