Embarking on the path to earning the CompTIA ITF+ certification was both an exciting and challenging experience. For someone like me, who was relatively new to the world of IT, choosing the right resources and understanding how to approach the exam became my first real hurdle. I wanted to ensure that I was starting on the right foot, and the first decision I made was crucial—selecting the appropriate course to guide me through the vast array of topics covered in the exam.
At first, I chose to enroll in the “TOTAL: CompTIA IT Fundamentals ITF+ (FCO-U61)” course on Udemy. It seemed like an ideal choice, offering a comprehensive introduction to the exam content. However, as I started progressing through the material, I began to feel a sense of disappointment. The course, although packed with information, didn’t give me the depth I needed to fully grasp the underlying concepts of IT. It seemed as though the content was rushed, designed more for a quick overview rather than a deep dive into the essentials that would help someone truly understand IT fundamentals. The result was that I didn’t feel confident in my grasp of the material, and that’s when I realized that the course wasn’t going to be enough for me to succeed.
Rather than continuing with a resource that wasn’t working for me, I decided to pivot. This decision marked a turning point in my journey. I understood that the quality of the course mattered more than the quantity of material I was consuming. That’s when I found a course by John Tabor. This course was different. It felt more aligned with what the exam required. John Tabor’s approach was engaging, and he provided clearer explanations and real-world examples that helped me connect theory with practice. The experience felt less like memorizing facts and more like developing a real understanding of how IT systems and concepts worked.
The Power of Practice: Learning Through Tests
Switching to a better course was just one part of the equation; the real breakthrough came when I started incorporating practice tests into my study routine. The importance of practice tests cannot be overstated. Initially, I was hesitant to jump into practice tests. After all, I had only just started learning the material, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to take a simulated exam. However, once I committed to the idea of taking practice tests, I found them to be invaluable.
What practice tests provided me was not just an opportunity to check my knowledge but also a way to test my approach to the exam itself. The questions on practice tests are structured to test not only what you know but also how well you can apply your knowledge under timed conditions. I quickly realized that simply knowing the facts wasn’t enough; I needed to think critically and strategically about each question. This shift in mindset was vital. Instead of viewing practice tests as mere assessments of my knowledge, I began to see them as a way to train my mind to approach each scenario logically and methodically. It wasn’t just about memorizing the answers but understanding why one answer was more correct than the others.
Each time I completed a practice test, I learned something new. Sometimes it was a minor concept I had overlooked; other times, it was a more significant gap in my understanding. This process of self-assessment helped me pinpoint areas where I was weak and needed further review. For example, programming and databases were topics that I struggled with early on. These areas were not my strengths, and I quickly realized that without dedicating additional time to them, I wouldn’t be able to succeed in the exam.
Engaging with Content: Overcoming Weaknesses
One of the key insights I gained from my experience was the importance of actively engaging with the content. It wasn’t enough to just passively consume information. I had to internalize the material, understand it deeply, and identify any gaps in my knowledge. This realization drove me to dedicate three full days to intense practice tests, a commitment that paid off in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
The process of focusing on my weaknesses, rather than glossing over them, was transformative. It wasn’t always easy to confront the areas where I lacked confidence. In fact, it often felt like a daunting task to dive deeper into the more complex concepts, such as programming languages or database management. However, it was precisely this engagement with challenging material that allowed me to solidify my understanding and fill in the gaps that I had previously ignored.
The more time I spent working on practice tests, the clearer it became that the process of repeated exposure and active engagement with the content was essential for mastering the material. This wasn’t just about memorizing terms or formulas; it was about understanding the logic behind the systems I was studying. By focusing on these weak points, I not only improved my skills but also gained the confidence needed to tackle more difficult topics as I progressed in my studies.
When you’re studying for an exam like the CompTIA ITF+, it can be tempting to skim over the topics you find difficult or boring. I’m guilty of doing this myself in the beginning. But what I soon realized is that these weak areas are often the ones that make or break your understanding. Taking the time to go back, review, and really learn these concepts was the only way I could feel fully prepared for the exam.
