CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification

Curb all the hassles and overcome the primary yet sureshot hurdles with the help of just one IT career beginning tool. That tool is named CompTIA IT Fundamentals or ITF+ certification.

If building a career in IT and earning a name and fame is on your bucket list then the CompTIA IT Fundamentals certificate is an ideal pathway to choose. By giving adequate exposure to the elementary yet crucial IT concepts, this certification prepares the candidates for better job roles. It helps to create a sound and informative base that is essential for further growth in the IT field and develops expertise in a particular niche.

The Ideal Audience

It is clear that since CompTIA IT Fundamentals is a pre-career certification it demands no prior expertise. So, anyone willing to be a part of the IT field, whether a fresh college passes out or an IT beginner, can go for this certification. Moreover, it creates a great framework for high school students.

Crucial Exam Details to Know Beforehand

The code of the test linked with CompTIA ITF+ is FC0-U61. It covers entry-level concepts and requires candidates to answer a maximum of 75 questions within a time limit of 60 minutes. The question format is multiple choices, and scoring 650/900 is a must to come up with flying colors in the exam.

Make note of the fact that this score has an expiry date. Thus, after three years, taking up the current exam version or an updated certificate is suggested to continue enjoying the certification benefits.

The test can be taken in the English language only and is globally achievable by Pearson VUE via an online and offline proctoring facility. Exam registration and further formalities can be fulfilled at the Pearson VUE website as well. When it comes to the enrolment fee, sitting for FC0-U61 will cost you $126 for each attempt. Make sure that you’re paying the fee in the form of an exam voucher which is neither refundable nor transferable.

However, candidates are granted full freedom in availing of the voucher. Multiple exam slots are provided to them and they can pick one at their convenience.

The Details of Exam Domains

The ITF+ exam is based on six domains that focus on different tools and technology. It is suggested to know these topics before appearing for the actual test. Here is a quick overview of what one has to learn:

• IT Concepts and Terminology

  In this exam domain, candidates have to learn about fundamental data types, basics of computing & processing, the value of data, and units of measures. Key troubleshooting methodologies are extensively covered as well. If paid due attention, students will be able to understand ways of information gathering, symptoms identification, research knowledge base, testing a troubleshooting theory, and other vital concepts.

• Infrastructure

  The second domain is all about infrastructure. The learners will be able to differentiate between different kinds of input/output device interfaces, setting up a common peripheral device in a given ecosystem, and state the common purpose of internal computing components.

  The content of this domain extends with in-depth coverage of concepts like the comparison between common types of internet services, storage types, key networking concepts, and elementary wireless network set-up.

• Application & Software

  Learn about the basics of operating systems, their various types, the purpose of using the software, methods of application architecture, the configuration of the web browser, and other linked skills in this domain.

• Software Development Concepts

  The focus of the fourth exam section is on letting the test-taker know the ins and outs of primary software development concepts in a crisp manner. The learning objectives of this module are introducing the various kinds of languages such as scripted, mark-up, complied, query, and assembly language. Besides, it also throws light on concepts such as looping, branching, flow-chart concepts, array, and functions which are crucial in real-world sustenance.

• Database Fundamentals

  This domain validates one’s understanding of database fundamentals. Learners should gain knowledge about data variety, relational databases, multiple concurrent users, primary & foreign key, relational methods, data definition, database access methods, database dump, and other linked topics.

• Security

  The last exam section is dedicated to security and is very crucial as the IT industry is in need of skilled professionals who can deal with the current loopholes in the ecosystem security infrastructure. Hence, this domain covers a huge chunk of concepts and topics.

To begin with, it explains some of the most evident confidentiality, integrity, and availability concerns. It then lays its focus on the implementation of best security practices, behavioral security concepts, authentication, authorization, accounting and non-repudiation concepts, ideal password practices, and key business continuity concepts.

The Earning Capacity of CompTIA IT Fundamentals

By now, it must be clear to you that CompTIA IT Fundamentals is your way to break into the world of the IT industry. Hence, one can aim at only entry-level jobs after weaving success in this certification.

For instance, you can apply for a help desk technician position or become a technical support specialist. However, CompTIA IT Fundamentals alone may not be sufficient for such roles, so be ready to be asked to obtain extra work experience as well as a higher-level certificate. Still, there is no hard and fast rule. Some candidates can easily make big into the IT industry just after the CompTIA IT Fundamentals. Also, note that even in the above entry-level job roles, the average salary is $42k and $52 annually, respectively. This is a very decent amount for industry beginners.

Career Pathway

The bright side of the CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification is that there are tons of career advancement options if you have the vigor to move forward. The next ideal step is acquiring CompTIA A+. This certification explains the cutting-edge fundamentals of computer hardware and software and makes you suitable for job roles like IT specialist and IT support manager.

Having the A+ certificate on your resume will instantly swell up to its weightage and worth. But, the one who wants to evolve constantly can aim at CompTIA Network+ too. As one moves ahead, achieving expertise in IT infrastructure and the cybersecurity realm is permissible. The vendor offers a highly professionally designed career pathway. So, with CompTIA A+, the sky is the limit.