Article
FREE Cisco CCST Cybersecurity (100-160) Exam Guide 2026: Pass First Try
Key Facts
- The Cisco CCST Cybersecurity exam code is 100-160 and is Cisco's entry-level cybersecurity certification (Cisco).
- The 100-160 exam costs $125 USD and runs 50 minutes via Pearson VUE at test centers or OnVUE online proctoring (Cisco).
- CCST Cybersecurity includes approximately 50-70 multiple-choice, fill-in, list-in-order, and simulation-based questions (Cisco Press Official Cert Guide).
- The passing score for CCST Cybersecurity is not stated on the Cisco CCST page (checked 2026-10-22).
- There are no prerequisites for the CCST Cybersecurity exam - no age, education, or training requirements are imposed by Cisco.
- CCST Cybersecurity certifications earned on or after July 15, 2025 are valid for 5 years; earlier passes remain lifetime (Cisco Recertification Policy).
- The five 100-160 domains are Essential Security Principles, Basic Network Security, Endpoint Security, Vulnerability Assessment, and Incident Handling (Cisco).
- The Cisco CCST page (checked 2026-10-22) does not state a retake waiting period or retake fee.
- CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) costs $439 USD in 2026 - roughly $300 more than CCST Cybersecurity - and is listed in DoD's 8140 matrix for 20 work roles (DoD).
- CCST Cybersecurity Continuing Education credits do not recertify the credential; recertification requires passing another Cisco exam (Cisco Recertification Policy).
Cisco CCST Cybersecurity (100-160) Exam Guide 2026: The Entry-Level Cisco Security Cert That Actually Pays Off
The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity exam (code 100-160 ) is Cisco's official entry-level cybersecurity credential and the first step on the Cisco security ladder that climbs to CyberOps Associate (being rebranded Cybersecurity Associate under Cisco's early-2026 certification refresh) and on to Cybersecurity Professional and CCIE Security . Released in 2023 alongside CCST Networking and CCST IT Support, it sits below the CyberOps Associate exam in depth and below CompTIA Security+ in price.
This guide carries the five official Cisco exam-topics domains , the real fee ( $125 USD ), the official 50-minute time limit, the seven supported languages, the 5-year recertification rule that took effect July 15, 2025 , an honest CCST Cybersecurity vs CompTIA Security+ ($439) comparison with current 2026 US pricing, and a clear path from 100-160 to CyberOps Associate (200-201 CBROPS / 200-201 CCNACBR v1.2) . For the networking sibling exam, read our Cisco CCST Networking 100-150 guide .
Who this guide is for. Help-desk staff bound for SOC tier-1 work, IT students, career-changers entering cybersecurity, candidates who want a vendor-recognized security credential before tackling CompTIA Security+ or CyberOps Associate, and Cisco Networking Academy students wrapping up the Junior Cybersecurity Analyst pathway.
CCST Cybersecurity (100-160) At-a-Glance - 2026
- Item 2026 Detail (verified July 2026)
- Exam code 100-160 CCST Cybersecurity
- Credentialing body Cisco Systems
- Delivery vendor Pearson VUE (test center or OnVUE online proctoring); schools may also use Certiport
Questions Approximately 50-70 items (multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, list-in-order, and simulation-based) per the Cisco Press Official Cert Guide; Cisco does not publish an official count
Time limit 50 minutes
Passing score Not stated on the Cisco CCST page (checked 2026-10-22).
- Exam fee $125 USD (plus local tax)
- Languages English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, Portuguese
- Prerequisites None
- Recommended prep hours 60-100 hours
- Validity 5 years for certs earned on/after July 15, 2025; lifetime for earlier passes
- Retake policy Not stated on the Cisco CCST page (checked 2026-10-22)
- Level Entry-level (one tier below CyberOps Associate)
Sources: Cisco CCST Cybersecurity exam page , Cisco Exam Policies , Cisco Recertification Policy , and the Cisco Press Official Cert Guide.