Reflection: Preparing for Success
Looking back at my journey, it’s clear that my experience with the CompTIA ITF+ was shaped by the decisions I made early on in my studies. Choosing the right course, focusing on practice tests, and confronting my weaknesses head-on were all critical factors in helping me succeed. But beyond these tangible steps, there was also a deeper lesson about the importance of self-discipline, patience, and resilience in the learning process.
The exam preparation wasn’t a linear process. There were moments of frustration, where it felt like I wasn’t making progress. But by sticking to my plan—committing to the course, diving into practice tests, and revisiting difficult topics—I was able to overcome these obstacles and build the confidence necessary to succeed.
One of the most significant takeaways from this experience was learning to trust the process. It’s easy to get discouraged when things aren’t coming together immediately, but perseverance is key. You can’t rush the process of learning. You have to let the material sink in and allow yourself the time and space to really understand it.
As I prepared for the ITF+ exam, I discovered that success in IT is not just about technical skills—it’s about developing a mindset of continuous learning. IT is a constantly evolving field, and there will always be new concepts to grasp, new tools to learn, and new challenges to face. The journey doesn’t end with one certification. It’s just the beginning, and each step along the way builds on the last.
Preparing for the Exam: Securing the Right Tools
The next stage in my CompTIA ITF+ journey was one that required a shift in mindset from learning to performance. After completing my coursework and practice tests, I was ready to take the plunge into the final step—sitting for the exam. I knew that preparation for the actual exam process was just as important as the content review. I began by purchasing the exam directly from the CompTIA Store, which turned out to be a straightforward task. After completing the purchase, the exam was scheduled, and I immediately began thinking about the logistics of taking an online proctored exam.
While purchasing the exam itself was easy, I quickly realized that the real preparation lay in the system and environment setup. Taking an online exam requires a high level of discipline and attention to detail. Unlike a traditional in-person exam where you simply show up at the testing center, an online exam comes with a whole new set of rules and requirements designed to ensure fairness and security. CompTIA’s online proctoring system requires you to conduct a system test to ensure that your computer and internet connection are up to the task. This pre-exam check is important because the last thing you want is for your system to fail in the middle of the exam.
Once the system test was completed successfully, I started focusing on my environment. Unlike typical exam settings, I was required to clear my desk and make sure there were no distractions or unauthorized materials in my testing area. This meant removing any papers, electronic devices, or other items that could potentially lead to cheating. The process even required me to take pictures of my testing area from different angles, which, to be honest, felt a bit invasive, but I understood its importance in maintaining exam integrity.
The Exam Day: Managing Stress and Staying Focused
The day of the exam arrived, and with it came a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I was mentally prepared for the challenge but still had the typical pre-exam jitters. When I logged in for the online exam, I was greeted by a proctor who was responsible for monitoring the exam. The first thing I had to do was verify my identity by submitting a photo of my driver’s license and taking pictures of my testing area to ensure it met the requirements. While this step felt a little tedious and somewhat stressful, I understood why it was necessary. Ensuring the integrity of the exam is essential, especially in an online setting where there are fewer physical controls.
Once my identity and environment were confirmed, the proctor provided a set of instructions. These instructions emphasized the importance of staying in the camera frame at all times, with the warning that any movement outside the camera’s view could lead to disqualification. This was perhaps the most challenging part of the process, as the constant awareness of the camera’s presence added an element of stress to the experience. It was crucial to remain as still as possible throughout the exam, which is no small feat when you’re under pressure.
Despite the tension, I managed to settle into a rhythm as I began the exam. The rules and procedures were in place to ensure fairness, but they also made the whole process feel a bit more impersonal. It was no longer just me and the material; it was me, the material, and the proctor monitoring every move. This added layer of scrutiny required an immense amount of concentration, which is why the proctor’s reminders to keep my head within the camera frame and not to look away were not just trivial suggestions—they were essential for ensuring I stayed on track.
The whole experience was a test of not just my knowledge but also my ability to manage stress and stay focused under pressure. I quickly realized that staying calm and following the rules was just as important as answering the questions correctly. The pressure was constant, but with each question, I reminded myself that I had prepared well, and the key was to trust in my ability to think through each question with clarity.
