CompTIA IT Fundamentals(ITF+) Certification
Exam Objectives
EXAM NUMBER: FC0-U61

About the Exam
The CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) FC0-U61 exam will certify the successful candidate
has the knowledge and skills required to identify and explain the basics of:•Computing•

IT infrastructure•

Software development•

Database use

In addition, candidates will demonstrate their knowledge of:•Installing software•

Establishing basic network connectivity•

Identifying/preventing basic security risks

Further, this exam will assess the candidate’s knowledge in the areas of troubleshooting theory andpreventive maintenance of devices. This exam is intended for candidates who are advanced end users,
considering a career in IT, and interested in pursuing professional-level certifications, such as A+.
Note: This is a pre-professional certification for candidates seeking a career in IT.
EXAM DEVELOPMENT
CompTIA exams result from subject-matter expert workshops and industry-wide survey results
regarding the skills and knowledge required of an entry-level IT professional.
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PLEASE NOTE
The lists of examples provided in bulleted format are not exhaustive lists. Other examples of technologies, processes ortasks pertaining to each objective may also be included on the exam although not listed or covered in this objectives
document. CompTIA is constantly reviewing the content of our exams and updating test questions to be sure our
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based on existing exam objectives. Please know that all related exam preparation materials will still be valid.

CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)

TEST DETAILS
Required exam

FCO-U61

Number of questions

75

Type of questions

Multiple choice

Length of test

60 minutes

Recommended experience No prior experience necessary
Passing score

650 (on a scale of 900)

EXAM OBJECTIVES (DOMAINS)
The table below lists the domains measured by this examinationand the extent to which they are represented.
DOMAINPERCENTAGE OF EXAMINATION

1.0 IT Concepts and Terminology
2.0 Infrastructure
3.0 Applications and Software
4.0 Software Development
5.0 Database Fundamentals
6.0 Security
Total

17%
22%
18%
12%
11%
20%
100%

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FCO-U61)

1.0 IT Concepts and Terminology
1.1Compare and contrast notational systems.
• Binary• Hexadecimal• Decimal

1.2

Compare and contrast fundamental datatypes and their characteristics.
• Char• Strings

1.3• Numbers- Integers- Floats• Boolean

Illustrate the basics of computing and processing.
• Input• Processing

1.4• Data representation- ASCII- Unicode• Output• Storage

Explain the value of data and information.
• Data and information as assets• Importance of investing in security• Relationship of data tocreating information• Intellectual property- Trademarks- Copyright- Patents• Digital products

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)• Data-driven business decisions- Data capture and collection- Data correlation- Meaningful reporting1.0 IT Concepts and Terminology
1.5

Compare and contrast common units of measure.
• Storage unit
- Bit
- Byte
- KB
- MB
- GB

1.6

- TB
- PB
• Throughput unit
- bps
- Kbps- MbpsExplain the troubleshooting methodology.
• Identify the problem- Gather information- Duplicate the problem, if possible- Question users- Identify symptoms- Determine if anything has changed- Approach multiple
problems individually• Research knowledge base/
Internet, if applicable• Establish a theory of probable cause- Question the obvious- Consider multiple approaches
		 - Divide and conquer• Test the theory to determine the cause- Once the theory is confirmed(confirmed root cause), determine
the next steps to resolve the problem- If the theory is not confirmed,
establish a new theory or escalate• Establish a plan of action to resolve theproblem and identify potential effects• Implement the solution or
escalate as necessary• Verify full system functionality
and, if applicable, implement
preventive measures• Document findings/lessons
learned, actions, and outcomes

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)- Gbps- Tbps• Processing speed
- MHz
- GHz

2.0 Infrastructure
2.1

Classify common types of input/output device interfaces.
• Networking- Wired		 - Telephone connector (RJ-11)
		 - Ethernet connector (RJ-45)- Wireless		- Bluetooth		- NFC

2.2- Camera- External hard drive- Speakers- Display• Installation types- Plug-and-play vs. driver installation- Other required steps- IP-based peripherals- Web-based configuration steps

Explain the purpose of common internal computing components.
• Motherboard/system board• Firmware/BIOS
• RAM
• CPU
- ARM
		 - Mobile phone		- Tablet

2.4• Graphic device- VGA- HDMI- DVI- DisplayPort- Mini DisplayPort

Given a scenario, set up and install common
peripheral devices to a laptop/PC.
•Devices- Printer- Scanner- Keyboard- Mouse2.3• Peripheral device- USB- FireWire- Thunderbolt- Bluetooth- RF- 32-bit		- Laptop
		- Workstation
		- Server- 64-bit		- Laptop
		- Workstation
		- Server• Storage- Hard drive
- SSD
• GPU
• Cooling• NIC- Wired vs. wireless- On-board vs. add-on card

