CompTIA AI Fundamentals Independent Study
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 to Saturday, September 26, 2026
Self-paced program information
Independent Study is a great option for learners who prefer to work on their own. It is best for students who are self-motivated, organized, and committed to completing their goals on time.
The course must be finished within three months of the activation date. After finishing the course, the exam must be taken within one month. If a retake is needed, it must be completed within two months of the first exam.
Please note that course materials and exam vouchers have expiration dates. These expiration dates cannot be extended.

​Students will receive access codes for all of the course materials.
This virtual program, provided through CompTIA, includes:​
Strengths and Weaknesses Assessment​
Lessons​
Performance-Based Questions (PBQs)​
Labs​
Practice Assessments​
Flashcards​
Game Center​
Additional Resources​
Instructor support ​

One to two exam vouchers are included where you will complete the exam through Pearson Vue onsite or virtual.

CompTIA AI Fundamentals is a hands-on course. It 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.

OverviewSkills 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

You should have basic knowledge of Windows 11 and Internet basics before taking this course. To check your skills, please complete the assessment here. Only complete the Windows 11 and Internet Basics sections. If you already have a NorthStar account, you can log in. If not, simply enter your first and last name to get started.

Course is offered year-round. Scheduled dates will be listed on our website here.

Course is offered as a MTFS scheduled in person instructor led and virtual independent study.

For our independent study CompTIA courses, there is no set start date. These courses are offered all year long. Students can begin as soon as their enrollment is complete.When we post these courses on CareerForce, we are required to enter a start date. This date is only for the posting and does not mean the class starts on that day.

Course must be completed within three months of receiving materials and the exam is to be completed a month after completing the course. If an exam retake is needed, it must be taken within two months of the previous exam. Both the course materials and exam vouchers have expiration dates with no extensions.

Certification renewal - no certification renewal for CompTIA AI Fundamentals

Must have basic digital literacy knowledge in Windows 11 and Internet Basics before taking this course

Course Level: Beginner

After you complete our 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 is a partner of the Careerforce. The course is offered through Minnesota Tech for Success. 

For more information about Minnesota Tech for Success, please visit our information session here

For our independent study and on-demand CompTIA courses, there is no set start date. These courses are offered all year long. Students can begin as soon as their enrollment is complete. When we post these courses on CareerForce, we are required to enter a start date. This date is only for the posting and does not mean the class starts on that day.

The first step is to complete our Minnesota Tech for Success application here.

In addition to the application, please complete our pre-essentials course assessment here.

Once the application is complete, we will contact you directly via e-mail to proceed with the enrollment steps. Please check your spam/junk mail Please allow up to five business days for a response. 

Office visits are by appointment only. 

Visit our website here.

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

Minnesota Tech for Success (MTFS) is a tuition-based training program, which means there is a cost to take our courses. MTFS is not a free training program. However, some students may be eligible for specific grants offered through MTFS or one of our employment service provider partners. If you are eligible for and receive grant funding, the grant may cover 100% of the cost of your MTFS training, so you would not have to pay for the training.

Different grants have different eligibility requirements. The factors listed below are examples of circumstances that may be considered when determining eligibility for certain grants. Meeting one or more of these criteria does not guarantee that you will qualify for a grant or receive funding. Eligibility depends on the specific requirements of the grant program and your individual circumstances.

Examples of factors that may be considered include being an individual of color, lacking a high school diploma, experiencing unstable housing, being unemployed for 15 or more weeks within the past 52 weeks, or having a criminal record. Other factors may include having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), living with a disability, or having limited skills proficiency.

You may also be eligible for certain grants if you receive unemployment benefits (UI), TANF/MFIP/DWP, SNAP, free or reduced-price school lunch, or SSI/SSDI benefits. Other circumstances that may be considered for certain grants include having a basic skills deficiency, being a qualified military spouse, or being affected by a non-work-related injury or illness.

If you are already working with an employment counselor, case manager, or other workforce development professional, you may already have access to training funds through their program. We recommend speaking with them first to find out whether you have available funding that can be used toward the cost of MTFS training.

For students currently enrolled in MN WIOA workforce development programs, Minnesota Tech for Success is licensed by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, is WIOA-approved, and can be found on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Your employment counselor can help you determine whether you are eligible for WIOA funding or other workforce development funds that may cover the cost of your MTFS training.

Who to Contact for More Information

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