CCST – Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking

CCST – Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking is a professional certification offered by Cisco Systems, a leading networking and telecommunications technology company. The Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of individuals who provide on-site support for Cisco networking devices and systems.

The CCST Networking certification focuses specifically on network support, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks. It is an entry-level certification that prepares individuals for roles such as technical support engineers, field technicians, and help desk technicians. It demonstrates that a candidate has the necessary skills to support Cisco networking technologies effectively.

To earn the Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking certification, candidates are required to pass the following exam:

1. 100-490 RSTECH (Cisco Certified Technician Routing & Switching): This exam tests candidates on their knowledge and skills related to Cisco networking technologies, including routers and switches. It covers topics such as network fundamentals, routing and switching technologies, network protocols, device management, and troubleshooting.

The Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking certification is valid for three years, after which individuals need to recertify to maintain their certification status. Recertification can be achieved by passing the current CCST Networking exam or by passing a higher-level Cisco certification exam.

The Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking certification is beneficial for individuals who work in technical support roles and require a solid understanding of Cisco networking technologies. It helps them demonstrate their expertise in providing support for Cisco networking devices, troubleshooting network issues, and maintaining network infrastructure.

Here are some key skills and knowledge areas covered by the CCST Networking certification:

1. Network Fundamentals: Candidates should have a strong foundation in networking concepts, including the OSI model, IP addressing, subnetting, VLANs, and basic network protocols.
2. Routing and Switching Technologies: Candidates should be familiar with Cisco routing and switching technologies, including configuration and troubleshooting of routers and switches. This includes knowledge of routing protocols (such as OSPF and EIGRP), switching concepts (such as VLANs and spanning tree protocol), and IP routing.
3. Network Protocols: Candidates should have an understanding of common network protocols such as TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, and SNMP. They should be able to troubleshoot issues related to these protocols.
4. Device Management: Candidates should be proficient in configuring and managing Cisco networking devices using command-line interfaces (CLI) and graphical user interfaces (GUI). They should be able to perform tasks such as device configuration, software upgrades, and backup and restore operations.
5. Troubleshooting: Candidates should possess strong troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve network-related issues effectively. They should be able to use appropriate troubleshooting methodologies and tools to diagnose and resolve problems.
6. Customer Support: Candidates should have good communication and customer service skills to interact with customers and provide effective technical support. They should be able to understand customer requirements, explain technical concepts clearly, and provide appropriate solutions to customer issues.

By obtaining the Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking certification, individuals can enhance their career prospects in the field of network support and gain recognition for their skills and expertise in Cisco networking technologies.