Compare and contrast common Internet service types.
• Fiber optic• Cable• DSL• Wireless- Radio frequency- Satellite- Cellular

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)

2.0 Infrastructure
2.5

Compare and contrast storage types.
• Volatile vs. non-volatile• Local storage types- RAM- Hard drive		 - Solid state vs. spinning disk
- Optical

2.6

Compare and contrast common computing devices and their purposes.
• Mobile phones• Tablets• Laptops• Workstations• Servers• Gaming consoles

2.7

• IoT
- Home appliances- Home automation devices
		- Thermostats		 - Security systems- Modern cars
- IP cameras- Streaming media devices- Medical devices

Explain basic networking concepts.
• Basics of network communication- Basics of packet transmission- DNS		 - URL-to-IP translation- LAN vs. WAN• Device addresses- IP address- MAC address

2.8- Flash drive• Local network storage types- NAS- File server• Cloud storage service• Basic protocols- HTTP/S- POP3- IMAP- SMTP• Devices- Modem- RouterGiven a scenario, install, configure andsecure a basic wireless network.
• 802.11a/b/g/n/ac- Older vs. newer standards- Speed limitations- Interference and attenuation factors• Best practices- Change SSID
- Change default password- Encrypted vs. unencrypted		- Open			 - Captive portal
		- WEP		- WPA		- WPA2

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)- Switch- Access point- Firewall

3.0 Applications and Software
3.1

Explain the purpose of operating systems.
• Interface between applications
and hardware• Disk management• Process management/scheduling- Kill process/end task
• Application management

3.2- Server OS- Embedded OS
		- Firmware- Hypervisor (Type 1)

Compare and contrast components of an operating system.
• File systems and features- File systems
		- NTFS
		- FAT32
		- HFS		- Ext4• Features- Compression- Encryption

3.3• Memory management• Device management• Access control/protection• Types of OS- Mobile device OS- Workstation OS- Permissions- Journaling- Limitations- Naming rules• File management- Folders/directories- File types and extensions- Permissions• Services

Explain the purpose and proper use of software.
• Productivity software- Word processing software- Spreadsheet software- Presentation software- Web browser- Visual diagramming software• Collaboration software- Email client- Conferencing software- Instant messaging software- Online workspace- Document sharing• Business software- Database software- Project management software- Business-specific applications- Accounting software

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)• Processes• Drivers• Utilities- Task scheduling• Interfaces- Console/command line
- GUI

3.0 Applications and Software
3.4

Explain methods of application architecture and delivery models.
• Application delivery methods- Locally installed		 - Network not required		 - Application exists locally		 - Files saved locally- Local network hosted

3.5• Application architecture models- One tier
- Two tier- Three tier- n-tier

Given a scenario, configure and use web browsers.
• Caching/clearing cache• Deactivate client-side scripting• Browser add-ons/extensions- Add- Remove- Enable/disable

3.6

		 - Network required		 - Internet access not required- Cloud hosted
		 - Internet access required		 - Service required		 - Files saved in the cloud• Private browsing• Proxy settings• Certificates- Valid- Invalid• Popup blockers• Script blockers• Compatible browser for application(s)Compare and contrast general application concepts and uses.
• Single-platform software• Cross-platform software- Compatibility concerns• Licensing- Single use- Group use/site license- Concurrent license- Open source vs. proprietary- Subscription vs. one-time purchase- Product keys and serial numbers• Software installation best practices- Reading instructions- Reading agreements- Advanced options

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)

4.0 Software Development Concepts
4.1

Compare and contrast programming language categories.
• Interpreted- Scripting languages- Scripted languages- Markup languages

4.2

Given a scenario, use programming organizational
techniques and interpret logic.
• Organizational techniques- Pseudocode concepts- Flow-chart concepts
		 - Sequence

4.3• Compiled programming languages• Query languages• Assembly language• Logic components- Branching- Looping

Explain the purpose and use of programming concepts.
• Identifiers- Variables- Constants• Containers- Arrays- Vectors• Functions• Objects- Properties- Attributes- Methods

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)

5.0 Database Fundamentals
5.1

Explain database concepts and the purpose of a database.
• Usage of database- Create- Import/input- Query- Reports• Flat file vs. database- Multiple concurrent users

5.2

Compare and contrast various database structures.
• Structured vs. semi-structured
vs. non-structured• Relational databases- Schema- Tables		- Rows/records

5.3- Scalability- Speed- Variety of data
• Records• Storage- Data persistence		- Fields/columns
			 - Primary key
			 - Foreign key
		- Constraints• Non-relational databases- Key/value databases- Document databases

