Cisco · Professional Certification · Foundational
Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking
Crydd Score 83
Demand Growing
Career Value Moderate
Recognition Strong
CCST Networking at a glance
- Provider
- Cisco
- Credential type
- Professional Certification
- Exam required
- Yes
- Category
- Networking
- Level
- Foundational
- Cost
- $125
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Time to earn
- 1–3 months
- Validity
- Does not expire
- Format
- Proctored exam via Certiport/Pearson VUE
- Prerequisites
- None; entry-level, suitable for students
What is CCST Networking?
Cisco's entry-level networking credential, introduced as an on-ramp beneath the CCNA. It confirms the fundamentals — addressing, cabling, basic troubleshooting — for someone starting out or still in school.
Skills it covers
- Networking fundamentals
- IP addressing
- Cabling and connectivity
- Basic troubleshooting
Is CCST Networking worth it? The Crydd Verdict
CS 83Choose it if
You are a student or career-changer who wants a first, affordable Cisco credential that proves networking basics before committing to the heavier CCNA.
Consider alternatives if
You already grasp networking fundamentals and are job-hunting for engineer roles — go straight to the CCNA, which carries far more hiring weight.
Why we say so
As a low-cost, non-expiring entry point from the vendor that defines networking, the CCST is a sensible first rung and stacks cleanly toward the CCNA and beyond.
Market demand
Entry networking and help-desk roles value a demonstrable fundamentals credential; the CCST gives students a recognised Cisco starting point that ladders into the CCNA track.
Where CCST Networking takes you
- Network Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Network Engineer
Career roadmaps show where this certification fits in each path. See the roadmaps.
Related certifications
Curated connections from the catalog — each labelled with how it relates to CCST Networking, so you know why it’s here.
