You can see it againUnder pressure people bring back shapes and positions long after the wording has gone.
Picture superiority · Shepard 1967, Standing 1973
CISCOCisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity
The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification validates your entry-level skills and knowledge of core security concepts, including security principles, network security, endpoint security, vulnerability assessment, risk management, and incident handling. It is designed for individuals starting a career in cybersecurity, such as cybersecurity technicians, analysts, or Tier 1 help desk support. Earning this credential is also a first step toward the CyberOps Associate certification, giving you a clear path to advance in the security field.
Duration50 minutes
DeliveryPearson VUE
Free questions942
Content last reviewed 1 January 2025 · Up to date
The certification
What 100-160 proves, and what it asks of you
What this certification covers, who it is written for, and what the exam itself looks like on the day.
5domains
23objectives
155concepts
US $125exam fee
What it is
What this certification is
What it validates, who it is written for, and the experience it assumes.
About this certification
The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification is an entry-level credential that validates your foundational knowledge and practical skills in cybersecurity. It covers essential topics such as security principles, network security, endpoint security, vulnerability assessment, risk management, and incident handling. This certification is ideal for individuals who are new to the security field and want to demonstrate their readiness for entry-level cybersecurity roles.
By earning the CCST Cybersecurity certification, you prove that you understand how to protect organizations from cyber threats and can contribute to security operations. The certification also serves as a stepping stone to more advanced Cisco certifications, such as the CyberOps Associate, allowing you to build a long-term career in cybersecurity. With Cisco's industry-recognized credentials, you can stand out to employers and take the first step toward a rewarding IT career.
Who it’s for
The CCST Cybersecurity certification is designed for individuals who are new to the cybersecurity field and want to establish a solid foundation in security concepts. It is ideal for those pursuing entry-level roles such as cybersecurity technician, cybersecurity analyst, or Tier 1 help desk support. This certification is also suitable for students, career changers, and IT professionals looking to formalize their security knowledge. If you are interested in protecting networks, identifying vulnerabilities, and responding to security incidents, this certification provides the essential knowledge and skills to get started. No prior security experience is required, making it an accessible entry point into the world of cybersecurity.
Recommended experience
While there are no mandatory prerequisites, Cisco recommends that candidates have a basic understanding of networking and security concepts. The Junior Cybersecurity Analyst Career Path from Cisco Networking Academy is a recommended training resource to prepare for this certification. Basic knowledge of networking fundamentals; Familiarity with security principles and best practices; Understanding of common cyber threats and attack vectors; Awareness of risk management and vulnerability assessment concepts
The syllabus
What you’ll learn
Every domain and objective Cisco measures, with the weight they carry on the exam.
The official Cisco exam outline · checked 1 January 2025 · See the source
Essential Security Principles
- Define essential security principles
- Explain common threats and vulnerabilities
- Explain access management principles
- Explain encryption methods and applications
Basic Network Security Concepts
- Describe TCP/IP protocol vulnerabilities
- Explain how network addresses impact network security
- Describe network infrastructure and technologies
- Set up a secure wireless SoHo network
- Implement secure access technologies
Endpoint Security Concepts
- Describe operating system security concepts
- Demonstrate familiarity with appropriate endpoint tools that gather security assessment information
- Verify that endpoint systems meet security policies and standards
- Implement software and hardware updates
- Interpret system logs
- Demonstrate familiarity with malware removal
Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Management
- Explain vulnerability management
- Use threat intelligence techniques to identify potential network vulnerabilities
- Explain risk management
- Explain the importance of disaster recovery and business continuity planning
Incident Handling
- Monitor security events and know when escalation is required
- Explain digital forensics and attack attribution processes
- Explain the impact of compliance frameworks on incident handling
- Describe the elements of cybersecurity incident response
On the day
The exam itself
Everything Cisco publishes about sitting it, and nothing we inferred.
Prerequisites
No mandatory prerequisites — this certification has no required predecessor exam or credential.
Exam code100-160
CertificationCisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity
Duration50 minutes
DeliveryPearson VUE
LanguagesEnglish, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, Portuguese
PricingUS $125
After you pass
Where this credential goes next
The path Cisco lays out, how the credential is kept, and where to book.
Step-by-step path to Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity
Credential earnedCisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity Certification Renewal and maintenance
Cisco certifications are valid for three years. To maintain the CCST Cybersecurity certification, you must recertify before the expiration date by passing a qualifying exam or earning Continuing Education (CE) credits. Stay current with the latest technologies and maintain your certification.
