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Cisco · Networking · Entry

Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking exam guide

Exam 100-150

CCST Networking validates entry-level networking knowledge: addressing and subnetting, media and endpoints, basic infrastructure, troubleshooting and security. It is Cisco's on-ramp to CCNA and a quick way for help desk and student candidates to show employers they understand how networks actually work.

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

Students, career changers and help desk staff with little or no networking experience who want a first Cisco credential before attempting CCNA.

What the exam covers

Standards and Concepts—
Addressing and Subnet Formats—
Endpoints and Media Types—
Infrastructure—
Diagnosing Problems—
Security—

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

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None.

Recommended: About 150 hours of instruction or self-study, such as Cisco Networking Academy's Networking Basics courses; no work experience required.

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

  • Explaining the OSI and TCP/IP models and common protocols
  • IPv4 subnetting and recognizing IPv6 address formats
  • Identifying cabling, connectors and wireless standards
  • Using ping, tracert, ipconfig, nslookup and similar tools to troubleshoot
  • Reading basic device configurations and interface status
  • Applying basic wireless and endpoint security practices

Job roles

Help Desk TechnicianNetwork Support TechnicianIT Support SpecialistJunior Network TechnicianNOC Technician

Where it fits in your path

You are here

Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking

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

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Networking models, protocols and port numbers; build flashcards for common ports.
  2. Week 2: IPv4 subnetting daily (20 problems a day) plus IPv6 address types.
  3. Week 3: Cabling, media, wireless standards and endpoint configuration; practice with Packet Tracer.
  4. Week 4: Troubleshooting command output, basic security, then two timed practice exams.

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

  • 50 minutes is short, so do not stall on subnetting; flag and return.
  • Be fluent reading ipconfig/ifconfig and show ip interface brief output.
  • Know which tool answers which question (ping vs traceroute vs nslookup vs netstat).
  • Memorize private IPv4 ranges and APIPA (169.254.0.0/16) since they appear in troubleshooting scenarios.
  • Expect questions framed as a support ticket: pick the first logical step, not the most advanced fix.

Key terms for this exam

All 260 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much does CCST Networking cost?

The 100-150 exam is US$125.

Is CCST Networking worth it?

It is worth it for beginners who want a structured, low-cost first step and something on a resume before CCNA. Experienced technicians can usually go straight to CCNA.

CCST Networking vs CCNA?

CCST is a 50-minute fundamentals exam; CCNA (200-301) is a 120-minute associate exam covering configuration, routing, switching, security and automation. CCST is a stepping stone, not a substitute.

How long should I study for CCST Networking?

Most beginners need 3 to 6 weeks; Cisco suggests about 150 hours of instruction for those starting from zero.

Does CCST Networking expire?

Yes, it is valid for 3 years.

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.