Test-Taking Strategy: Navigating the Exam with Confidence
As I began the exam itself, I quickly adopted a simple yet effective strategy that helped me stay focused and composed. One of the most important lessons I had learned from my practice tests was the importance of thinking through each question carefully. It was easy to get caught up in the pressure of time or the desire to finish quickly, but I knew that rushing through the questions would only hurt my performance. Instead, I took my time with each question, trying to analyze each one from multiple angles and considering the best possible answer.
Time management became a crucial factor in the exam process. Even though the exam was timed, I didn’t want to fall into the trap of spending too much time on any single question. I knew that some questions would be harder than others, and that was okay. The key was not to get stuck on a single question but to keep moving forward. If I came across a particularly challenging question, I would mark it for review and come back to it later if time allowed. This way, I could ensure that I was answering the easier questions first, securing those points before tackling the more difficult ones.
While I had learned the importance of not rushing through the questions, I also recognized that I had to stay aware of the clock. Time management was a balancing act. Spending too long on a single question could leave me rushing through the others, which would increase the risk of mistakes. So, I kept a steady pace, focusing on each question without allowing myself to dwell too long on any one. It was a delicate balance between thinking critically and keeping my momentum going.
The other strategy that helped me was to trust my instincts. Having prepared well through the coursework and practice tests, I had developed a solid understanding of the material. There were moments when I doubted myself or second-guessed my answers, but I reminded myself to trust the knowledge I had acquired. Often, my first instinct was the right one, and second-guessing myself led to unnecessary confusion. So, I learned to stick with my initial answers unless I had a compelling reason to change them.
The Final Moment: Reflecting on the Outcome
Once I completed the exam, I was prompted to fill out a brief survey before receiving my results. This brief pause gave me a moment to reflect on the experience and process. While I felt confident in my performance, I was still anxious about the outcome. I had given my best effort, but the uncertainty of waiting for the results lingered.
Finally, the moment arrived when I saw my score—663, just above the required passing score of 650. I was thrilled to have passed, but there was a small part of me that wished I had spent even more time on practice tests to score higher. I was pleased with the result, but I knew that there was always room for improvement. The experience reinforced the idea that exam preparation is not just about passing the test but about continuously striving to improve. Even after achieving success, there’s always an opportunity to reflect on how you can do better next time.
In hindsight, the exam process was a mixture of challenge and triumph. It wasn’t just about answering questions; it was about maintaining focus, managing stress, and executing a well-thought-out strategy under pressure. The lessons I learned throughout the process will stay with me, not just in future exams but in all aspects of my life. Learning to approach challenges with a calm, disciplined mindset is a skill that transcends the world of certification and extends into everything I do.
Ultimately, the experience taught me that the exam is just one part of the journey. The real value lies in the preparation, the strategies, and the lessons learned along the way. Achieving the CompTIA ITF+ certification wasn’t just about getting a passing score—it was about the process of growth, learning, and pushing myself to new limits. The journey was difficult, but in the end, it was incredibly rewarding, and I couldn’t be prouder of the effort I put into it.
Building a Study Routine: The Importance of Consistency
Success in any endeavor, especially when preparing for a challenging exam like the CompTIA ITF+, is built on consistency. My study routine became the backbone of my preparation, ensuring that I stayed on track and didn’t veer off course. I made the decision early on to dedicate 5–7 hours a day to studying. While this may seem like a significant amount of time, I found it to be necessary to cover all the material and give myself the best chance to succeed. However, I quickly learned that simply studying for long hours wasn’t enough. The quality of those hours was just as important as the quantity.
Each day of studying was carefully structured and devoted to specific topics, which helped me keep my focus sharp. I didn’t try to cover everything at once. Instead, I broke the material into manageable chunks. One day, I would focus on networking fundamentals; the next day, I would dive into hardware concepts. By segmenting my study topics in this way, I allowed myself to thoroughly understand each concept before moving on to the next one. The goal was to absorb information at a steady pace rather than rushing through the material.
Despite the intensity of the schedule, I made sure to incorporate one day off each week. This was a crucial part of my strategy. Taking a break allowed me to rest and recharge, which ultimately made my study sessions more productive. Without this weekly break, I risked burning out and losing the enthusiasm needed to tackle the next week’s material. These rest days became just as important as my study days because they gave me the mental space to consolidate what I had learned and return to my studies with a clearer mind.
