What is the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Certification?

By Tech Gee on May 4, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to break into the world of IT, but felt completely overwhelmed by the technical lingo, the certifications, or the sheer volume of things you think you need to know – don’t worry. You’re not alone.

Let’s say you’re curious about tech. Maybe you’re still in high school, thinking about your career. Maybe you’re working a job that isn’t lighting your fire, and you’ve been hearing that IT is the place to be. Or maybe you’re just someone who wants to better understand how computers and tech works. Whatever your reason, there’s a certification made just for people like you – it’s called the CompTIA IT Fundamentals, or ITF+ for short.

In this post, I’m going to unpack everything you need to know about this certification in plain English. No jargon. No fluff. Just real talk about what it is, why it matters, and what it could mean for your future.

What is the CompTIA ITF+?

Let’s start with the basics.

The CompTIA ITF+ is an entry-level certification designed to help absolute beginners get a handle on the fundamentals of IT. Think of it like dipping your toes into the tech world without getting completely soaked.

It’s often the first step for people who are:

Exploring whether a career in IT is right for them
Switching careers & want to test the waters
In school and want to add some credibility to their resume
Supporting friends or family with tech & want to do it better

CompTIA (short for Computing Technology Industry Association) is a globally recognized organization that provides vendor-neutral certifications. That means what you learn isn’t tied to one specific company like Microsoft or Apple – it’s broad knowledge that applies across the board.

In a Nutshell: The ITF+ teaches you what IT is, how it works, and why it matters – without expecting you to have any prior experience.

What Does the ITF+ Cover?

So, what exactly do you learn when you study for the ITF+? Here’s a quick rundown of the topics.

IT Concepts & Terminology
- You’ll learn basic terms and concepts. What’s an operating system? What’s the difference between software & hardware? What does a CPU actually do?
Infrastructure
- You’ll understand how computers, networks, & devices are connected. This includes types of devices, internet basics, and simple networking.
Applications & Software
- How do software applications work? How do you manage them? What are the file types & extensions?
Software Development
- Don’t worry – you’re not coding like a pro here. You’ll just get an intro to what programming is, how logic works, and what developers actually do.
Database Fundamentals
- You’ll learn what a database is, how data is stored, & what makes it searchable or useful.
Security
- One of the most important sections – how to keep data safe, avoid viruses, and understand basic cybersecurity threats.

Think of ITF+ as “Computer Literacy 2.0 – with a Professional Edge.”

Why Should You Get the ITF+ Certification?

So what’s the benefit of this certification?

It Builds Confidence

One of the biggest hurdles to getting into IT is fear – fear of not knowing enough, fear of failure, fear of looking dumb. The ITF+ is designed to gently guide you past all of that.

You’ll walk away saying, “Wow, I actually get this stuff.”

It Proves You’re Serious

When you apply for jobs or internships, having ITF+ on your resume tells employers, “Hey, I’m not just interested – I’ve taken action.” That separates you from everyone else who says they’re interested in IT but hasn’t done anything to show it.

It Helps You Choose the Right Path

IT is huge. There’s cybersecurity, cloud computing, software development, networking, helpdesk support, data analysis, and more. ITF+ gives you a taste of each area, so you can decide where you want to go next. It’s like a sample platter before the full-course meal.

It’s Affordable & Quick

Compared to other certifications, ITF+ is one of the cheapest & fastest to complete. The exam costs $138 (at the time this blog post was written and sometimes it’s cheaper with a voucher), and many people study for just a few weeks before taking the exam.

No four-year degree. No student debt. Just knowledge and a credible certification.

Who Should Take the ITF+?

Let’s make this easy. You should definitely consider taking the ITF+ if:

You’re in high school or college & curious about tech
You want to switch careers but feel overwhelmed
You help people fix their tech but want more skills
You’ve never touched a command line or written a line of code
You want a stepping stone to other certifications like CompTIA A+

This cert is for beginners. You don’t need to know anything beforehand. In fact, it’s perfect for people who feel intimidated by IT. It takes away the fear & replaces it with clarity.

How Hard is the ITF+ Exam?

Let’s be honest, it’s not the hardest exam in the world, but it’s not a cakewalk either. You still need to study. The exam has about 75 multiple-choice questions, and you need a score of 650 out of 900 to pass. Most people study for 2 to 4 weeks using resources like:

The key is to go at your own pace. It’s meant to be learnable, not impossible.

What Happens After You Get ITF+ Certified?

Alright, let’s say you’ve passed the exam and now you’re CompTIA ITF+ certified. What now? Here are your next steps.

1. Use It to Land Entry-Level Jobs

While ITF+ isn’t a “job-guaranteeing” certification like A+ or Security+, it can help you land entry-level roles if paired with other skills or training. Here are some jobs that may consider ITF+ as a foot in the door:

IT Support Intern
Helpdesk Technician (Level 1)
Junior Technical Support
Tech Sales Associate
Field Service Technician Trainee
Computer Support Specialist Assistant

Think of it this way, ITF+ shows you’re ready to learn and grow, which makes you attractive to employers looking to invest in new talent.

2. Build Toward Higher-Level Certs

If you decide you want to go further in IT, the natural next step after ITF+ is CompTIA A+. That cert is the industry standard for help desk and support roles. From there, you might branch into:

Network+ (for networking roles)
Security+ (for cybersecurity)
Cloud+ (for cloud careers)
Linux+ (for server admin roles)

ITF+ helps you understand where you want to go & gives you the confidence to keep moving.

3. Use It in Non-Technical Roles Too

Even if you don’t end up working directly in IT, the ITF+ can still help. Tons of jobs these days require basic tech literacy:

Project managers working with IT teams
Office managers dealing with software & hardware
Digital marketers handling analytics tools
Customer support teams using technical platforms

Having ITF+ shows you’re tech-savvy enough to keep up, and that gives you an edge.

How Much Can You Make with the CompTIA ITF+ Certification?

The ITF+ on its own won’t launch you into six figures. But it can help you get started in roles that pay $15 – $25/hour or $35,000 – $50,000/year depending on the position & location. That’s not bad for an entry-level cert that takes a few weeks to gain. Once you move into higher-level certs like A+, Network+, or Security+, you’ll start seeing salaries jump to $60,000 = $90,000+.

ITF+ is about planting the seed. The growth is up to you.

Is the CompTIA ITF+ Worth It?

If you’re just starting out, feeling unsure, or testing the waters in IT, then yes, ITF+ is absolutely worth it. Here’s what you get:

A solid understanding of basic IT concepts
A confidence boost that says “I can do this”
A certification you can show off to employers
A stepping stone to bigger & better opportunities

It’s not the flashiest cert. It won’t make you a tech wizard overnight. But it will get you moving in the right direction, and sometimes, that first step is the most important one. So if you’re ready to explore a career in tech, don’t overthink it. Start with ITF+. It could be the beginning of something great.