Hi @Raoza GP ,
I understand you are considering to take the CCST Networking certification exam.
Regarding your question of how difficult the exam is. Please allow me to share with you my considerations on this point. Your question is very subjective, because how easy or how difficult an exam depends on many points. If you are just starting in Networking, this is a foundational exam. That means that its an entry level exam. As any exam, you need to focus on studying the "exam topics" given to us by Cisco, you need to be passionate about what you are studying and committed to putting quality time to study and prepare to take any certification exam. Also another point to consider is if you have working experience already with Cisco products. But at the end of the day, how easy or hard an exam is, depends on how much quality time you dedicated to prepare to take your exam.
I studied and passed my CCST Networking certification exam in April of last year.
Now I would like to share with you my experience preparing and passing my CCST Networking certification exam. I started by downloading "CCST Networking Exam Topics" at: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/ccst-networking-exam-topics.
So that way I was aware of the topics I needed to master and that I would be tested on the exam. I downloaded it in PDF format, so I could track what I was studying along the way and that it was all I needed to learn for the exam.. My main study course was the FREE "Cisco Network Technician Path" (70 hrs. track) at: https://www.netacad.com/career-paths/network-technician?courseLang=en-US . Great course with a lot of practice questions and lab scenarios. Also created hand written flashcards, that way I could review them when I had spare moments or on my commute to work..
Exam duration was 50 minutes and 40 questions on my exam. Exam was straight forward, no tricky questions and I experienced first hand performance-based questions. Nothing to be scared about, if you haven't heard of these types of questions. I advise you to read a well written blog on this topic by Anna Rubin at: https://blogs.cisco.com/learning/new-performance-based-lab-exam-items-build-opportunities.
Also I advise you to create a study schedule and stick to it. Even if its only one hour, but block it off your calendar. What gets scheduled, gets done. Master all topics within the "CCST Networking Exam Topics list I mentioned above. I did it and you can do it too. If you really want to pursue a career in IT Networking, I definitely would advise you to have this as your starting point and as a solid foundation toward your CCNA,
Important to note, that Cisco CCST Networking certification exam is administered by CertiPort Pearson Vue and exams can be taken at home. Exam cost: $125.00 and this certification doesn't expire. No renewal required. More information here: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Certifications/Cisco/Certified-Support-Technician/Overview
Additional Study Resources available now at Cisco Press:
Cisco Certified Support Technician CCST Networking 100-150 Official Cert Guide | Cisco Press
Cisco Certified Support Technician CCST Networking 100-150 Official Cert Guide Premium Edition and Practice Test | Cisco Press
31 Days Before your Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking 100-150 Exam: A Day-By-Day Review Guide for the CCST-Networking Certification Exam | Cisco Press
Great study resource options to consider when preparing for your CCST Networking exam.
I hope this information is helpful for you and I wish you all the best in your CCST Networking journey.
Best Regards,
Gus
