100-140 · ● Active · Entry · Cisco
Exam facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost | $125 USD (or Cisco Learning Credits) |
| Duration | 50 minutes |
| Questions | 50 (all scored) |
| Passing | 70% (35/50 correct) |
| Format | Multiple choice, scenario-based, simulation-style questions |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE / Certiport |
| Languages | English |
| Valid | 5 years (effective July 15, 2025); lifetime if earned before that date |
| Renewal | Pass higher-level CCST or retake exam |
| Prerequisites | None (foundational IT knowledge recommended) |
| Released | June 2024 |
| Retiring | N/A |
Vendor source — Cisco CCST IT Support ↗
Official exam guide — Cisco Press Official Cert Guide ↗
Exam blueprint — CCST IT Support Blueprint (PDF) ↗
About
The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support certification validates foundational knowledge and practical skills required for entry-level IT support roles such as Help Desk Technician, IT Support Specialist, or Computer Support Specialist. Released in June 2024, the CCST IT Support exam (100-140) is the newest addition to Cisco's CCST program, following the Cybersecurity and Networking certifications launched in 2023. The certification tests candidates on IT support job tasks, hardware troubleshooting, connectivity diagnostics, operating systems management, security awareness, and customer communication—covering both technical hands-on skills and professional support workflow practices.
Domain context — Foundation / IT Support
Foundational IT support covers the core skills required to assist end users with common technical issues across hardware, software, networking, and security domains. This certification validates entry-level readiness for help desk and tier-1 support roles across all IT environments.
Read full deep dive — IT Support Roles →
Topics covered
The CCST IT Support exam covers six primary domains based on the official Cisco exam blueprint:
- IT Support Job Tasks and Responsibilities — Queue management, ticketing systems, SLAs, KPIs, time management, documentation best practices
- Troubleshooting and Problem Solving — Problem-solving methodology, symptom analysis, root cause identification, resolution planning, change implementation, result observation, documentation
- Hardware and Peripherals — Printer connectivity, multifunction devices, port identification, component troubleshooting, peripheral diagnostics
- Connectivity — LAN (wired) troubleshooting, WLAN (wireless) connectivity issues, network access diagnosis, connectivity diagnostics tools
- Operating Systems — Windows, macOS, and Linux basics; software installation; OS troubleshooting; file systems; user management
- Security — Security threat recognition, user education, incident escalation procedures, company security policies, confidentiality guidelines, data protection
Interpersonal skills are assessed throughout (professional communication, active listening, technical explanation to non-technical users, appropriate vocabulary).
Source: Cisco Learning Network ↗
Common skills at Foundation · Entry
Shared competencies for IT support roles at entry level — not specific to this cert.
- Ticket creation and queue management in service desk systems
- User communication and active listening in support interactions
- Basic hardware identification and component functionality
- Windows/macOS/Linux file system and user account basics
- Network connectivity diagnosis and basic network troubleshooting
- Security threat recognition and confidentiality awareness
- Documentation and written communication for ticket notes
- Time management and SLA adherence
- Remote support tools and desktop sharing basics
- Escalation procedures and vendor contact processes
Recommended courses at Foundation · Entry
| Provider | Title | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco NetAcad | IT Support Specialist Learning Path | Free | ↗ |
| Coursera (Pearson) | Cisco CCST IT Support Specialization | Free (audit) | ↗ |
| Udemy (CertCraft) | Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support Exam Prep | $15–$60 | ↗ |
| Udemy (Multiple) | CCST IT Support 100-140 Practice Tests | $15–$50 | ↗ |
Course-selection rule: Cisco NetAcad and Coursera offer free official training; Udemy courses supplement with additional practice questions and walkthroughs.
