CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 Sample Questions & Practice Test

CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) is an entry-level technology route for candidates who need broad IT literacy before choosing a support, networking, cybersecurity, cloud, or software path.

Use these original IT Mastery sample questions for an initial self-check. They are written for exam-style reasoning, not copied from CompTIA or any official exam.

What these questions test

• recognizing core hardware, software, network, database, and security terms
• choosing basic troubleshooting steps in the right order
• understanding how applications, data, cloud services, and devices fit together
• deciding which next CompTIA route matches a learner’s goal

Sample Exam Questions

Question 1

Topic: troubleshooting process

A user says an application stopped working immediately after a password change. What should a technician check first?

• A. Whether the office printer has enough toner
• B. Whether the user can authenticate with the new password and whether cached credentials need updating
• C. Whether the database server can be rebuilt
• D. Whether every network switch should be replaced

Best answer: B

Explanation: The most relevant first check is tied to the recent change. Authentication and cached credentials are plausible causes after a password update.

Question 2

Topic: network basics

Which device commonly forwards traffic between different IP networks?

• A. Monitor
• B. Keyboard
• C. Barcode label
• D. Router

Best answer: D

Explanation: Routers forward packets between networks. Switches primarily connect devices within a local network segment.

Question 3

Topic: cybersecurity

An email asks an employee to click a link and re-enter payroll credentials. What is the most likely risk?

• A. Phishing
• B. Disk fragmentation
• C. Spreadsheet sorting
• D. Screen resolution

Best answer: A

Explanation: Phishing attempts trick users into disclosing credentials or launching malicious activity through deceptive messages.

Question 4

Topic: cloud concepts

A company uses a provider-hosted email service instead of running its own email servers. Which model best describes this?

• A. Bare-metal assembly
• B. Manual tape rotation
• C. Software as a Service
• D. Local-only storage

Best answer: C

Explanation: SaaS delivers a complete application managed by the provider. Users consume the application rather than maintaining the underlying platform.

Question 5

Topic: databases

What is the main purpose of a primary key in a database table?

• A. To increase monitor brightness
• B. To uniquely identify records
• C. To encrypt every file automatically
• D. To print documents faster

Best answer: B

Explanation: A primary key uniquely identifies each row so records can be referenced reliably.

Question 6

Topic: software development

A developer changes code and then runs automated tests before release. What is the main benefit?

• A. It guarantees the product has no bugs ever
• B. It replaces all documentation
• C. It removes the need for backups
• D. It helps catch defects before users see them

Best answer: D

Explanation: Testing reduces risk by detecting problems earlier. It does not guarantee perfection or replace operational safeguards.

Question 7

Topic: operating systems

A laptop is low on disk space. Which action is safest to try first?

• A. Review and remove unneeded files or applications according to policy
• B. Delete system folders at random
• C. Disable all security tools
• D. Replace the corporate network

Best answer: A

Explanation: Basic storage troubleshooting starts with identifying safe cleanup options. Random deletion can damage the operating system.

Question 8

Topic: data privacy

An employee needs to share customer information with a vendor. What should be checked first?

• A. Whether the file name is short
• B. Whether the vendor likes the company logo
• C. Whether sharing is authorized, necessary, and protected according to policy
• D. Whether the data can be copied to a public forum

Best answer: C

Explanation: Sensitive data should only be shared when authorized, necessary, and protected by appropriate controls.

Question 9

Topic: hardware

Which component provides short-term working memory for active programs?

• A. Power cable
• B. RAM
• C. Printer tray
• D. Webcam lens

Best answer: B

Explanation: RAM holds data and instructions actively used by the operating system and applications.

Question 10

Topic: access control

Why should users have only the permissions they need for their job?

• A. It makes passwords optional
• B. It removes the need for updates
• C. It guarantees unlimited storage
• D. It limits damage from mistakes or compromised accounts

Best answer: D

Explanation: Least privilege reduces risk by limiting what an account can access or change.

Question 11

Topic: backup

A user accidentally deletes a critical file. What makes recovery more likely?

• A. A recent tested backup
• B. A larger monitor
• C. A different mouse pad
• D. Turning off logging

Best answer: A

Explanation: Backups must exist and be tested. Untested backups may fail when they are needed most.

Question 12

Topic: career path

A learner enjoys repairing laptops and helping users solve workstation issues. Which next CompTIA route is the closest fit?

• A. SecurityX
• B. CloudNetX
• C. A+
• D. Advanced penetration testing

Best answer: C

Explanation: A+ is the natural next route for entry-level support, hardware, operating-system, and troubleshooting work.