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Cisco · IT Support · Entry

Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support exam guide

Exam 100-140

CCST IT Support validates the skills of a first-line support technician: troubleshooting hardware and software, assisting end users, documentation, ticket queue management and recognizing security threats. It is a practical alternative or complement to CompTIA A+ for help desk hiring.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limit50 minutes
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam fee$125 USD
Valid for3 years
DeliveryProctored at a test center or online, scheduled through Cisco's certification portal

Format: Multiple choice (single and multiple answer), drag-and-drop, and simulation/testlet-style items; pass/fail.

Who it's for

Aspiring help desk and desktop support technicians, including students and career changers with little formal IT experience.

What the exam covers

Queue and Time Management—
Documentation—
Troubleshooting—
Assisting End Users—
Managing Computer Components—
Identifying Security Threats—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None.

Recommended: About 150 hours of instruction or equivalent hands-on time supporting Windows PCs and end users.

Keeping it active

Valid 3 years. Renew by passing the current version of the exam again before expiry; most holders instead progress to CCNA. Check Cisco's recertification page for current CE options for CCST.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Structured troubleshooting of hardware, OS and application issues
  • Prioritizing and managing a ticket queue against SLAs
  • Writing clear ticket notes and knowledge-base documentation
  • Installing and replacing PC components and peripherals
  • Remote support and clear end-user communication
  • Recognizing phishing, malware and other common threats

Job roles

Help Desk TechnicianDesktop Support TechnicianIT Support SpecialistService Desk AnalystField Support Technician

Where it fits in your path

You are here

Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Help desk process: ticket lifecycle, prioritization, escalation and documentation standards.
  2. Week 2: PC hardware and Windows troubleshooting; practice with a spare PC or VM.
  3. Week 3: Networking basics for support (IP config, DNS, Wi-Fi) and common security threats.
  4. Week 4: Customer-service scenarios, then timed practice questions on all six domains.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Many questions are scenario-based about what a support tech should do first; choose the least disruptive step.
  • Know how to prioritize tickets by impact and urgency.
  • Review Windows tools such as Task Manager, Device Manager, Event Viewer and ipconfig.
  • Remember documentation questions: what belongs in a ticket note and when to update the knowledge base.
  • Watch time; 50 minutes goes quickly.

Key terms for this exam

All 47 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much does CCST IT Support cost?

US$125.

CCST IT Support vs CompTIA A+?

A+ requires two exams and is more widely named in job ads; CCST IT Support is a single, cheaper exam with heavier emphasis on ticket handling and customer interaction. Many candidates take CCST first, then A+.

Is CCST IT Support worth it?

Yes for those entering help desk work with no credentials; it shows employers job-ready support habits at low cost.

How long is it valid?

3 years.

What should I take next?

CompTIA A+ for desktop roles, or CCST Networking and then CCNA to move toward network support.

Official page: www.cisco.com. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.