Practice exams
| Provider | Title | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| MeasureUp | Cisco CCST IT Support Practice Test | $99 | ↗ |
| Cisco Learning Network | Free Community Practice (Q&A posts) | Free | ↗ |
| Udemy | CCST IT Support 100-140 Practice Tests | $15–$50 | ↗ |
| Udemy | Cisco CCST IT Support Prep (4 full tests) | $15–$50 | ↗ |
Books
| Title | Author | Publisher | Year | ISBN | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support 100-140 Official Cert Guide | Mark Smith, David Bayne, John Pickard | Cisco Press / Pearson | 2024 | 978-0-13-540-392-1 | ↗ |
| Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support 100-140 Official Cert Guide Premium Edition | Mark Smith, David Bayne, John Pickard | Cisco Press / Pearson | 2024 | 978-0-13-540-400-3 | ↗ |
Book note: The official Cisco Press guide is the only Cisco-approved self-study resource; premium edition includes bundled practice test software and flash card app.
Typical job titles at Foundation · Entry
Help Desk Technician · IT Support Specialist · Computer Support Specialist · Desktop Support Technician · Service Desk Analyst · IT Support Associate · Field Support Technician · End User Support Technician
(Job titles drawn from Cisco career path documentation and current job board postings listing CCST IT Support as required or preferred.)
Salary
| Region | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| USD | $51,710 – $79,226 (Help Desk Support) / $63,645 – $108,397 (general IT Help Desk) | Glassdoor ↗ · Robert Half ↗ |
| ZAR | R171,453 – R340,841 (Service Desk Analyst to Senior Help Desk Technician) | PayScale ZA ↗ · ERI SalaryExpert ↗ |
| GBP | £24,000 – £30,000 (entry); £28,000 – £35,000 (experienced tier-1) | Glassdoor UK ↗ · Indeed ↗ |
Salary note: Ranges reflect Help Desk and IT Support Specialist roles that typically require or value CCST IT Support certification. Entry-level Help Desk salaries in USD average $63,645; experienced tier-1 support roles reach $79,226+. Regional variation is significant; UK salaries average £29,186 nationally with London premium (£25,928–£45,613).
Skills validated
Concrete technologies and practices this exam tests.
- Windows, macOS, and Linux operating system basics and troubleshooting
- Hardware components (CPU, RAM, storage, peripherals) and device identification
- Network connectivity (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, TCP/IP basics)
- Remote access and support tools (VPN, remote desktop, chat/ticketing systems)
- Printer and multifunction device troubleshooting
- User account management and permission basics
- Email and collaboration application support
- Malware, phishing, and social engineering threat recognition
- Password security and two-factor authentication awareness
- Incident documentation and ticket system workflows
- Active Directory and user identity basics
- BIOS/UEFI and boot sequence troubleshooting
- File sharing and permission models (NTFS, POSIX)
- Command-line basics for Windows (CMD, PowerShell) and Linux (bash)
- VoIP phone system basics
- Mobile device (iOS, Android) support fundamentals
Related certifications
- Stacks with: Cisco CCST Networking (100-150) ↗ · Cisco CCST Cybersecurity (100-151) ↗
- Prerequisite for: Cisco Certified Associate Network Technician (CCNA) ↗ — (planned; CCST acts as foundation for CCNA track)
- Vendor overview: Cisco Vendor Overview ↗
- CCST Family: All three CCST exams (IT Support, Networking, Cybersecurity) are entry-level certifications valid for 5 years; no prerequisite order required.
Sources
- Cisco CCST IT Support official page
- CCST IT Support Exam Topics — Cisco Learning Network
- Cisco Certified Support Technician CCST Official Cert Guide — Cisco Press
- Cisco NetAcad IT Support Specialist Program
- Coursera Pearson Cisco CCST IT Support Specialization
- Cisco Learning Credits and Exam Pricing
- CCST FAQ — Cisco
- Glassdoor IT Help Desk Salary Data
- Robert Half Salary Guide — Help Desk Tier 3
- PayScale South Africa Help Desk / Desktop Support
- Glassdoor UK IT Support Salary
- Indeed UK IT Support Salary Survey
- MeasureUp CCST IT Support Practice Test
- Udemy CCST IT Support Practice Tests
Last verified: 2026-05-01 Parent ecosystem: Cisco Ecosystem Parent domain: Foundation Vendor overview: Cisco Overview