CompTIA AI Fundamentals Independent Study
Thursday, October 15, 2026 to Friday, October 16, 2026
Self-paced program information
Self-Paced Program
Independent study is a good option if you prefer to work on your own. You will complete the course on your own schedule. This option works best for students who are able to work independently and stay on track with their goals.

Course and Exam Deadlines
Complete the course: Within three months of the date your course access begins.
Take the exam: Within one month after completing the course.
Retake the exam, if needed: Within two months of your first exam.
Your course materials and exam vouchers have expiration dates. These dates cannot be extended.

What Is Included
You will receive access codes for all of your course materials.

The virtual program is provided through CompTIA and includes:
Skills assessment
Lessons
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs): Practice questions that simulate real-world tasks
Labs
Practice assessments
Flashcards
Game Center
Additional resources
Instructor support
Exam Vouchers

The program includes one or two exam vouchers. You will take the exam through Pearson VUE, either at a testing center or online.

CompTIA AI Fundamentals is for beginners and people who want to learn about AI in a simple and practical way. Students will learn how to use AI safely, effectively, and responsibly. The course also teaches how to write better prompts, check AI answers for accuracy, and use AI tools for real-world tasks. Students who complete the course and pass the assessment will earn a CompTIA AI Fundamentals Certification.

Overview Skills You Will Learn

Learn how AI works and where it is used
Students will learn the basics of modern AI systems, including generative AI and chatbots. The course explains how AI is used in different jobs and industries and helps students understand when AI tools are helpful and when they may have limits.

Use AI safely and responsibly
The course teaches students how to use AI in an ethical and responsible way. Students will learn about AI risks, honesty in school and work, and why people should always review and take responsibility for AI-generated content.

Write and improve AI prompts
Students will practice creating prompts that help AI give useful answers. They will also learn how to improve prompts by adding details, asking follow-up questions, and checking the quality of responses.

Check and improve AI responses
The course teaches students how to review AI-generated information for accuracy, fairness, and quality. Students will learn how to improve AI responses for writing, research, communication, and decision-making tasks.

Use AI for school and workplace tasks
Students will use AI tools for activities such as writing, studying, communication, research, and problem-solving. The focus is on building practical skills students can use in everyday situations.

Understand AI automation and agents
Students will learn what AI agents are, how they can automate tasks, and how people stay in control of AI systems. The course also introduces basic ideas about AI safety, security, and performance.

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Course Details

  • Main topics: AI basics, prompt writing, responsible AI use, evaluating AI responses, AI for school and work tasks, automation, and AI agents
  • Learning tools: CertMaster Learn with videos, reading activities, interactive lessons, AI simulations, and labs with automatic feedback
  • Recommended experience: No technical experience needed; designed for beginners and students from all majors
  • Assessment: Includes a built-in Competency Assessment
  • Certificate earned: Students receive a CompTIA CompCert after passing the assessment

Course Level: Beginner

Course Options

This course is offered in two ways:

  • Scheduled in-person instructor-led: You attend scheduled classes in person with an instructor from Minnesota Tech for Success.
  • Virtual independent study: You complete the course online on your own schedule.
Online Learning

For the virtual independent study option, you use the CompTIA virtual learning platform with MTFS instructor support.

Course Schedule

This course is offered year-round.

For scheduled in-person classes, upcoming course dates will be listed on our website here.

Independent Study Start Date

The virtual independent study option does not have a set start date. It is available all year.

You can start your course when your enrollment is complete.

When this course is posted on CareerForce, we are required to enter a start date. The date shown on CareerForce is only for the job posting. It is not the date your course starts.

Course and Exam Deadlines
  • Complete the course: Within three months of receiving your course materials.
  • Take the exam: Within one month after completing the course.
  • Retake the exam, if needed: Within two months of your last exam.

Your course materials and exam vouchers have expiration dates. These dates cannot be extended.

Skills You Need

You must have basic digital literacy skills, including basic knowledge of Windows 11 and Internet Basics, before taking this course.

Optional: Check Your Computer Skills

This assessment is optional. You do not need to complete it.

If you would like to check your computer skills, you can take a free assessment here.

Please complete only these two sections:

  • Windows 11
  • Internet Basics

If you already have a Northstar Digital Literacy account, you can log in. If you do not have an account, enter your first and last name to get started.

Certification Renewal

CompTIA AI Fundamentals does not require certification renewal.

Career and Job Support

After you complete the course and pass the exam, we offer career exploration and job support through our MTFS Gather Program.

Online or Virtual Information
Virtual platform through CompTIA with MTFS Instructor Support.
How to Participate

Minnesota Tech for Success (MTFS), a CareerForce partner, offers independent study and on-demand CompTIA courses year-round. You can begin once your enrollment process is complete.

Please note: The start date listed on CareerForce is for the job posting only and does not determine when your course begins.

Education and Basic Skills
  • A high school diploma or GED is generally preferred by employers for related positions but is not required to enroll in these courses.
  • Participants should have basic math and reading skills at approximately an 8th-grade level, along with sufficient English proficiency to understand instructions and complete course activities.
How to Enroll

1. Complete the Application

Submit the Minnesota Tech for Success application.

2. Watch for an Email

We will email you with next steps. Please allow up to five business days for a response, and check your spam or junk folder if you don't see our email.

Is Independent Study Right for You?

You can complete our optional independent study assessment to see if this learning format is a good fit. The assessment is not required.

Office Visits

Office visits are by appointment only. Please contact us before visiting.

Learn More
Outcomes

Students will earn a certification in CompTIA AI Fundamentals

Empower yourself with the computer and Internet skills necessary for daily life, work, and education. This hands-on course prepares you to navigate and use computers effectively in both personal and professional settings, unleashing your full potential.

Program Costs

100% of your training costs will be covered through grants.

To qualify, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Be a person of color.
  • Have a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Who to Contact for More Information

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Minnesota Tech for Success

504 Malcolm Ave SE Suite 100
Minneapolis , MN 55414
Phone
612-383-2400

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