Learning in Two Phases: The Power of Course Learning and Practice Tests
I divided my study process into two distinct yet complementary phases: course learning and practice testing. Both phases served different purposes, but together, they provided a comprehensive approach to the material that helped me fully grasp the exam objectives.
The first phase of my preparation was focused on course learning. I watched videos and reviewed materials that covered the CompTIA ITF+ exam objectives in detail. This phase was essential because it allowed me to get a high-level overview of the topics, laying the foundation for more in-depth learning. I used video courses, textbooks, and online resources to reinforce my understanding of core concepts such as hardware components, software, networks, and security principles. While watching the videos, I made sure to take detailed notes and review them regularly to reinforce the information.
Once I had a good grasp of the foundational material, I moved on to the second phase: practice testing. This phase was just as important, if not more so, than the initial learning phase. The practice tests allowed me to assess my knowledge in a way that traditional studying couldn’t. They helped me gauge how well I understood the material and gave me valuable insight into areas that needed further attention. By taking practice tests regularly, I was able to fine-tune my approach and ensure that I wasn’t simply memorizing facts but truly understanding how to apply the concepts.
During this phase, I didn’t just take practice tests in a passive way. Instead, I used them as active learning tools. After each test, I would carefully review the answers, paying close attention to any mistakes I made. This process allowed me to identify specific areas where my understanding was weak. For example, I found that I struggled with programming concepts and database management, so I made these topics my primary focus during the practice tests. By focusing on my weak points, I could gradually improve my understanding of these concepts, making them less of a challenge as the exam approached.
Taking a Proactive Approach: Researching and Understanding Key Terms
An essential aspect of my study strategy was my commitment to understanding every term and concept in detail. The ITF+ exam covers a wide range of topics, and many of the terms and technical concepts were unfamiliar to me. While I could have simply memorized the definitions for these terms, I knew that this would not be enough to truly succeed. Instead, I adopted a proactive approach to my learning, making sure I fully understood the terms I encountered.
If I came across a term or concept I didn’t fully grasp, I immediately took the time to research it. I would look up explanations online, read articles, watch videos, and sometimes consult textbooks to ensure I had a complete understanding. This research wasn’t just about memorizing definitions—it was about ensuring that I could explain these terms in my own words and understand how they fit into the bigger picture of IT. By taking the time to understand each term deeply, I was able to connect concepts and build a more robust understanding of the material.
This approach also helped me avoid the trap of rote memorization, which can be tempting when preparing for exams. Memorizing answers can help you pass a test, but it won’t necessarily make you competent in the subject matter. I wanted to be sure that I wasn’t just learning facts for the sake of the exam but was genuinely preparing myself for a career in IT. This level of understanding would allow me to apply the knowledge I had gained in real-world scenarios, which is ultimately the goal of any certification exam.
One of the most significant benefits of this research-based approach was that it made the material more engaging. Instead of passively absorbing information, I became an active learner, seeking out resources and exploring the subject matter on a deeper level. This made my studies more enjoyable and helped me stay motivated throughout the preparation process.
Building Exam Stamina: Practicing for the Real Thing
As my exam date drew closer, I realized that it wasn’t enough to simply know the material. I also needed to build the stamina required to take the exam under timed conditions. The real exam would be a marathon, and I wanted to ensure that I could maintain focus and composure throughout the entire process. That’s when I turned my attention to test-taking strategies and incorporating full-length exams into my study routine.
The practice tests were no longer just an opportunity to assess my knowledge; they became an essential tool for simulating the real exam experience. I began to take full-length practice exams under timed conditions, mimicking the pressure and time constraints of the actual test. This allowed me to get a sense of what it would feel like to sit for the exam and helped me manage my time more effectively.
By mixing up topic-specific tests with full-length exams, I was able to reinforce my learning and build exam stamina. I quickly realized that stamina was not just about enduring the exam physically but also about maintaining mental clarity and focus. The more full-length exams I took, the more comfortable I became with managing my time, pacing myself, and avoiding distractions. I also learned how to prioritize questions, ensuring that I didn’t spend too much time on any single one. This strategy helped me stay calm and composed during the actual exam.
