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100+ Free CCST Networking Practice Questions

Pass your Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Which device connects a local network to the internet and typically provides DHCP, NAT, and firewall functions for a home or small office?

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Key Facts: CCST Networking Exam

100-150

Exam Code

Cisco

50 min

Time Limit

Cisco

$125

Exam Fee

Cisco

Varies

Question Count

Cisco FAQ

6

Official Topic Areas

Cisco

5 years

Current Validity

Cisco

CCST Networking is a 50-minute, $125 Cisco entry-level networking exam with no formal prerequisites. Cisco states that the number of questions varies by form and reports results as pass/fail; Cisco does not publish a public numeric cut score or pass rate. The exam is delivered through Pearson VUE and Certiport, supports test-center and online-proctored registration pathways, and is a first step toward CCNA.

Sample CCST Networking Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CCST Networking exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for converting data into electrical, optical, or radio signals for transmission across the network medium?
A.Data Link layer
B.Physical layer
C.Network layer
D.Transport layer
Explanation: The Physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model handles the transmission of raw bit streams over the physical medium. It converts data into electrical signals (copper), light pulses (fiber), or radio waves (wireless). The Data Link layer handles framing and MAC addressing, while the Network and Transport layers handle routing and end-to-end delivery respectively. Exam tip: Remember the Physical layer deals with cables, connectors, and signal types.
2A technician needs to verify the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway on a Windows computer. Which command should they use?
A.ping
B.tracert
C.ipconfig
D.nslookup
Explanation: The 'ipconfig' command displays the current TCP/IP network configuration on Windows, including IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. Use 'ipconfig /all' for detailed information including DNS and DHCP settings. 'ping' tests connectivity, 'tracert' shows the path to a destination, and 'nslookup' queries DNS. Exam tip: On Linux/macOS, the equivalent command is 'ifconfig' or 'ip addr'.
3What is the primary function of a router in a network?
A.To connect devices within the same network segment
B.To forward packets between different networks based on IP addresses
C.To amplify network signals to extend cable distances
D.To filter traffic based on MAC addresses
Explanation: A router's primary function is to forward packets between different networks (inter-network communication) using IP addresses and routing tables. Switches connect devices within the same network segment using MAC addresses. Repeaters amplify signals, and switches (not routers) filter based on MAC addresses. Exam tip: Routers operate at Layer 3 (Network layer) of the OSI model and make forwarding decisions based on destination IP addresses.
4Which protocol is used to automatically assign IP addresses to devices on a network?
A.DNS
B.DHCP
C.ARP
D.SNMP
Explanation: DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and DNS server addresses to network devices. DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses, ARP maps IP addresses to MAC addresses, and SNMP is used for network management and monitoring. Exam tip: DHCP uses UDP ports 67 (server) and 68 (client).
5What type of cable uses light pulses to transmit data and is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI)?
A.Coaxial cable
B.Unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
C.Fiber optic cable
D.Shielded twisted pair (STP)
Explanation: Fiber optic cables transmit data as light pulses through glass or plastic fibers, making them immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI). They support longer distances and higher bandwidth than copper cables. Coaxial, UTP, and STP are all copper-based cables that use electrical signals and are susceptible to EMI to varying degrees. Exam tip: Fiber optic comes in two types — single-mode (long distance) and multi-mode (shorter distance).
6Which of the following is a valid IPv4 private address range used in home and small office networks?
A.172.32.0.0 to 172.63.255.255
B.192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255
C.11.0.0.0 to 11.255.255.255
D.224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255
Explanation: The 192.168.0.0/16 range (192.168.0.0 to 192.168.255.255) is one of three RFC 1918 private address ranges. The others are 10.0.0.0/8 and 172.16.0.0/12 (172.16.0.0 to 172.31.255.255, not 172.32.x.x). The 224.0.0.0/4 range is reserved for multicast. Private addresses are not routable on the public internet and require NAT for internet access. Exam tip: Know all three private ranges — they appear frequently on networking exams.
7What is the purpose of the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)?
A.To assign IP addresses to devices dynamically
B.To resolve domain names to IP addresses
C.To map IP addresses to MAC addresses on a local network
D.To encrypt data for secure transmission
Explanation: ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) resolves a known IP address to a MAC address on the local network. When a device needs to communicate with another device on the same subnet, it broadcasts an ARP request to find the destination's MAC address. DHCP assigns IP addresses dynamically, DNS resolves domain names, and protocols like TLS handle encryption. Exam tip: ARP operates at Layer 2/3 boundary and maintains a cache of recent mappings viewable with 'arp -a'.
8A network technician sees a solid green LED on a switch port. What does this typically indicate?
A.The port is disabled by the administrator
B.There is a link established but no data traffic
C.The link is active and operating normally
D.There is a duplex mismatch error
Explanation: A solid green LED on a Cisco switch port typically indicates an active, properly functioning link. A blinking green LED indicates data is being transmitted or received. An amber LED often indicates a port error or the port is in a blocking state (STP). No light means no link or the port is disabled. Exam tip: Understanding LED indicators is important for physical layer troubleshooting — always check LEDs before diving into software diagnostics.
9Which wireless standard operates exclusively on the 5 GHz frequency band and supports speeds up to 1.3 Gbps?
A.802.11n (Wi-Fi 4)
B.802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)
C.802.11g
D.802.11b
Explanation: IEEE 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) operates exclusively on the 5 GHz band and supports theoretical speeds up to 1.3 Gbps (Wave 1) or 6.93 Gbps (Wave 2) using wider channels and MU-MIMO. 802.11n supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. 802.11g and 802.11b operate only on 2.4 GHz. Exam tip: Know the frequency bands and maximum speeds for each Wi-Fi standard — 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz with even faster speeds.
10A network has a subnet mask of 255.255.255.192. How many usable host addresses are available per subnet?
A.30
B.62
C.64
D.126
Explanation: A /26 subnet mask (255.255.255.192) provides 2^6 = 64 total addresses per subnet. Subtract 2 for the network address and broadcast address, leaving 62 usable host addresses. The formula is (2^host bits) - 2 = usable hosts. Exam tip: Practice subnetting quickly — on the exam, remember common subnet sizes: /24=254, /25=126, /26=62, /27=30, /28=14 usable hosts.

