FC0-U71 CompTIA Tech+ Certification Exam Questions and Answers

Pseudocode represents logic written in plain, human-readable language that resembles programming structure but isn’t actual code:

“Pseudocode allows programmers to design algorithms using readable statements before translating them into actual code.”

Branch and sequence refer to control flow structures, and object-oriented refers to a programming paradigm.

According to the CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025):

“The rules and structure of the database are called its schema. It defines the tables, forms, reports, queries, data types allowed, and pretty much everything else about the database.”

It also clarifies:

“The logical schema outlines the structure of the database, such as the tables and their fields (columns), and relationships between tables.”

Thus, an outline of a database’s structure is called a schema.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 7: Database Fundamentals — “Schema” (pp. 392–393).

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025) explains that software requiring activation often stops working after a trial period—typically 30 days—until a valid product key is entered:

“Activating software is a different story—you have to do it. Either you will need to enter the product key before the app will work the first time, or it might work for a few times for free then ask you to activate. Some products… include activation features that lock the installed copy… Usually you have 30 days to do so, or a certain number of uses, before it stops working.”

This clearly identifies a product key as the required input to activate or continue using the software.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 5: Software Applications — “Registering and Activation” (pp. 288–290).

RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory, meaning its contents are erased when power is removed. According to the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U71 Official Study Guide:

“RAM is volatile storage, which means that it requires constant power to maintain the stored information. When power is turned off, all data in RAM is lost.”

BIOS (firmware), NIC (hardware interface), and CPU (hardware processor) remain unaffected by shutdowns regarding stored information.

An e-reader is designed specifically for reading digital books in a portable, lightweight format:

“E-readers are mobile devices optimized for reading electronic books, offering portability, long battery life, and digital storage of thousands of titles.”

Servers, external drives, and workstations are either not portable or not designed for reading books.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet between the user and a remote network, enabling secure access from home or public networks.

“VPNs provide a secure tunnel for transmitting data over unsecured networks, such as the internet, by encrypting all traffic between the client and the network.” — CompTIA ITF+ Security Topics

Other options:

A. LAN – Local and not for remote use

B. FTP – Transfers files but lacks modern encryption

C. DNS – Resolves domain names, not for access

Correct answer: D

The most important consideration when opening a file on an Operating System Graphical User Interface (OS GUI) is the file extension. A file extension identifies the type of file and determines which software application can open it. In the official CompTIA ITF+ Student Guide, it is stated that:

“The last part of the file name represents an extension, which describes what type of file it is and is used by Windows to associate the file with an application.”

“Files are usually opened by double-clicking them. You may want to open a file in a software product other than the default, however. When you right-click a file, the shortcut menu displays a list of suitable choices, or you can choose Open With and browse for a different application. You can also use the Default Programs applet to configure file associations.”

“Do not change a file's extension if it is shown. If you delete or change the extension, the file will not be associated with the correct program for opening it.”

This means the OS uses the file extension to decide which application to use to open a file. Changing or deleting the extension can result in the file not opening properly because it no longer matches the program expected to open it.

A variable is a named space in memory used to store data that can change during program execution.

“Variables are memory storage locations used to hold data that can change while a program runs.” — CompTIA ITF+ Programming Concepts

Correct answer: A

UESTION NO: 83 [IT Concepts and Terminology]

A systems administrator resolves a persistent issue with a laptop. Which of the following steps should the administrator take next?

A. Test the theory.

B. Document the findings.

C. Create an action plan.

D. Implement the action plan.

Answer: B

After resolving the issue, the final step in the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology is to document the findings. This includes noting what was done, what caused the issue, and how it was resolved, so others can reference it in the future.

“After resolving and verifying the issue, document the findings, actions taken, and outcomes to complete the troubleshooting process.” — CompTIA ITF+ Troubleshooting Steps

Correct answer: B

Meaningful reporting refers to the process of analyzing and summarizing data into actionable insights to support business decisions.