Additionally, taking full-length exams allowed me to review my progress and see where I still needed improvement. After each practice exam, I would carefully review the results and identify any weak points I still needed to address. This cycle of continuous review and practice helped me stay on track and ensured that I wasn’t leaving any gaps in my knowledge.
By the time I sat for the real exam, I felt fully prepared, not just in terms of knowledge, but in terms of mental and emotional readiness. The practice tests had helped me develop the stamina necessary to stay focused and manage my time effectively, and the result was a confident, composed performance on the exam day.
The Importance of a Well-Rounded Study Approach
As I reflect on my experience preparing for the CompTIA ITF+ exam, one of the most crucial lessons I learned is the importance of using a variety of learning resources. It’s tempting to rely solely on one course or one type of study material, but I quickly realized that this approach would not suffice. In fact, if I could give one piece of advice to future candidates, it would be to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. Even the best courses, while helpful, cannot cover every angle of the exam content in depth. To truly excel, it’s essential to supplement your main study resource with other materials like practice tests, hands-on labs, and supplementary readings.
The idea behind this well-rounded approach is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts. Each resource offers something different. For instance, while video courses can give you a broad overview of the topics, practice tests allow you to test your understanding and identify gaps in your knowledge. Hands-on experience is equally important; it’s one thing to read about networking concepts, but it’s another to apply them in a real-world setting or virtual lab. This mix of resources helps reinforce what you’ve learned and ensures that you’re not just memorizing facts, but truly understanding the material.
Taking the time to explore additional resources outside of your main course can also expose you to different teaching styles and perspectives, making complex topics more accessible. For example, certain instructors might explain a concept in a way that resonates more with your learning style than others. By diversifying your study materials, you’re increasing your chances of truly mastering the content, not just memorizing it for the exam.
In addition to broadening your study approach, using multiple resources also keeps things fresh and prevents the monotony that can come with studying the same materials for extended periods. The variety in content, whether it’s video lectures, practice tests, or hands-on labs, makes the learning process more engaging and dynamic. This engagement is crucial to maintaining motivation over the long haul, ensuring that you don’t burn out before you reach your goal.
Active Learning: Engaging with the Material
A second significant lesson I learned was the power of active learning. It’s easy to fall into the trap of passively consuming content, especially when you’re watching videos or reading textbooks. But passive learning, while it might seem efficient, doesn’t truly prepare you for the exam or for real-world application. What I found was that simply watching a video or reading a textbook wasn’t enough for me to retain the information deeply. I needed to engage with the material, test myself, and apply what I was learning in meaningful ways.
Active learning is about making the material your own. Instead of just listening to a video and moving on, I would pause and ask myself questions about what I had just learned. I’d try to explain concepts out loud, as if I were teaching someone else. This forced me to think critically and break down the material into its most essential elements. I also found that taking handwritten notes, even if I already had access to a digital version, helped reinforce what I was learning. Writing things down in my own words allowed me to internalize the concepts more effectively.
The use of practice tests was an essential part of this active learning process. At first, I was hesitant to dive into practice tests, but once I made them a central part of my study routine, I began to see significant improvement. Instead of viewing practice tests as a way to check how much I knew, I started using them as a learning tool. After every practice test, I would go through every question, especially the ones I got wrong, and spend time understanding why I missed it. This deeper dive into the mistakes I made helped me turn weaknesses into strengths.
This process of active engagement also meant that I wasn’t just memorizing answers. I was learning how to apply knowledge in different scenarios. The ITF+ exam isn’t just about regurgitating facts; it’s about understanding how those facts fit together and how to use them in practical situations. Active learning, through repetition, critical thinking, and self-testing, ensured that I truly understood the material and wasn’t just guessing my way through the questions.
Staying Calm During the Exam: Managing Stress and Maintaining Focus
The exam itself was a moment of truth, and it was one that I knew would test not only my knowledge but also my ability to stay calm and focused under pressure. The online proctored exam process added an extra layer of stress, but through preparation, I was able to handle it. Staying calm and focused is essential when you’re sitting for an exam that will ultimately determine whether you pass or fail. While I had prepared as best as I could, I quickly realized that managing my emotions and maintaining my focus would be just as important as the knowledge I had acquired.
