CompTIA Tech+ Certification Exam Blueprint: Topics, Format & Difficulty Level

Those who are interested in going into the IT field or improving their technical skills should start their journey with CompTIA Tech+ certification (FC0-U71). 

The CompTIA Tech+ Certification targets entry-level professionals who need basic instruction about computers along with software applications and networking and security principles. The exam serves as a foundational tool for beginners pursuing IT careers and seasoned users seeking to strengthen their skills and for anyone planning to progress toward CompTIA A+ certification.

So let’s get over the exam topic, format, difficulty and tools being used in this certification.

Exam Structure and Format

Let’s begin with exam structure.

Exam Code: FC0-U71

Launch Date: August 28, 2024

Number of Questions: Up to 75 multiple-choice questions

Duration: 60 minutes (plus an additional 30 minutes for the Non-Disclosure Agreement)

Passing Score: 650 on a scale of 100 to 900

Languages Available: English

Testing Provider: Pearson VUE Testing Centers

NOTE: The official exam structure has not been released by CompTIA officials, this is based on past exam trends and structure that has been followed till date.

Exam Domains and Objectives

The CompTIA Tech+ certification exam provides you with a variety of IT topics to aid in building a strong foundation.

1. IT Concepts and Terminology

This section covers the basics of computing, including different number systems (like binary and decimal), how data is processed, and troubleshooting methods. It’s all about understanding how computers work at a fundamental level.

It covers the basics of computing like binary, decimal systems, how to process data and ways to troubleshoot problems. Fundamentally, speaking this is about how a computer actually works.

2. Infrastructure

In this domain, you will learn all types of computing devices and their role in today’s industry. Internal components like how RAM and storage works and how to set up a basic networking. It also has additional topics, which covers WI-FI, internet services and small network setups.

3. Applications and Software

The third domain covers the most important part, which is the Operating System and different types of application software we use on a daily basis like browsers and productivity apps. You will also get to learn to manage files and how to configure settings for best user experience.

4. Software Development Concepts

Even though you don’t have a coding background, you can still learn the basics of coding, which is also necessary. It brings programming languages, flowchart structure, coding elements like loops and functions.

5. Data and Database Fundamentals

This part brings the introduction to databases, how to store information in logical terms, how queries work and why managing data is more important than ever.

6. Security

Let’s not forget cybersecurity, which means how you are going to protect your data and information from the various issues that emerge. Things that you are going to learn in this section are malware, phishing, advanced password encryption practices.

Study Materials

Official CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide

An official study guide provided by CompTIA covers exhaustively all exam objectives. The aim is to give a complete understanding of the topics that students will come across in the examination. This resource is on CompTIA’s official website.

CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide: Exam FC0-U71 (Sybex Study Guide) by Quentin Docter

Access to online learning resources, practice exams and flashcards are all included in this study guide that delves into the exam topics. Thorough exam preparation requires it.

CompTIA Tech+ CertMike: Prepare. Practice. Pass the Test! by Mike Chapple

Written by experienced IT author Mike Chapple, this guide provides the focused content you need to master the basics. The practice questions and detailed explanations will help you understand this.

Hands-On Experience

Interactive labs and simulations serve to practice and hone your skills in a safe environment. CompTIA Tech+ Certification Labs offers scenarios based on real life IT related tasks where you can put into practice what you learned in a controlled environment. These tools are created to meet the Tech+ exam objectives so that the practice is relevant and focused.

There are also personal projects that you can create (assembling a computer, setting up a home network, installing/setting up the operating systems) that can give you some hands-on experience. However, these projects give you the opportunity to learn more about hardware and software components while having that interaction.

Collaborative learning can be done by joining workshops or study groups. Participating with peers allows knowledge exchange, exposure to various ways of solving problems and practical exercises helping to understand IT concepts better.

CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Hardware and Software List

The CompTIA Tech+ certification exam covers the foundational IT knowledge of hardware and software components.

Hardware

The range of computing devices and components covered by the CompTIA Tech+ Certification exam.

• Computing Devices: Smartphones, tablets, laptops, workstations, servers, gaming consoles, virtual reality systems, augmented reality systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Internal Components: Motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage devices (HDDs and SSDs), power supplies, and various types of expansion cards.
• Peripheral Devices: Printers, external storage devices, webcams, speakers, monitors, and input devices like keyboards and mice.
• Networking Equipment: Home wireless routers, modems, switches, and other basic networking devices.

Software

The software component of the CompTIA Tech+ Certification exam includes:

• Operating Systems: Knowledge of various operating systems, including installation, configuration, and management.
• Productivity Software: Word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools.
• Collaboration Tools: Email clients, conferencing applications, and document-sharing platforms.
• Security Software: Anti-malware programs and backup solutions.
• Development Environments: Basic understanding of software development packages and integrated development environments (IDEs).

Result Announcement

Upon completing the CompTIA Tech+ certification exam, your results are provided immediately. If you take the exam at a physical test center, a printed score report is typically given to you right after finishing the test.

Your score for an online test is shown on screen after you finish. Also, your score report will be available in your Pearson VUE account within 24 hours. If you pass, you will get a congratulatory email from CompTIA Certmetrics telling you how to access your certification and further records.

As an entry level certification, the CompTIA Tech+ Certification exam is neither too difficult, nor too easy; it’s merely a matter of preparation. Although it’s easier than certifications such as CompTIA A+, it still tests the foundational knowledge of hardware, software, security, and networking, and therefore requires a good base of knowledge in these areas.

The exam can be much easier with the help of using study guides, taking practice tests and hands on experience. A structured study plan will help you pass the CompTIA Tech+ Certification on the first attempt.