“Reports generated from data analytics provide meaningful insights to support strategic decision-making by company leadership.” — CompTIA ITF+

Correct answer: A

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025) defines phishing as:

“Creating a site or sending an email that masquerades as a legitimate secure site but actually steals your information is called phishing.”

It further explains:

“When people talk about phishing, it’s generally in the context of suspicious email because that’s how the term originated. Hackers sent out messages hoping to get someone to take the bait.”

By deleting a suspicious email without opening or clicking links, the user is practicing anti-phishing awareness — a key cybersecurity best practice.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 11: Security Best Practices — “Recognizing Suspicious Sites, Links, and Ads” and “Phishing” (pp. 587–589).

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025) defines hexadecimal as follows:

“The hexadecimal notational system, or base-16… In hex, the numbers 0 to 9 are used, just like in decimal. However, the letters A to F are used to represent decimal numbers 10 through 15.”

This directly confirms that hexadecimal uses digits 0–9 and letters A–F.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 6: Software Development Concepts — “Notational Systems” (pp. 357–359).

A simple static web page is best created using a markup language, such as HTML. Markup languages describe the structure and formatting of content on a web page.

“Markup languages like HTML are used to design and structure static web content. They do not contain logic or interactivity like scripting languages.” — CompTIA ITF+ Study Guide

Correct answer: D

An access point is a networking hardware device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi or related standards. It helps extend the range of a wireless network by creating additional coverage areas. This is directly outlined in CompTIA ITF+ documentation:

“A wireless access point (AP) is a device that allows wireless clients to connect to a wired network. It serves to extend or broaden the wireless coverage.”

In contrast:

A modem connects to the internet via an ISP.

A server provides network services, not range.

A host firewall protects a single device or network; it does not expand connectivity.

Thus, the most appropriate answer is D.

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide explains:

“For a table in a database to be relational, it must have a primary key. In fact, its creation is mandatory when a table is created. A primary key is one or more fields whose data is used to identify a record uniquely.”

It further adds:

“Primary keys for tables are stored in an index, which enforces the uniqueness requirement.”

Hence, the unique identifier for records in a relational database is the primary key.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 7: Database Fundamentals — “Primary Key” (pp. 394–395).

As per the CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025):

“Some companies’ IT policies require that you change or reset your password at regular intervals, such as every 90 days. The rationale for having a password expiration policy is that the longer you keep a password, the more likely it is that someone has seen it or written it down.”

The guide further notes:

“Many companies have password policies in place that enforce strict requirements… The policy can also make users reset their password every so often, such as 90 days.”

This describes password expiration, which ensures that passwords are periodically updated to reduce security risks.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 11: Security Best Practices — “Password Changes” (pp. 596–598).

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide states:

“Floats are numbers that include decimals. Integers are whole numbers with no decimals, and strings are text.”

An example from the book:

“It’s a float data type, which is a number with a decimal place.”

Therefore, -2.34 represents a float.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 6: Software Development Concepts — “Data Types and Structures” (pp. 372–373).

To extract specific information from a database, especially recently updated entries, a query is used. Queries filter and retrieve data based on conditions like dates, fields, or status.

“A query is a request for data or information from a database table or combination of tables.” — CompTIA ITF+ Data Management

Correct answer: B

Compiled languages (e.g., C, C++, Go) are translated into machine code before execution, making them faster and more efficient at runtime than interpreted or scripting languages.

“Compiled code is translated into machine language before execution, providing faster performance compared to interpreted code.” — CompTIA ITF+ Software Concepts

Correct answer: B

A cable lock (also called a Kensington lock) physically secures the laptop to a fixed object, making it difficult to steal in public spaces.