Learn more about renewal requirements Lifecycle status
This certification is currently active and available. Cisco maintains this certification to validate current skills and industry relevance.
Exam status: ActiveMaintained by Cisco
Exam registration
Register for the exam through Pearson VUE, Cisco’s authorized testing partner.
Schedule your examVisit the official Cisco certification page for exam policies and requirements.
View the official pageYour coach
And when you are serious, your coach Pip takes over
Your coach in the app reads what you have answered with the book closed and tells you one thing to do tonight. It will not count an answer you gave with the page open, and it will tell you when you are not ready.
See how the coach worksBefore you book
Questions people ask
How does the CCST Cybersecurity certification relate to the CyberOps Associate certification?
The CCST Cybersecurity certification is a first step toward the CyberOps Associate certification. Passing the 100-160 exam validates entry-level security concepts, while the CyberOps Associate (200-201 CBROPS) exam tests more advanced security operations skills. Earning the CCST can help you prepare for the CyberOps Associate path.
Do I need to earn the CCST Cybersecurity before taking the CyberOps Associate exam?
No, the CCST Cybersecurity is not a mandatory prerequisite for the CyberOps Associate certification. However, it is recommended as a foundational step for those new to cybersecurity.
How do I schedule the 100-160 exam?
You can schedule the exam through the Cisco Certification Tracking System. First, create a Cisco account and complete your candidate profile. Then, choose a test center or online proctoring option and select a convenient date and time.
What are the online proctoring requirements for the 100-160 exam?
For online proctored exams, you need a computer with a webcam and microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet, private room. You must also show a valid government-issued photo ID during check-in. The proctor will monitor you throughout the exam.
What is the retake policy if I fail the 100-160 exam?
If you fail the exam, you must wait 5 calendar days from the day after your attempt before you can retake it. There is no limit on the number of retakes, but each attempt requires a new exam fee.
Are there any exam vouchers or discounts available for the 100-160 exam?
Cisco Learning Credits can be redeemed for exam vouchers. Organizations and individuals can purchase vouchers through Cisco or authorized partners. Additionally, Cisco Networking Academy students may have access to discounts or vouchers through their academy.
Does the 100-160 exam include any hands-on labs or performance-based tasks?
The 100-160 exam is a written exam that tests your knowledge of cybersecurity concepts. It does not include a hands-on lab component. However, the exam may include scenario-based questions that assess your practical understanding.
How soon will I receive my score report after taking the 100-160 exam?
You will receive a score report immediately after completing the exam. The report includes your score for each section and the passing score for the exam. Your official certification status will be updated in the Cisco Certification Tracking System within 24 hours.
What job roles does the CCST Cybersecurity certification prepare me for?
The CCST Cybersecurity certification prepares you for entry-level cybersecurity roles such as cybersecurity technician, cybersecurity analyst, and Tier 1 help desk support. It provides the foundational skills needed to start a career in security operations.
Can I recertify the CCST Cybersecurity by passing a higher-level Cisco exam?
Yes, passing a higher-level Cisco certification exam, such as the CyberOps Associate (200-201), will automatically recertify your CCST Cybersecurity certification. This is one of the recertification pathways offered by Cisco.
Information freshness · Content last reviewed on 2025-01-01 Up to date
Practice free questions 942 questions, free, no account needed.
The curriculum
The whole exam, mapped and written
Every domain, every objective, and every concept Cisco measures — each one written out.
5domains
23objectives
155concepts
199free pages
The domains, and what sits inside them
Every objective below is a page you can open and practise now, without an account.
