Quick Answer
The answer is "Establish a theory of probable cause," as it is one of the core steps in the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology. This step comes after identifying the problem and involves using logical reasoning to determine the most likely source of the issue, such as checking for recent software changes or hardware failures. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, common troubleshooting steps are tested to ensure you understand the structured process, not just random fixes. A frequent trap is confusing "establish a theory" with "implement a solution" — the theory comes before testing, not after. Remember the mnemonic "I-T-E-S-T": Identify the problem, Theory of probable cause, Establish a plan, Test the theory, and then implement or escalate. This sequence helps you avoid skipping critical diagnostic logic and is a reliable memory anchor for the exam.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of it concepts and terminology. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which THREE of the following are common troubleshooting steps? (Select THREE).
Install new software
Why wrong: Installing software is not a standard troubleshooting step.
Identify the problem
First step: identify symptoms and scope.
Test the theory to determine cause
Third step: verify hypothesis through testing.
Escalate to vendor immediately
Why wrong: Escalation is a later step after initial troubleshooting fails.
Establish a theory of probable cause
Second step: hypothesize likely cause.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Identify the problem
Option B is correct because identifying the problem is the first step in the CompTIA A+ troubleshooting methodology. Without clearly defining symptoms and scope, subsequent steps lack direction. This step involves gathering information from users, duplicating the issue, and identifying any recent changes to the system.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Install new software
Why it's wrong here
Installing software is not a standard troubleshooting step.
Identify the problem
Why this is correct
First step: identify symptoms and scope.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Test the theory to determine cause
Why this is correct
Third step: verify hypothesis through testing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Escalate to vendor immediately
Why it's wrong here
Escalation is a later step after initial troubleshooting fails.
Establish a theory of probable cause
Why this is correct
Second step: hypothesize likely cause.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the order of the troubleshooting steps, and the trap here is that candidates confuse 'test the theory to determine cause' (step 3) with 'establish a theory of probable cause' (step 2), or they mistakenly include actions like installing software as a step rather than a solution.
Detailed technical explanation
The CompTIA troubleshooting methodology is a six-step process: identify the problem, establish a theory of probable cause, test the theory, establish a plan of action, implement the solution, verify full system functionality, and document findings. This structured approach ensures systematic isolation of root causes, reducing downtime and preventing recurrence. For example, a network connectivity issue would first require pinging the gateway to confirm the problem scope before hypothesizing a faulty cable or DHCP failure.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
IT Concepts and Terminology — This question tests IT Concepts and Terminology — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Identify the problem — Option B is correct because identifying the problem is the first step in the CompTIA A+ troubleshooting methodology. Without clearly defining symptoms and scope, subsequent steps lack direction. This step involves gathering information from users, duplicating the issue, and identifying any recent changes to the system.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This FC0-U61 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U61 exam.
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