One of the most critical aspects of managing exam stress is maintaining a clear head throughout the process. I had spent months preparing for the ITF+ exam, and while it was easy to get caught up in the weight of the moment, I knew that panicking would only hurt my performance. In the weeks leading up to the exam, I worked on practicing mindfulness techniques to help me stay centered and calm. Deep breathing and focusing on the task at hand became important strategies for keeping my nerves in check.
Another key aspect of staying focused was developing a strategic approach to the exam itself. I knew that the exam would be timed, and I didn’t want to waste precious minutes on any one question. I had already practiced time management during my study sessions, so I was able to apply those strategies during the exam. I made sure to pace myself, spending just enough time on each question to ensure I answered it thoughtfully, without rushing through it. If I encountered a particularly challenging question, I marked it for review and moved on, knowing I could return to it if I had time left at the end.
The online proctored environment posed additional challenges, such as the requirement to stay within the camera frame at all times. While this felt a little intrusive, I knew that these rules were in place to maintain the integrity of the exam. So, instead of allowing the monitoring to add to my anxiety, I embraced it as part of the process. Staying aware of my surroundings and following the rules became second nature, and I found that the more I focused on the task at hand, the less I worried about the logistics of the exam.
Ultimately, staying calm, focused, and prepared was the key to success. It’s easy to let nerves take over when faced with an exam that could significantly impact your future, but I learned that the best way to manage that stress is to trust the preparation I had done and approach the exam with confidence. The test is just one step in the journey, and with the right mindset, you can overcome any challenge it presents.
Resilience: The True Value of the ITF+ Journey
As I look back on the entire process, one of the most valuable lessons I learned is the importance of resilience. The ITF+ exam is not just a test of knowledge—it’s a test of perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. The road to certification is often filled with obstacles, whether it’s struggling with difficult concepts, dealing with personal distractions, or managing the stress of an online proctored exam. But through it all, the key is resilience.
The journey to earning the CompTIA ITF+ certification taught me that success is not just about getting everything right on the first try—it’s about how you respond to challenges along the way. There were moments when I doubted myself or felt overwhelmed by the volume of material I needed to cover. However, each time I hit a roadblock, I had to remind myself that perseverance would get me through it. The process wasn’t linear, and there were times when I had to backtrack and review concepts I hadn’t fully understood. But instead of seeing these setbacks as failures, I viewed them as opportunities to learn and grow.
This process of adaptation is essential in IT and in life. Technology is constantly evolving, and new challenges arise regularly. The ability to adapt to new circumstances, think critically, and persist in the face of adversity are qualities that will serve me well, not just for the ITF+ exam but in my entire career. The ITF+ exam might have been the first step on my IT journey, but the lessons I learned along the way—about time management, resilience, and continuous learning—will stay with me throughout my professional life.
Conclusion
As I reflect on my CompTIA ITF+ journey, I realize that the experience was more than just about passing an exam; it was a personal evolution. The lessons learned throughout the process—whether it was the importance of a well-rounded study approach, the power of active learning, managing stress during the exam, or developing resilience—have shaped my perspective on both my IT career and personal growth.
The journey to obtaining the ITF+ certification was filled with challenges, moments of doubt, and intense focus. However, it was precisely through overcoming these hurdles that I developed the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the ever-changing field of IT. Success isn’t simply about checking off boxes or memorizing information; it’s about understanding, adapting, and pushing forward despite the obstacles.
I would encourage anyone preparing for the ITF+ exam—or any certification exam, for that matter—to embrace the journey rather than just the destination. The process of preparation itself offers valuable insights into how you learn, how you handle stress, and how you approach challenges. These skills will serve you well long after the exam is over. The true success lies not just in earning the certification but in becoming someone who can persevere, adapt, and continue growing in the face of an ever-evolving industry.
As I look toward the future, I know that the lessons learned from my ITF+ experience will continue to influence my career. Whether it’s diving deeper into specialized areas of IT or taking on new challenges, the foundation I built during this journey will serve as a springboard for further growth. And as technology continues to advance, I am excited to continue learning, adapting, and pushing myself to new heights. The ITF+ exam may have been just the beginning, but the possibilities ahead are endless.