The official Cisco exam outline · checked 1 January 2025 · See the source
1Essential Security Principles173 questions
2Basic Network Security Concepts181 questions
Describe TCP/IP protocol vulnerabilities7 concepts · 10 pagesOpen →Explain how network addresses impact network security7 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →Describe network infrastructure and technologies8 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →Set up a secure wireless SoHo network3 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Implement secure access technologies4 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →
3Endpoint Security Concepts232 questions
Describe operating system security concepts6 concepts · 9 pagesOpen →Demonstrate familiarity with appropriate endpoint tools that gather security assessment information3 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →Verify that endpoint systems meet security policies and standards9 concepts · 10 pagesOpen →Implement software and hardware updates5 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Interpret system logs6 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →Demonstrate familiarity with malware removal4 concepts · 9 pagesOpen →
4Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Management191 questions
Explain vulnerability management7 concepts · 10 pagesOpen →Use threat intelligence techniques to identify potential network vulnerabilities10 concepts · 12 pagesOpen →Explain risk management7 concepts · 9 pagesOpen →Explain the importance of disaster recovery and business continuity planning8 concepts · 9 pagesOpen →
5Incident Handling165 questions
Monitor security events and know when escalation is required6 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →Explain digital forensics and attack attribution processes7 concepts · 9 pagesOpen →Explain the impact of compliance frameworks on incident handling8 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →Describe the elements of cybersecurity incident response8 concepts · 11 pagesOpen →
Not a table of contents
Every line on this map already opens
In front of every objective the practice pages are already there, free and without an account. This is one objective, opened.
Define essential security principles10 pagesOpen →
Free in front of it
46 questions on this objective, five to a page. Every range above is a real page, open now, with no account.
Reading the map is not the same as knowing the ground
The curriculum tells you what is on the exam. Proving you know it is a different job — and it is the one the closed-book run does.
Free questions
942 questions. No account, no card.
The whole bank is open. 5 questions to a page, every answer explained, and a discussion thread on each one.
942questions
199pages
23objectives
Freealways
Browse by domain
Every objective, and every page range, is a link — so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
1Essential Security Principles173 questions
2Basic Network Security Concepts181 questions
3Endpoint Security Concepts232 questions
4Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Management191 questions
What a practice page gives you
1Five to a page
Short enough to finish, long enough to matter.
2Every answer explained
Not only which one is right — why the others are wrong.
3A discussion on each
Ask, answer, and vote. Every question has its own thread.
A question, and the idea behind it
Every question comes from a concept
These are not trivia. Each one is written against a concept in the book, so when you get one wrong there is somewhere to go and find out why.
The visual book
See it once. Carry it into the exam.
The pages shown here come from our AI-900 book — an example of how each concept is written in plain language and, where the idea needs one, drawn as a full page you can take in at a glance.
155concepts
942free questions
Why a picture, and not another paragraph
Three reasons, and each one is a real finding rather than a slogan.
You can see it againThe whole idea at onceWhere it starts, what happens in the middle, what comes out, and the mistake to avoid.
Multimedia principle · MayerThe look-alikes sit togetherThe pairs the exam tests are drawn side by side, so the difference is seen, not told.
Dual coding · PaivioWhat one page is made of
You are never asked to read a poster here — only to see how one is built. After that, every other page is legible at a glance.
1A numbered strip on top
The idea as a sequence, followed with a finger before a word is read.
2Panels for the parts
What it is, how the machine learns it, when it is the right tool.
3The trap, framed
The distinction the exam tests, given its own box instead of buried in prose.
4One line at the bottom
The sentence to carry into the exam room.
Open book, on purpose
Answer it with the picture beside you
This is the part that teaches. The illustration and the written explanation stay where they are while you work, so a scenario stops being a memory test and becomes something you can simply look at.
It teaches · it does not count
A smartphone uses AI to unlock when the owner looks at the camera. Which AI capability is being used?
AImage classification
BFacial recognition
COptical character recognition
DObject detection
Look at the five steps. Detect finds a face, align straightens it, encode turns it into numbers, search compares it with a stored face, and decide answers one question: is this the same person? Classification would only say “a face”. Detection would only draw a box. Neither decides whose.
Then the page shuts, and it starts counting
The same questions come back with the book closed — that run is the one that counts. After it, your coach picks one thing for tonight, sized to the time you have, and brings pages back before you lose them.
Testing effect · Roediger & Karpicke 2006 · spacing effect · Cepeda et al. 2006
Official resources
Straight from Cisco
Where the exam is defined, scheduled and scored.
4official links
155concepts mapped
The source
Cisco’s own pages
We link to them rather than repeat them, so nothing here goes stale behind them.
Checked against the source
Every objective on the official Cisco outline already has questions here
We build from the official skills outline, not from a summary of it — 23 objectives, 155 concepts written under them, and free questions against every one. When Cisco changes the outline, this page changes with it.
23objectives on the outline→155concepts written→942free questions
An official page tells you what will be asked. It cannot tell you what you will get right.
That is the only question worth answering the night before, and no link answers it. You answer it by taking the questions with the book closed, and seeing what comes back.