“Cable locks are physical security devices used to deter laptop theft by anchoring the device to a desk or other stationary object.” — CompTIA ITF+ Official Guide

A. Firewall is software-based and protects data, not the device.

B. Privacy shields prevent screen visibility, not theft.

C. USB locks prevent port access but not physical theft.

Correct answer: D

Cloud storage enables multiple users to access and modify data in real-time from different locations. It also ensures high availability by offering redundancy and online access.

“Cloud storage provides high availability, accessibility, and collaboration capabilities, making it ideal for group projects and remote access.” — CompTIA ITF+ Cloud Technologies

Correct answer: A

This structure uses branching, which allows a program to make decisions based on conditions using "if," "else if," and similar statements.

“Branching allows the flow of execution in a program to change based on decisions or conditions.” — CompTIA ITF+ Programming Concepts

Correct answer: D

According to the CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide (Exam FC0-U71, 3rd Edition, 2025), the SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) connector is directly associated with fiber-optic networking. The guide lists:

“SFP (small form-factor pluggable) connectors are commonly used in fiber-optic connections to allow hot-swappable transceivers for different types of fiber cables.”

Additionally, the same guide’s chapter on Networking Concepts and Technologies explains:

“Fiber-optic around 2 Gbps – Incredibly fast and more expensive than DSL or cable.”

Therefore, fiber Internet is the only service type that uses SFP connectors for data transmission over optical cables.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 8: Networking Concepts and Technologies — “External network connections” and “Common Internet connection types and speeds” (pp. 429–435).

Chapter 2: Peripherals and Connectors — “SFP (small form-factor pluggable) connectors” (pp. 97–98).

Privacy involves protecting personal or sensitive information from being disclosed without consent. Sharing individuals’ birthdays and home addresses—even if they are public figures—violates the privacy principle.

“Privacy ensures that personal data is collected, used, and shared responsibly and legally. Exposing personal information in public forums can breach this principle.” — CompTIA ITF+ Official Objectives

Correct answer: C

Accounting refers to the logging and monitoring of user actions. In this case, tracking login events through log files is an example of accounting in the AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting) model.

“Accounting provides auditing and logging of user actions, such as login times and resource access.” — CompTIA ITF+ Security Essentials

Correct answer: A

Although basic scanner functionality may work with default drivers, full functionality (like programmable buttons) often requires the manufacturer's software suite. Installing the correct software from the vendor ensures that all features are supported.

“Peripheral devices may require manufacturer-specific drivers and utilities to enable full feature support. Downloading from the vendor’s website ensures compatibility.” — CompTIA ITF+

Wireless interference is often caused by environmental factors such as proximity to kitchens, which may contain microwaves and other electronic devices operating on the same 2.4 GHz frequency used by many Wi-Fi networks. The CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U71 Official Study Guide explains:

“Wireless signals are subject to interference from physical objects, walls, appliances, and other electronic devices operating on the same frequency.”

“Microwave ovens and cordless phones are common sources of interference for Wi-Fi networks.”

In this case, the user's proximity to the kitchen is causing interference, not access control or standards issues.

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide explains:

“A compiled programming language is one that requires the use of a compiler to translate it into machine code. Creating and using a program using a compiled language consists of three steps:

Write the source code.

Use a compiler to translate the source code into machine code.

Execute the program file, which usually has an .exe extension.”

Compiled languages package programs into executable files.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 6: Software Development Concepts — “Compiled Languages” (pp. 361–363).

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide provides a conversion table for storage units:

“1 bit = 1 bit, a single 0 or 1.

8 bits = 1 byte (one text character).

1,000 bytes = 1 kilobyte (KB).”

Thus, 8 bits equals 1 byte.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 1: Core Hardware Components — Table 1.2 “Bit and Byte Conversions” (p. 36).

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide explains:

“Remote support software allows technicians to connect to a user’s computer from another location, troubleshoot issues, install applications, and perform updates without physically being at the same site.”

Additionally, the review question section confirms:

“You are setting up a technical support help desk for a new app. What type of software should you get to help the technicians fix problems more effectively?