About the CCST Networking Exam

The Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking exam (100-150) validates entry-level networking concepts and skills. It focuses on how networks operate, including devices, media, protocols, addressing, infrastructure, troubleshooting, and foundational security.

Assessment

Question count varies by exam form

Time Limit

50 minutes

Passing Score

Pass/fail; numeric cut score not public

Exam Fee

$125 (Cisco / Pearson VUE / Certiport)

CCST Networking Exam Content Outline

Official topic area

Standards and Concepts

Network building blocks, OSI and TCP/IP thinking, LAN/WAN/MAN/CAN/PAN/WLAN distinctions, cloud versus on-premises services, common protocols, and performance terms such as bandwidth and throughput.

Official topic area

Addressing and Subnet Formats

Public and private addressing, IPv4 dotted-decimal addresses, subnet masks, CIDR notation, gateways, IPv6 addresses and prefixes, and the difference between MAC and IP addressing.

Official topic area

Endpoints and Media Types

Endpoint devices, network interfaces, common LAN cables and connectors, wired networks, Wi-Fi, cellular networking, interference sources, and client connectivity checks across major operating systems.

Official topic area

Infrastructure

Routers, switches, wireless access points, firewalls, ports, Cisco device status lights, network diagrams, cabling instructions from an engineer, and basic routing and switching concepts.

Official topic area

Diagnosing Problems

Structured troubleshooting, ticketing, documentation, information gathering, diagnostic commands, Wireshark packet capture, device access methods, and basic Cisco show command interpretation.

Official topic area

Security

Firewall filtering, foundational security concepts, secure defaults, authentication, wireless security using WPAx, common threats, and technician-level escalation boundaries.

How to Pass the CCST Networking Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass/fail; numeric cut score not public
  • Assessment: Question count varies by exam form
  • Time limit: 50 minutes
  • Exam fee: $125

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CCST Networking Study Tips from Top Performers

1Use Cisco's six topic areas as the study map and avoid unsupported shortcuts such as unofficial pass percentages.
2Treat addressing and troubleshooting as daily practice skills, not memorization-only topics.
3Build a small lab with a router, switch, wireless client, or simulator so cabling, ports, LEDs, and commands become concrete.
4Practice documenting symptoms, scope, commands run, and escalation notes because Cisco includes help desk best practices.
5Before scheduling, verify language and delivery options in the Cisco/Pearson VUE scheduling flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the CCST Networking exam?

Cisco lists the CCST Networking exam duration as 50 minutes. Cisco FAQ says the number of questions varies by exam, so candidates should not treat third-party question counts as official.

How much does the CCST Networking exam cost?

Cisco lists each CCST exam at US $125, plus applicable tax. Each retake requires a new exam purchase or voucher.

Does Cisco publish the CCST Networking passing score?

Cisco reports CCST results as pass/fail and does not publish a public numeric CCST Networking cut score. Prepare across all six official topic areas instead of targeting an unofficial percentage.

Can I take CCST Networking online?

Cisco says CCST exams are delivered by Pearson VUE and Certiport. Candidates can register through Pearson VUE for test-center or online-proctored delivery, while educational institutions may use Certiport/CATC delivery.

Are there prerequisites for CCST Networking?

No. Cisco states that CCST certifications have no prerequisites and are available to anyone, although candidates need entry-level knowledge of the exam topics before attempting the exam.

How long is CCST Networking valid?

Cisco states that CCST certifications earned on or after July 15, 2025 are valid for 5 years. CCST certifications earned before July 15, 2025 remain lifetime credentials.