Certification Overview

Cisco positions CCST IT Support as evidence that a candidate can translate technical or business knowledge into repeatable workplace performance. Its scope centers on entry-level end-user and IT support knowledge, including hardware, software, documentation, security, and systematic troubleshooting. The active requirements are deliberately tied to Cisco's current technology and service portfolio, so preparation should combine conceptual study with configuration practice, scenario analysis, or workflow rehearsal as appropriate. Key coverage includes IT support job tasks, queues, time management, and documentation, Computer components, operating systems, applications, and connectivity, Troubleshooting methodology, end-user assistance, security threats, and support escalation.

The credential is most relevant to students, career changers, help-desk candidates, and junior support technicians. It can support entry into a new discipline, formalize experience already gained on the job, or document a specialization inside a broader Cisco certification path. Employers can use it as one signal that a practitioner understands Cisco terminology, recommended operating models, and the trade-offs involved in delivering reliable outcomes. It does not replace hands-on experience, but it supplies a structured benchmark against a published exam or program blueprint.

The earning rule is straightforward: Pass the 100-140 CCST IT Support exam. No formal prerequisites. Cisco nevertheless recommends that candidates build the practical background described in this document before attempting the requirement. Preparation should begin with the active blueprint, then proceed through Cisco training or equivalent study, guided labs, documentation review, and timed practice. Candidates should verify the exam appointment details in the registration system because taxes, currency conversion, local delivery availability, and version transitions can affect the final booking.

From a career perspective, the certification maps to IT Support & Infrastructure and the selected level is Entry Level. After earning it, holders should retain their score report, monitor the credential in Cisco's certification tracking system, and understand any expiration or renewal rule before the renewal window becomes urgent. Cisco updates exams as technologies evolve; therefore, candidates close to a published transition date should compare the active and announced blueprints and schedule against the version they intend to take.

Track Details & Exam Requirements

Certification provider: Cisco

Credential type: Entry certification

Current status: Active

Research currency: Checked against Cisco-controlled certification and exam information on 25 August 2026

Official earning rule: Pass the 100-140 CCST IT Support exam

Formal prerequisites: No formal prerequisites

Recommended background: Foundational computer literacy and practice supporting common endpoint and user issues are helpful

Exam 1 — 100-140: Cisco Certified Support Technician IT Support

Path position: Required

Exam version: Not officially specified

Exam status: Active

Duration: 50 minutes

Price: US$125

Languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Portuguese

Delivery: Secure, proctored exam through Pearson VUE, online or at an authorized test center where available

Number of questions: Not officially specified

Passing score: Not officially specified

Skills measured: The active Cisco blueprint covers:

• IT support job tasks, queues, time management, and documentation
• Computer components, operating systems, applications, and connectivity
• Troubleshooting methodology, end-user assistance, security threats, and support escalation

Registration, results, and tracking

• Create or use a Cisco account and keep the legal name aligned with the government-issued identification used for the appointment.
• Register through Cisco's authorized delivery workflow; Pearson VUE administers Cisco proctored written exams, while expert practical exams use Cisco-designated lab delivery.
• Grading is pass/fail. Cisco states that results for proctored written exams are generally available online within 48 hours; practical result timing follows the applicable lab program.
• Use Cisco's certification tracking environment to confirm exam history, credential status, expiration dates, and available digital certification records.
• A failed entry, associate, professional, specialist, or CCDE written exam normally requires a five-calendar-day wait; expert lab/practical retakes normally require 30 days. A passed exam generally cannot be repeated for 180 days.

Current update

Cisco's revised CCST lifecycle applies a five-year validity period to credentials earned on or after 15 July 2025; earlier CCST credentials remain lifetime credentials.

Validity & Recertification

Validity period: Five years when earned on or after 15 July 2025; credentials earned before that date remain valid for life

Continuing Education requirement: Continuing Education credits are not applicable

Renewal method: Pass a current CCST exam, any current associate-level exam, a current technology core or concentration exam, or a current CCDE written/practical or CCIE lab exam before expiration; CE credits do not apply

Renewal timing: Complete all eligible requirements before the credential expiration date; no extension should be assumed

If the credential expires: Complete the full current earning process again unless Cisco's rules for this specific credential state otherwise

Reminder and recordkeeping: Keep the Cisco account email current and monitor the certification tracker; reminder delivery is helpful but remains the holder's responsibility