CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Certification Overview

The CompTIA Tech+ certification (exam code FC0-U71) is CompTIA's entry-level credential designed for absolute beginners exploring a career in information technology. Unlike the more advanced certifications in the CompTIA Core series, Tech+ requires no prior IT experience and is deliberately broad - covering computing concepts, hardware, software, networking, databases, security, and software development at a foundational level.

If you are interested in a broader overview of all CompTIA certification programmes, visit our CompTIA Certifications Overview page.

Who Should Take the CompTIA Tech+ Exam?

CompTIA recommends the Tech+ for candidates with no prior IT experience. It is specifically aimed at:

• High school and college students considering a technology career path
• Career changers transitioning into IT from non-technical fields such as business, marketing, or healthcare
• Non-IT professionals who work alongside technical teams and want to improve their digital literacy
• Advanced end users seeking a structured, validated introduction to IT concepts before pursuing the CompTIA A+ certification

CompTIA positions Tech+ as the cornerstone certification for anyone venturing into tech-related careers. It is intentionally conceptual rather than practical: the exam tests whether you understand what a technology is and why it is used, rather than asking you to configure or troubleshoot systems hands-on.

Tech+ vs. A+: The most common question candidates ask is how Tech+ differs from the CompTIA A+. Think of Tech+ as pre-A+. Tech+ covers a wider range of topics at a high conceptual level in a single exam. CompTIA A+ goes much deeper into hardware, operating systems, and troubleshooting across two mandatory exams. If you already have hands-on IT experience, you may be ready to go straight to A+.

The FC0-U71 exam consists of up to 70 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. A scaled passing score of 650 out of 900 is required. Unlike other CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+, Security+), Tech+ is not subject to the three-year renewal requirement - it is a lifetime certification with no Continuing Education (CE) programme obligation and no renewal fees.

The exam is available exclusively through Pearson VUE testing centres, either in-person or via online proctoring (OnVUE). Candidates must present valid identification at the time of testing.

Note on Question Types

Unlike the A+, Network+, and Security+ exams, the Tech+ FC0-U71 does not include Performance-Based Questions (PBQs). All questions are standard multiple-choice format (single or multiple response), making the exam more accessible for candidates without hands-on lab experience.

CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Exam Domains

The FC0-U71 exam is divided into six domains. The table below shows each domain and its weighting on the exam.

A full description of the certification topics can be found in the CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 (V6) Exam Objectives , which outlines every sub-objective, example topic, and acronym tested on the exam. CompTIA publishes this document publicly and it is the authoritative guide to exam scope.

Study tip: With Security representing 19% and Infrastructure 24% of the exam, these two domains together account for 43% of all questions. Prioritising these areas in your study plan will have the most impact on your score.

The FC0-U71 Exam Domain-by-Domain Breakdown

1.0 IT Concepts and Terminology (13%) covers the basics of how computers work — the input/processing/output/storage cycle, common notational systems (binary, hexadecimal, decimal, octal), units of measure for storage and speed, and CompTIA's six-step troubleshooting methodology.

2.0 Infrastructure (24%) is the broadest domain on the exam. It covers computing devices (from laptops and servers to IoT devices), internal hardware components, storage types, peripheral installation, I/O interfaces and connectors, virtualisation, cloud service and deployment models, internet connection types, and foundational networking concepts including wireless standards.

3.0 Applications and Software (18%) covers the purpose and components of operating systems, common productivity and collaboration software, web browser configuration, and an introduction to artificial intelligence tools including chatbots and generative AI.

4.0 Software Development Concepts (13%) introduces programming at a conceptual level — no coding required. Topics include programming language categories, fundamental data types, basic programming constructs (variables, functions, arrays), and logic concepts such as branching and looping.

5.0 Data and Database Fundamentals (13%) covers the value of data in business decision-making, the purpose and structure of databases (relational and non-relational), the difference between flat files and databases, and data backup concepts including local and cloud storage options.

6.0 Security (19%) covers foundational security awareness: the CIA Triad (confidentiality, integrity, availability), authentication and authorisation concepts, common threats such as phishing and social engineering, device and password security best practices, encryption for data at rest and in transit, and securing small wireless networks.

The Tech+ Exam: What to Expect on Test Day

The FC0-U71 exam is a straightforward, multiple-choice test. There are no Performance-Based Questions (PBQs) — all questions require selecting one or more correct answers from a list of options. With a maximum of 70 questions and 60 minutes allowed, candidates have approximately 50 seconds per question on average, though most find the pacing comfortable.

You will receive your results immediately upon submitting the exam, followed by a brief mandatory survey. Scores are presented as a scaled score from 100 to 900; a minimum of 650 is required to pass.

CompTIA does not offer free retakes. Each exam attempt requires a separate fee. There is no mandatory waiting period between the first and second attempt. From the third attempt onwards, a minimum waiting period of 14 calendar days applies.

CompTIA Tech+ Certification Validity

One of the most significant advantages of the CompTIA Tech+ over other CompTIA certifications is its lifetime validity. Once you pass the FC0-U71 exam, your Tech+ certification does not expire. There is no three-year renewal window, no Continuing Education (CE) programme requirement, and no renewal fees — unlike CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, which all require renewal every three years.

The FC0-U71 (Tech+) succeeded the previous ITF+ (FC0-U61) exam, which officially retired on July 31, 2025. Candidates who hold the ITF+ credential retain their lifetime certification and are not required to retake the exam under the new Tech+ branding. For current retirement date information across all CompTIA exams, see our CompTIA Exam Retirement Dates page.

Career Paths and Next Steps After Tech+

The Tech+ certification is intentionally positioned as a starting point, not a destination. It validates that you have the digital literacy needed to pursue more specialised roles and credentials. Common career paths for Tech+ holders include:

• Help Desk Technician
• IT Support Specialist
• Junior Systems Administrator
• Network Technician
• Entry-Level Security Analyst

From a certification progression standpoint, Tech+ is the natural precursor to the CompTIA A+ certification, which provides deeper, hands-on validation of IT support skills and is the recognised standard for IT support roles worldwide. After A+, candidates typically continue to CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ depending on their chosen specialisation.

Is Tech+ required before A+? No — CompTIA does not require Tech+ as a prerequisite for any other certification. However, if you have no prior IT background at all, Tech+ provides the conceptual foundation that makes studying for A+ significantly easier.

CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Exam Objectives

• View CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 (V6) Exam Objectives

Certification & Study Resources

• Try Sample CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Practice Questions
• Check CompTIA Exam Retirement Dates
• Explore Official CompTIA Tech+ Training Options
• Official CompTIA Tech+ Certification Page

Exam Preparation & Booking

• Save on CompTIA Certification Exams with Discount Vouchers
• Find an Authorized Test Center & Book Your Tech+ Exam