Networks keep the digital world connected — learn how networks work and gain the employable skills to start your tech career as a Network Support Technician.
The Network Technician Career Path prepares you for the entry-level Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking certification and entry-level roles such as Network Support Technician, Entry-Level Help Desk Technician, or IT Support Specialist. You will learn how networks operate — including the devices, media, and protocols that enable network communication — and develop key skills for basic troubleshooting using effective methodologies and help desk best practices. Available in two ways — free and self-paced, or instructor-led with the CCST exam included.
Choose Your Way
Two ways to complete this career path and earn your CCST Networking certification.
Free Self-Paced
Enrol in each free course below, complete them at your own pace, and pass the free pathway exam. Then arrange and sit the CCST Networking certification exam independently.
- 4 courses · 70 hours total · Free
- Self-paced — any device, any time
- Free pathway exam and Cisco digital badge
- CCST exam arranged and paid separately
Use the Enrol button on each course page below to get started on netacad.com.
Paid Instructor-led with CCST Industrial Exam Included
Enrol in a single instructor-led course — Networking Essentials — delivered online by certified Cisco instructors at AZNEXT LLC. Covers all career path content. Pass the final exam and receive a Certiport voucher for the CCST Networking certification exam.
- 1 course · Networking Essentials · 70 hours · Instructor-led online
- Certified Cisco instructor throughout
- Schedule agreed with enrolled students
- CCST exam voucher included in course price
Free Self-paced — Course List
4 free self-paced courses · 70 hours · Arabic, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese
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1
Networking Basics
Learn the basics of computer networking and discover how networks operate.
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2
Networking Devices and Initial Configuration
Continue learning networking essentials and build your foundational skills.
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3
Network Addressing and Basic Troubleshooting
Take your networking foundation deeper and explore next steps towards a career in tech.
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4
Network Support and Security
Develop your network troubleshooting and user access control skills to begin your career in technology.
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Network Technician Career Path Exam
Test your knowledge on content from the entire Network Technician Career Path and earn a digital badge to verify your skills.
Recommended Preparation
Although not mandatory, a basic knowledge of computer hardware and operating systems (Windows, Linux, and mobile) is recommended as a foundation for this career path. Gain this knowledge through the Computer Hardware Basics and Operating Systems Basics courses.
Certification & Career
Complete either Way 1 or Way 2 to prepare for the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking certification. This entry-level credential validates your skills for roles including Network Support Technician, Help Desk Technician, and IT Support Specialist.
Exam code: 100-150 CCST
Duration: 50 minutes
Price: US$125 (included in Way 2)
Languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, Portuguese
Next step: CCNA certification
Achievements & Badges
Complete Way 1 to earn a Cisco Networking Academy digital badge. Complete Way 2 and pass the final exam to receive your Certiport CCST exam voucher. Sit the CCST Networking certification exam to earn your industry credential — shareable on LinkedIn, your CV, and professional profiles.
What Cisco verifies: The CCST Networking (100-150) certification validates foundational knowledge and skills of entry-level networking concepts including how networks operate, the devices, media, and protocols that enable network communications. The 50-minute exam costs US$125 and is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Portuguese. View exam topics →