Answer: Remote support.”

Thus, the technician in another state uses remote support software to perform the installation.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 5: Software Applications — “Remote Support Software” (pp. 347–348).

A byte consists of exactly 8 bits. Bits (binary digits) are the smallest unit of data, and eight of them grouped together form one byte, which is used to represent characters and numbers in digital systems.

“A byte is made up of 8 bits and is the standard unit of data used to represent information such as characters in computing.” — CompTIA ITF+ Fundamentals

Correct answer: C

The correct order of storage units from smallest to largest is:

Kilobyte (KB)

Megabyte (MB)

Terabyte (TB)

Petabyte (PB)

“A kilobyte is approximately 1,000 bytes. It is smaller than a megabyte (1 million bytes), terabyte (1 trillion bytes), or petabyte (1 quadrillion bytes).” — CompTIA ITF+ Reference

Hence, C. Kilobyte is the smallest unit listed.

To visually represent steps in a process (such as a flowchart or workflow), diagramming software is the most appropriate tool. These applications are designed for creating flowcharts, organizational charts, and other process diagrams.

“Diagramming software is used to create visual representations of workflows, processes, and systems. Common uses include flowcharts and process maps.” — CompTIA ITF+ Study Guide

Correct answer: D

Markup languages, such as HTML and XML, use tags (e.g.,

, <title>, <body>) to define the structure and presentation of data. They are not programming languages in the traditional sense, as they don't include logic or execution flow.

“Markup languages use tags to annotate and structure text. Common examples include HTML and XML.” — CompTIA ITF+ Software Concepts

Correct answer: A

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide identifies RJ45 as the standard Ethernet connector:

“An RJ45 connector is used to connect network cables to devices such as switches, routers, and computers. It’s the most common connector for Ethernet networking.”

RJ45 connectors terminate Cat 5, 5e, and 6 cables for network communication.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 2: Peripherals and Connectors — “Network Connectors: RJ45” (pp. 90–92).

The CompTIA Tech+ Study Guide explains:

“Firewalls filter network traffic. Firewalls filter inbound and outbound network traffic based on rules defined by the administrator. That list of rules is called an access control list (ACL). By default, most firewalls are configured as default deny, which means that all traffic is blocked unless specifically authorized by the administrator.”

Therefore, a firewall is the network security device that primarily permits and restricts traffic based on predefined rules.

Verified Reference:

Chapter 5: Software Applications — “Software Firewalls” (pp. 316–317).

Chapter 8: Networking Concepts and Technologies — “Firewalls” (pp. 447–448).

USB-C is commonly used for both charging and data transfer between modern computers and smartphones. It supports high-speed data transmission and is a standard port on most new smartphones.

“USB-C cables support power delivery and high-speed data transfer, and are commonly used to connect smartphones to computers.” — CompTIA ITF+ Guide

VGA is for video output.

Thunderbolt is high-speed, but typically used with Apple or specialized hardware.

NFC is a wireless protocol, not a cable.

Correct answer: A

When the network is unavailable, portable storage like a flash drive (USB storage device) is suitable for transferring large files:

“Flash drives provide portable storage solutions capable of handling large data files.”

NAS (network-attached storage) requires a functioning network. RAM is volatile memory not used for file transfer, and cloud storage requires internet connectivity.

The question asks how the value 9 can be represented using only ones and zeros, which is the definition of binary. In binary, the decimal number 9 is represented as 1001.

“Binary is a base-2 numeral system that represents numeric values using only two symbols: 0 and 1. Computers use binary to process and store all data.” — CompTIA ITF+ Study Guide

Correct answer: C

An embedded operating system is used in dedicated devices such as smart appliances, printers, or industrial machines. It performs specific functions and interacts with other systems, like sending alerts.

“Embedded operating systems are designed to run on specialized hardware with a fixed function, such as in appliances or vehicles.” — CompTIA ITF+ Official Guide

Correct answer: B