Exam Overview

The 100-160 CCST Cybersecurity exam is Cisco’s entry-level assessment for candidates starting cybersecurity and security-support careers. Passing it earns the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification and provides a first step toward Cisco Cybersecurity Associate certification.

• Exam Code: 100-160 CCST Cybersecurity
• Level: Entry-level Cisco Certified Support Technician certification
• Duration: 50 minutes. Available languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Portuguese.
• Passing Score: Not officially disclosed by Cisco (commonly estimated at ~825 out of 1000).
• Unscored Content: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

Exam Structure

The 100-160 CCST Cybersecurity exam assesses five official domains covering essential security principles, network and endpoint security, vulnerability and risk management, and incident handling.

• Question Types: Multiple-choice and drag-and-drop questions
• Number of Questions: 46 questions
• Hands-On Questions: No performance-based lab tasks

Exam Policies

• Before completing CCST Cybersecurity exam registration, review Cisco’s exam rules, Certiport candidate policies, voucher terms, identification requirements, and the instructions provided by the selected testing center.
• Rescheduling: Online Proctored exams can be rescheduled up to 30 minutes before check-in. Test Center exams can be rescheduled up to 48 hours before the scheduled appointment.
• Cancellation: Online Proctored exams can be cancelled up to 30 minutes before check-in. Test Center exams can be cancelled up to 48 hours before the scheduled appointment.
• Retake Policy: A candidate who fails an Entry-level written exam must wait five calendar days, beginning the day after the unsuccessful attempt, before retesting for the same exam.
• Retake Fee: Another attempt normally requires payment. If an eligible voucher includes a retake, Certiport issues a code after failure; a CCST retake code must be used within its 60-day validity period.

Certification Validity and Renewal options

• The validity period after passing the 100-160 CCST Cybersecurity exam depends on when the credential was earned.
• Validity: CCST credentials earned on or after July 15, 2025 remain active for five years. Credentials earned before July 15, 2025 continue to hold lifetime validity under Cisco’s published transition policy.
• Renewal Options: Recertify by passing a current CCST exam, any current Associate-level exam, a technology core or concentration exam, or an eligible Cisco expert written or practical exam. Continuing Education credits do not apply to CCST recertification.

Exam Fee

• Base Fee: The official CCST Cybersecurity exam fee is USD 125, excluding applicable taxes, testing-center charges, or regional pricing adjustments.
• Taxes: Local taxes and additional charges depend on the purchase location and provider. They affect the final CCST Cybersecurity certification cost displayed by the authorized seller or testing center.
• Example (India): Candidates in India are subject to 18% GST, bringing the total exam fee to USD $147.50 USD ($125 + $22.50 tax)

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for the 100-160 CCST Cybersecurity exam or the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification.

• Candidates should understand the published CCST Cybersecurity syllabus and be familiar with basic computer use, networking concepts, security terminology, and systematic problem solving before scheduling.
• Cisco recommends the Networking Academy Junior Cybersecurity Analyst career path for guided preparation in threat intelligence, network defense, endpoint security, risk management, and incident response.
• Certiport states that CCST learners are expected to develop work-ready knowledge through at least 150 hours of instruction, although completing a specific course is not a formal requirement for the exam.

Exam Topics

The official CCST Cybersecurity syllabus contains five domains. Cisco does not publish percentage weights for these domains:

• Essential Security Principles: Security concepts, common threats and vulnerabilities, access-management principles, authentication and authorization, encryption methods, data protection, and the security practices used to reduce organizational risk.
• Basic Network Security Concepts: TCP/IP protocol vulnerabilities, the security impact of network addressing, infrastructure and defensive technologies, secure wireless SOHO configuration, and technologies that control and protect network access.
• Endpoint Security Concepts: Operating-system security, endpoint assessment tools, policy and standards verification, software and hardware updates, log interpretation, malware identification, containment, and removal practices.
• Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Management: Vulnerability management, threat intelligence, identifying potential weaknesses, evaluating likelihood and impact, selecting risk responses, and understanding business continuity and disaster recovery.
• Incident Monitoring and Escalation: Monitoring security events, recognizing suspicious activity, determining when escalation is required, preserving useful information, and supporting an organized response to a cybersecurity event.
• Incident Response, Forensics, and Compliance: The elements of incident response, digital forensics and attack attribution, evidence awareness, recovery considerations, and the effect of compliance frameworks on incident-handling decisions.