Summarize methods used to interface with databases.
• Relational methods- Data manipulation
		- Select		- Insert
		- Delete
		- Update- Data definition
		- Create
		- Alter		- Drop		- Permissions• Database access methods- Direct/manual access- Programmatic access- User interface/utility access- Query/report builders• Export/import- Database dump
- Backup

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)

6.0 Security
6.1

Summarize confidentiality, integrity and availability concerns.
• Confidentiality concerns- Snooping- Eavesdropping- Wiretapping- Social engineering- Dumpster diving

6.2• Availability concerns- Denial of service- Power outage- Hardware failure- Destruction- Service outage

Explain methods to secure devices and best practices.
• Securing devices (mobile/workstation)- Antivirus/Anti-malware- Host firewall- Changing default passwords- Enabling passwords- Safe browsing practices- Patching/updates

6.3• Integrity concerns- Man-in-the-middle- Replay attack- Impersonation- Unauthorized information alteration• Device use best practices- Software sources		 - Validating legitimate sources		 - Researching legitimate sources		 - OEM websites vs.
		third-party websites- Removal of unwanted software- Removal of unnecessary software- Removal of malicious software

Summarize behavioral security concepts.
• Expectations of privacy when using:- The Internet
		 - Social networking sites
		 - Email		 - File sharing
		 - Instant messaging- Mobile applications- Desktop software- Business software- Corporate network• Written policies and procedures• Handling of confidential information- Passwords- Personal information

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)- Customer information- Company confidential information

6.0 Security
6.4

Compare and contrast authentication, authorization,accounting and non-repudiation concepts.
• Authentication- Single factor- Multifactor- Examples of factors
		- Password
		- PIN		 - One-time password
		 - Software token
		 - Hardware token
		- Biometrics
		 - Specific location

6.5• Password expiration• Password reuse across sites• Password managers• Password reset process

Explain common uses of encryption.
• Plain text vs. cipher text
• Data at rest
- File level- Disk level

6.7• Accounting- Logs- Tracking- Web browser history• Non-repudiation- Video- Biometrics- Signature- Receipt

Explain password best practices.
• Password length• Password complexity• Password history

6.6

		 - Security questions- Single sign-on• Authorization- Permissions- Least privilege model- Role-based access		 - User account types- Rule-based access- Mandatory access controls- Discretionary access controls- Mobile device• Data in transit- Email- HTTPS- VPN- Mobile application

Explain business continuity concepts.
•

Fault tolerance- Replication- Redundancy
		- Data
		- Network
		- Power- Backup considerations
		- Data
			 - File backups

			 - Critical data			
- Database			 - OS backups
		- Location
			 - Stored locally			 - Cloud storage
			 - On-site vs. off-site- Contingency plan

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)• Disaster recovery- Data restoration- Prioritization- Restoring accessCompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Acronyms
The following is a list of acronyms that appear on the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
exam. Candidates are encouraged to review the complete list and attain a working
knowledge of all listed acronyms as part of a comprehensive exam preparation
program.
ACRONYM

SPELLED OUTACRONYM

SPELLED OUT

AC
ACL
AES
AIO
APIPA
ARM
ARP
ASCII

Alternating Current
Access Control List
Advanced Encryption Standard
All In One
Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing
Advanced RISC Machines
Address Resolution Protocol
American Standard Codefor Information Interchange
Blu-ray Disc-Read-Only Memory
Basic Input/Output System
Computer-Aided Design
Computer-Aided Manufacturing
Compact Disc
Compact Disc-Read-Only Memory
Compact Disc-Rewritable
Central Processing Unit
Create, Read, Update, Delete
Cascading Style Sheets
Direct Current
Data Definition Language
Distributed Denial of Service
Double Data-Rate
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
Dual Inline Memory Module
Dynamic Link Layer
Data Leak Prevention
Data Manipulation Language
Domain Name Service or Domain Name Server
Denial of Service
Digital Subscriber Line
Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc
Digital Video Disc-Recordable
Digital Video Disc-Rewritable
Digital Visual Interface

EMI
eSATA
ESD
EULA
FAT
FAT32
FTP
FTPS
Gb
GB
Gbps
GHz
GPS
GPU
GUI
HDD
HDMI
HFS
HTML
HTTP
HTTPS
ICMP
IDS
IMAP
IOPS
IoT
IP
IPS
IR
ISP
Kb
KB
Kbps
LAN
MAC

