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Cisco Certified Support Technician CCST IT Support Quick Facts
The Cisco Certified Support Technician CCST IT Support certification empowers aspiring IT professionals to build confidence in delivering front-line technical assistance. This overview highlights the essentials, helping you clearly understand the exam’s structure, focus areas, and skills that bring everyday IT support to life.
How the CCST IT Support certification helps you launch and grow your tech career
The CCST IT Support certification validates your ability to provide exceptional technical support across devices, networks, and software environments. It demonstrates your capability to communicate effectively with users, apply troubleshooting logic, and maintain systems securely and efficiently. Whether you are in a help desk, desktop support, or entry-level technician role, this certification confirms that you have the foundational knowledge and practical skills to keep business and personal technology running smoothly. Your learning journey includes everything from hardware and connectivity to software troubleshooting and cybersecurity awareness—all supported by Cisco’s globally trusted expertise.
Who Should Pursue the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support Certification?
The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support certification is perfect for individuals beginning their career in information technology or those seeking to validate their entry-level IT support knowledge. It’s tailored for:
- Students exploring an IT career path
- Early-career professionals looking to expand technical foundations
- Career changers transitioning into the technology field
- IT help desk or technical support aspirants
- Professionals needing a strong foundation before pursuing advanced Cisco certifications
This entry-level certification signals to employers that you understand essential IT support principles, including troubleshooting, hardware setup, end-user assistance, and cybersecurity awareness.
What Can You Do With a Cisco CCST IT Support Certification?
Earning the CCST IT Support certification can help you qualify for a wide range of foundational IT roles. You will develop job-ready skills that employers seek for day-to-day tech support and administrative positions. Common job titles include:
- IT Support Specialist
- Technical Support Representative
- Help Desk Technician
- Computer Support Technician
- Desktop Support Analyst
This certification also serves as a steppingstone to roles in systems administration, network engineering, cybersecurity, and future Cisco certifications such as CCNA and CyberOps Associate.
What Is the Exam Code and What Does It Mean?
The current exam code for this certification is 100-140. This code uniquely identifies the CCST IT Support exam in the Cisco Certification framework. When you register or schedule the test with Pearson VUE, you’ll need to reference this exam code.
The 100-140 exam focuses on technical competence and customer service fundamentals that define great IT support professionals.
How Much Does the Cisco 100-140 CCST IT Support Exam Cost?
The exam costs $125 USD. This fee grants access to Cisco’s official testing platform via Pearson VUE. Prices can vary slightly depending on your region and applicable taxes or exchange rates.
Considering the global recognition of Cisco credentials, this cost represents an excellent investment into your technology career journey.
How Long Is the CCST IT Support Exam?
You are given 50 minutes to complete the exam. The exam’s concise duration ensures an efficient testing experience while allowing you enough time to demonstrate your knowledge across a diverse set of topics including troubleshooting, documentation, and security awareness.
Proper time management is crucial, especially when responding to multi-select or scenario-based questions that test real-world understanding.
How Many Questions Are on the Exam?
The Cisco CCST IT Support exam includes 50 questions. You can expect a variety of formats including multiple-choice, multiple-select, and case study questions. These question styles evaluate both your technical and problem-solving skills, helping Cisco assess your readiness for entry-level support tasks.
Practice exams and timed simulations can help you get comfortable with this structure before test day.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the CCST IT Support Exam?
You’ll need a 70% score to pass the exam. That means you must answer at least 35 out of 50 questions correctly. Cisco uses a straightforward scoring system to ensure fairness and transparency.
Achieving this passing score confirms that you possess the foundational understanding required to support IT operations confidently and professionally.
In What Languages Can You Take the Exam?
The CCST IT Support exam is globally accessible and offered in multiple languages to ensure inclusivity. Available options include English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Portuguese.
Selecting your preferred language ensures you can focus on showcasing your IT knowledge rather than struggling with untranslated terminology.
What Topics Are Covered in the CCST IT Support 100-140 Exam?
The exam covers six primary domains that together form the backbone of IT support responsibilities. Each domain focuses on practical and conceptual knowledge that a technician needs on the job:
- IT Support Job Tasks and Responsibilities
- Hardware Issues
- Connectivity and Resource Access
- Operating System and Application Issues
- Common Threats and Preventions
- Job Tools
These domains collectively ensure that certified individuals are well-rounded in both technical and professional IT support competencies.
Is the CCST IT Support Certification Hard to Earn?
The certification is designed for newcomers, making it approachable and rewarding. With the right preparation, practice, and real-world context, many candidates find success on their first attempt.
You’ll be tested on both technical tasks and the soft skills essential for assisting end users effectively.
