CompTIA Tech vs CompTIA ITF for IT basics: What’s the difference

Starting a new career in the tech industry can be a blend of excitement and uncertainty. Whether you're switching from a different career or looking to get your first entry-level IT job, it can be difficult to decide how to make your first move. You may be wondering what skills you need, what to do first or if you'll enjoy working and growing in the tech industry. Learning IT basics and studying to get your Tech+ certification is a great way to build a strong foundation and discover if a career in tech is the right fit for you.

IT jobs are projected to be among the fastest-growing occupations from 2023 to 20331 and 72% of employers worldwide rate technology as a primary factor in reaching business their objectives.2 If you're in a tech-adjacent field or you simply want to stay at the forefront of innovation in your industry, you can also benefit from learning all areas of IT basics and enhancing your digital literacy skills with Tech+.

What is CompTIA Tech+?

Tech+ is an upgrade from CompTIA ITF+, our popular tech training and certification for IT basics. Tech+ training reflects the latest industry developments and provides more hands-on skills development so you can become confident and tech-savvy in this rapidly evolving field. After passing the exam and earning your Tech+ certification on IT basics, you can continue to build the skills you need for your first IT job with CompTIA A+.

How is CompTIA Tech+ different from CompTIA ITF+ for IT basics?

While CompTIA ITF+ tech training lays the groundwork for an IT career path by covering IT basics, Tech+ training dives even deeper with a wider spectrum of knowledge and more hands-on skills development. The enhanced eLearning experience also offers activities in simulated environments, so you can learn about configuring equipment and troubleshooting using real-world scenarios.

Tech+ also introduces emerging technologies that are becoming increasingly important in the modern tech industry, including artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and more. By learning about the latest tech advancements, you can set yourself up for success as you continue your IT career path.

Which IT basics are on the Tech+ certification exam?

Here's a look at the domains that are covered and what they're worth on the final exam:

IT Concepts and Terminology (14%) - Grasp the essentials of computing, data significance, and problem-solving.

Infrastructure (22%) - Equip yourself with the knowledge to manage devices and networks securely.

Applications and Software (18%) - Understand the workings of software applications and operating systems.

Software Development Concepts (14%) - Get introduced to the basics of coding and software creation.

Data and Database Fundamentals (14%) - Learn about data management and database interfacing.

Security (18%) - Gain insights into safeguarding digital information and ensuring privacy and data protection.

What are the new tech career fundamentals covered by CompTIA Tech+ training

• Virtualization and cloud technologies, such as hypervisors, guest operating systems, and cloud service models to reflect the industry's move toward cloud computing.

• Digital literacy skills and online collaboration tools, to prepare you for both personal and professional digital interactions.

• Security in a digitally connected world, including safe browsing practices, certificates, and privacy considerations for the safe use of digital tools and online platforms.

• More database fundamentals, with an emphasis on data value, database structures, and basic backup concepts to highlight the importance of data management and analysis in IT.

• Additional topics on emerging technologies, including IoT devices, VR and AR systems, with insights into the future of technology and its societal impacts.

• AI concepts, such as AI chatbots, AI assistants, generative AI, AI-generated code, and content.

Why is CompTIA ITF+ transitioning to CompTIA Tech+?

The shift from CompTIA ITF+ to CompTIA Tech+ is driven by our commitment to ensure our tech training and certifications reflect the most up-to-date and relevant technology education. CompTIA certifications are recognized as standards of excellence and the enhancements offered with Tech+ align with the latest tech industry developments.

How can I learn and prepare for the exam?

CompTIA Tech+ offers a comprehensive tech training experience with options for a variety of learning styles. With interactive, hands-on resources, you can choose your preferred approach and build your confidence as you learn, study, and prepare for the certification exam on IT basics.

• CertMaster Learn features self-paced lessons with embedded videos and interactive simulations for hands-on learning.

• CertMaster Practice provides a range of practice questions and assessments to help you focus on areas that need improvement and get ready for the exam.

What if I already have a CompTIA ITF+ certification?

Both CompTIA ITF+ and Tech+ certifications are good for life and don't need to be renewed. If you already have your CompTIA ITF+ certification, there's no need to take Tech+. Instead, you can focus on building the in-demand skills you need for your first IT job with. CompTIA A+ or Network+.

Ready to broaden your career horizons with tech training? Get started with CompTIA Tech+.

If you still have questions about Tech+, you can check out our Tech+ Frequently Asked Questions.

1 Source: CompTIA State of the Tech Workforce 2024
2 Source: CompTIA International Trends in Technology and Workforce