Electromagnetic Interference
External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
Electrostatic Discharge
End-User License Agreement
File Allocation Table
32-bit File Allocation Table
File Transfer Protocol
File Transfer Protocol over Secure Sockets Layer
Gigabit
Gigabyte
Gigabit per second
Gigahertz
Global Positioning System
Graphics Processing Unit
Graphical User Interface
Hard Disk Drive
High-Definition Media Interface
Hierarchical File System
Hypertext Markup Language
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
Hypertext Transfer Protocol SecureInternet Control Message Protocol
Intrusion Detection System
Internet Mail Access Protocol
Input/Output Operations Per Second
Internet of Things
Internet Protocol
Intrusion Prevention System
InfraredInternet Service Provider
Kilobit
Kilobyte or Knowledge Base
Kilobit per second
Local Area Network
Media Access Control

BD-ROM
BIOS
CAD
CAM
CD
CD-ROM
CD-RW
CPU
CRUD
CSS
DC
DDL
DDoS
DDR
DHCP
DIMM
DLL
DLP
DML
DNS
DoS
DSL
DVD
DVD-R
DVD-RW
DVI

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)

ACRONYM

SPELLED OUTACRONYM

SPELLED OUT

Mb
MB
Mbps
MHz
MITM
MP3
MP4
NAS
NDA
NFC
NIC
NTFS
OEM
OS
PB
PC
PCI
PCIe
PII
PIN
POP
POP3
PSU
PXE
RAID
RAM
RF
RJ
RJ-11
RJ-45
ROM
SaaS
SATA
SD Card
SFTP
SID
SMB
SMTP
SNMP
SOHO
SQL
SSD
SSID
SSO
SSL

Megabit
Megabyte
Megabit per second
Megahertz
Man in the Middle
Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 3 Audio
Moving Picture Experts Group Layer 4
Network Attached Storage
Non-Disclosure Agreement
Near Field Communications
Network Interface Card
New Technology File System
Original Equipment Manufacturer
Operating System
Petabyte
Personal Computer
Peripheral Component Interconnect
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
Personally Identifiable Information
Personal Identification Number
Post Office Protocol
Post Office Protocol 3
Power Supply Unit
Preboot Execution Environment
Redundant Array of Independent Disks
Random Access Memory
Radio Frequency
Registered Jack
Registered Jack Function 11
Registered Jack Function 45
Read-Only Memory
Software as a Service
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
Secure Digital Card
Secure File Transfer Protocol
System Identifier
Server Message Block
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
Simple Network Management Protocol
Small Office, Home Office
Structured Query Language
Solid State Drive
Service Set Identifier
Secure Sign-On
Secure Sockets Layer

Tb
TB
Tbps
TCP
TCP/IP
TKIP
TLS
UPS
URL
USB
VGA
VoIP
VPN
WAN
WAP
WEP
WIFI
WLAN
WPA
WPA2

TerabitTerabyte
Terabits per second
Transmission Control Protocol
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
Thread Local Storage
Uninterruptable Power Supply
Uniform Resource Locator
Universal Serial Bus
Video Graphics Array or Video Graphics Adapter
Voice over Internet Protocol
Virtual Private Network
Wide Area Network
Wireless Access Point
Wired Equivalency Privacy
Wireless Fidelity
Wireless Local Area Network
Wireless Protected AccessWireless Protected Access 2

CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification Exam Objectives Version 3.0 (Exam Number: FC0-U61)

CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Proposed
Hardware and Software List
CompTIA has included this sample list of hardware and software to assist candidates
as they prepare for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) exam. This list may also be
helpful for training companies that wish to create a lab component for their training
offering. The bulleted lists below each topic are sample lists and not exhaustive.
EQUIPMENTTOOLS• Workstations – unpackaged workstations• Wireless router• Cable modem• Laptop• Basic printer• External storage devices- Hard drive- Solid state drive• Tablet/smartphone• Power strip/UPS• Physical networking devices• ESD wrist band (for demonstration)• Internet connectivity

SPARE PARTS/HARDWARE• Flash drive (for backup)• Various cable types

SOFTWARE• OS media- Windows- Linux• Unconfigured OS images• Anti-malware software• Productivity software• Collaboration software• Browser software• Backup software• Database software• Software development packages (IDE)© 2018 CompTIA Properties, LLC, used under license by CompTIA Certifications, LLC. All rights reserved. All certification programs and education related to suchprograms are operated exclusively by CompTIA Certifications, LLC. CompTIA is a registered trademark of CompTIA Properties, LLC in the U.S. and internationally.
Other brands and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or service marks of CompTIA Properties, LLC or of their respective owners. Reproduction or dissemination prohibited without written consent of CompTIA Properties, LLC. Printed in the U.S. 04271-Sep2017