Solve technical challenges and make a difference by helping people — build the practical IT support skills needed to start your career as a certified IT Support Specialist.
The IT support field needs smart, empathetic people to help users and keep systems running. The IT Support Specialist Career Path is designed to prepare you for the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support certification and entry-level roles such as IT End User Support, Help Desk Support, and Computer Support Specialist. You will learn practical IT skills including managing support tickets, documenting solutions, and communicating effectively with users, as well as tackling a wide range of problems — from troubleshooting hardware and resolving connectivity issues to navigating different operating systems and applications. The path also covers cloud technology basics and identifying and combating common security threats. All courses are online and free.
Career Path Outline
- Course 1 — IT Customer Support Basics
Develop help desk and customer support skills to succeed in entry-level positions. Learn to manage and troubleshoot IT environments. - Course 2 — Operating Systems Support
Troubleshoot Windows, macOS, and mobile systems. Improve your customer service skills and prepare for entry-level IT support roles. - Course 3 — Security and Connectivity Support
Develop foundational IT support skills. Learn to troubleshoot connectivity and defend systems against modern cybersecurity threats. - Course 4 — Hardware and Upgrade Support
Your hands-on guide to PC hardware. Learn to diagnose, repair, and upgrade components to launch your IT career. - Exam — IT Support Specialist Pathway Exam
Test your knowledge on content from the entire IT Support Specialist Career Path and earn a digital badge to verify your skills.
Career Path Details
Time: 30 Hours
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
Format: Self-paced online
Available Languages
English
Certification & Career
Earn a digital badge upon completing the career path, then take the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support certification exam to earn an industry-recognised credential for your résumé. Target roles include IT End User Support, Help Desk Support, and Computer Support Specialist.
Exam code: 100-140 CCST
Duration: 50 minutes
Price: US$125
Languages: English
Topics: IT support tasks & responsibilities, hardware, connectivity, operating systems, applications, security threats
Achievements & Badges
Successfully complete the IT Support Specialist Career Path to earn a Cisco Networking Academy digital badge verifying your knowledge. Then sit the CCST IT Support (100-140) certification exam to earn an industry-recognised credential. Share your achievements on LinkedIn, your CV, or professional profile.
What Cisco verifies: The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) IT Support (100-140) certification validates foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level IT support roles. The 50-minute exam tests queue and time management, documentation, troubleshooting, assisting end users, managing computer components, and identifying security threats. Available in English, priced at US$125. View exam topics →