To build confidence and accuracy, try high-quality Cisco Certified Support Technician CCST IT Support practice exams that replicate real exam conditions and provide detailed answer explanations.
How Long Does the CCST IT Support Certification Remain Valid?
The Cisco CCST IT Support certification remains valid for three years from the date you earn it. Once that period ends, you can recertify by taking the current version of the exam or by earning a higher-level Cisco certification such as CCNA.
Recertification helps you stay current with evolving best practices in IT support and technology trends.
Are There Any Prerequisites for the CCST IT Support Credential?
There are no formal prerequisites to sit for the 100-140 exam. However, Cisco recommends some general exposure to computers, operating systems, and basic networking concepts.
This makes the certification particularly appealing to students, recent graduates, and professionals from non-technical backgrounds exploring a transition into IT.
What Knowledge Should Candidates Focus On When Preparing?
Candidates should balance both technical and interpersonal skills. Key areas to strengthen include:
- Understanding components such as CPUs, RAM, and storage devices
- Familiarity with commands like
ipconfig,ping, andtracertfor connectivity checks - Recognizing social engineering threats and good cybersecurity hygiene
- Troubleshooting OS issues across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Using remote access and collaboration tools effectively
Building confidence in these areas ensures that you not only pass the exam but also excel in your role as an IT support specialist.
How Difficult Is the Cisco CCST IT Support Exam Compared to Other Entry-Level IT Exams?
The 100-140 CCST IT Support exam is balanced and practical—it focuses on what you truly need to know to provide technical assistance in real work environments. Compared to other entry-level certifications, Cisco’s assessment places heavier emphasis on live support actions and end-user cooperation.
This hands-on approach makes it highly applicable and beneficial for real-world IT help desk responsibilities.
How Should You Prepare for the Cisco CCST IT Support Certification?
Preparing effectively involves combining conceptual learning, practical exercises, and consistent review. Consider these steps:
- Study the Cisco Exam Blueprint – Familiarize yourself with every topic domain.
- Get Hands-On Practice – Use real computers, networks, and software troubleshooting tasks.
- Join Cisco Learning Communities – Leverage peer experiences and advice.
- Use Practice Exams – Reinforce your readiness through mock tests and review your performance.
- Review Key Concepts Regularly – Reinforce memory and maintain consistent progress.
Preparation is both enjoyable and empowering as you witness your own technical skills expand.
What Kind of Questions Appear on the Exam?
The questions on the 100-140 exam test applied knowledge in troubleshooting, safety, and communication. You’ll encounter:
- Multiple-choice questions testing your understanding of IT terms and processes
- Multi-select questions where multiple correct answers apply
- Scenario-based questions assessing your ability to solve real customer issues
Cisco aims to ensure that the exam evaluates both theoretical understanding and real-world problem-solving capability.
Where Can You Take the CCST IT Support Exam?
You can take the Cisco CCST IT Support certification exam either online or at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center.
- Online proctoring offers convenience, flexibility, and the comfort of your home environment.
- In-person testing provides traditional exam oversight for those who prefer a live setting.
Both methods provide secure, reliable testing environments that uphold Cisco’s certification standards.
How Long Should You Study Before Taking the Exam?
The ideal preparation time varies based on prior experience. Most new candidates benefit from 4 to 8 weeks of disciplined study including hands-on practice, review sessions, and practice tests.
Those with previous IT support exposure may be ready sooner, while absolute beginners might choose to pace themselves with structured course guidance.
How Does the CCST IT Support Exam Compare to CompTIA A+?
The CCST IT Support certification is Cisco’s equivalent entry pathway into IT careers, focusing on foundational knowledge coupled with communication skills and security awareness. While CompTIA A+ covers similar ground, the CCST IT Support exam is Cisco-specific, integrating industry insights relevant to Cisco’s ecosystem and methodologies.
What Kind of Recognition Does the Cisco CCST IT Support Provide?
Cisco certifications are recognized and respected worldwide. The CCST IT Support credential is seen as a formal validation of your readiness to support users, maintain devices, and safeguard data effectively.
Employers appreciate candidates who have demonstrated both their ambition and discipline by earning Cisco credentials early in their career journey.
What’s the Best Way to Register for the Cisco 100-140 Exam?
To register for the exam:
- Visit the official Cisco CCST IT Support exam page.
- Choose your preferred testing option (online or in-person).
- Schedule a convenient date and time through Pearson VUE.
- Complete your payment and receive your confirmation.
Once scheduled, you’re all set to start your journey toward Cisco certification success.
The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support certification is your first step toward a rewarding technology career. It combines practical knowledge, confidence-building learning, and global recognition. With consistent practice and a positive mindset, you’ll be ready to confidently launch your IT career with Cisco leading the way.