Intended Audience

The 100-160 CCST Cybersecurity exam is appropriate for learners and early-career professionals building practical security knowledge, including:

• Students and Recent Graduates
• Career Changers Entering Cybersecurity
• Aspiring Cybersecurity Technicians
• Junior Cybersecurity Analyst Candidates
• Tier 1 Help Desk Support Candidates
• Security Operations Support Candidates
• Cybersecurity Interns and Apprentices

Career Opportunities

Passing the 100-160 CCST Cybersecurity exam supports applications for entry-level roles that monitor security, protect systems, assess common risks, and assist with incident response, including:

• Cybersecurity Technician
• Junior Cybersecurity Analyst
• Tier 1 Help Desk Support Technician
• Security Operations Analyst
• Cybersecurity Support Technician
• Junior Security Operations Center Analyst

Average Salary (Approximate)

Cisco does not publish salary data for CCST holders. The figures below are approximate base-salary market ranges for Cyber Security Analyst roles from PayScale. Salaries vary depending on experience, employer, location, job role, and industry.

• U.S.: Approximately USD 57,000–125,000 per year for Cyber Security Analysts (PayScale, July 2026).
• India: Approximately INR 205,000–2,000,000 per year for Cyber Security Analysts (PayScale, 2026 market data).
• United Kingdom: Approximately GBP 26,000–57,000 per year for Cyber Security Analysts (PayScale, May 2026).
• UAE: Approximately AED 3,000–465,000 per year for Cyber Security Analysts (PayScale, May 2026).

Exam Delivery Options

During CCST Cybersecurity exam registration, confirm the available delivery method and appointment arrangements with a Certiport Authorized Testing Center.

• Certiport Authorized Testing Center – Sit the exam in person at a participating CATC. Contact the chosen center in advance and confirm that it delivers the 100-160 exam.
• Authorized Remote Delivery – A participating CATC may arrange supported remote delivery where available. These sessions are coordinated through the center rather than scheduled independently through Pearson VUE OnVUE.
• Online Exam Rules: Use the required computer and secure-browser environment, maintain a stable connection, follow the center’s workspace rules, and remain under authorized proctor supervision throughout the session.
• Test Center Rules: Create a Certiport profile, bring the identification requested by the center, select the correct exam, present valid payment or a voucher, and follow all proctor and exam-security instructions.

Exam Registration

Follow these steps to complete CCST Cybersecurity exam registration:

• Open Cisco’s official exam scheduling portal and sign in or create the required candidate account.
• Locate and contact a Certiport Authorized Testing Center that offers the 100-160 CCST Cybersecurity exam.
• Confirm the delivery method, appointment date and time, identification rules, local charges, and the center’s rescheduling and cancellation conditions.
• Pay the CCST Cybersecurity exam fee or assign an eligible voucher to the Certiport account, then obtain appointment confirmation from the testing center.

After Passing the Exam

After passing the 100-160 CCST Cybersecurity exam, review the result and certification record through the Certiport candidate account.

• Certiport provides a score report with sectional analysis at the testing center and sends instructions for accessing the digital transcript.
• Use the Certiport account to view the transcript and available certificate information, and keep the profile details current for credential communications.
• The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity credential validates foundational, work-ready security knowledge and can strengthen applications for junior cybersecurity, help desk, and security operations roles.

Why the 100-160 CCST Cybersecurity Exam Is Worth It

• Earns the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification
• Validates security principles, network defense, endpoint protection, and risk awareness
• Builds foundational monitoring, escalation, and incident-handling knowledge
• Creates a recognized entry point for cybersecurity roles and associate-level learning