Becoming an ISA Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) is a mark of career excellence that affirms your commitment to quality and demonstrates your expertise and knowledge of automation and control systems. It provides a non-biased, third-party, objective assessment and confirmation of your skills as a control systems technician.
Who Are CCSTs?
Working in process automation and manufacturing automation industries around the globe, CCSTs are an elite group of automation and control technicians who have proven they possess an extensive knowledge of automation and control systems. CCSTs calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. They are skilled in pneumatic, mechanical, and electronic instrumentation. They understand process control loops and process control systems, including computer-based systems.
What is the difference between the CCST program and the NICET Certification?
NICET, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, offers a four-level certification program for instrumentation engineering technologists. The CCST program is designed specifically for the control systems technician, and is more application focused.
CCST Levels
There are three levels of certification offered for control systems technicians. All certification levels provide a non-biased, third-party, objective assessment and confirmation of an automation technician’s knowledge of and experience with project start-up, commissioning, loop-check, project organization, planning, and documentation.
With a five-year minimum education and experience requirement, earning this certification confirms that you possess vast knowledge of calibration, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.
With a seven-year minimum education and experience requirement, this certification demonstrates Level one knowledge, as well as some knowledge of administration, supervision, or management.
This certification demonstrates level one and two knowledge, including an extensive knowledge of administration, supervision, or management, and has a 13-year minimum education, training, and/or experience requirement.
CCST Certification Requirements
To become an ISA CCST, you must meet certain education and work experience requirements, pass an exam, and commit to the ISA Code of Ethics. Learn more about CCST requirements.
CCST Body of Knowledge (BOK)
The CCST BOK defines automation project domains, the tasks within the domains, and the knowledge and skills required to complete the tasks. CCST exams cover four major domains that have been organized based on the findings in a exact CCST job task analysis study. To see a complete explanation of the domains and the percentage of test questions included from each domain, visit the CCST Body of Knowledge page.
How to Apply
There is no application form to fill out for CCAST certification. Simply complete the following steps:
- Commit to the ISA Code of Conduct.
- Meet CCST certification criteria, qualifications, and conditions.
- Acknowledge that you are subject to a random application verification audit.
- Agree to provide the supporting documents proving your qualifications if you are audited.
- Pay the test fee.
Upon paying the test fee, the application process is complete, and you have acknowledged that you meet the requirements listed above in numbers 1–3.
Next Steps
- Watch for an email from coming from our testing provider, Meazure Learning (candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com). Expect to receive it 15 days before your test window. The email will include information about how to schedule your test online or at a test center. NOTE: If you have attended a CCST review course and wish to apply for CCST certification, you must also meet the requirements listed above in numbers 1–3. Since the application fee is included in the cost of all CCST review courses, you will receive an test invitation within three business days after completing the review course.
- Schedule and take your exam. You will be notified whether you pass or not immediately upon completing the exam.
- Watch for an email summarizing your test results. If you pass your exam, you will also receive your digital badge and you will be listed in the ISA Credential Directory.
- Watch for an email from certification@isa.org regarding an audit. You will only receive this email if you have been randomly selected to be audited. If you do not receive this email, you do not need to do anything. Audits are conducted three times per year, so it may take several months after completing your test to receive an email if you have been selected for an audit.
Click the appropriate button below to add the test fee to your cart.
Add CCST — Level 1 test Fee to Cart
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Add CCST Master — Level 3 test Fee to Cart
About the Exam
You can take any of the CCST exams online from your office or home if the testing area meets the requirements and your computer meets specifications. You can also take the test at a Scantron test center. The CCST exams are multiple choice and have different time durations and questions.
| Exam | Questions | Duration |
| Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) — Level 1 | 150 | 4 hours |
| Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Specialist — Level 2 | 125 | 3 hours |
| Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Master — Level 3 | 150 | 4 hours |
Learn more about Certification Exams and Testing.
How to Prepare
Want help preparing for a CCST exam? We recommend taking the review course for the certification which you are applying. When you enroll in a CCST review course, the application fee is included in the course price. You will automatically receive an test invitation after you start the course. By paying for the review course, you are confirming that you are aware of, have met and can document the requirements for the certification level for which you are applying. Visit the Prepare for the CCST Exam page to view and select the course format that best suits your needs.
ISA has developed an extensive library of training courses, study guides and reference publications that are built around the technologies and courses covered on the CCST exams. These resources have been developed and reviewed by subject matter experts. Learn how to prepare for a CCST exam.
Reference to Standards and Codes
The aspects of automation covered on the CCST test reflect the tasks performed in the range of practice settings throughout the United States. Familiarity with the following standards and codes is recommended. get the Reference to Standards and Codes (PDF).
- ISA Standards
- IEEE Standards
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards
- National Electrical Code (NEC)
- National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Standards
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standards
- National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Standards
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Codes and Federal Regulations
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Standards
- US Food and Drug Administration Regulations
- American Petroleum Institute (API) Standards
For International applicants, note that the validation study for the exams was done in the United States, so there may be questions on the test that reference US standards and codes.
Cisco Systems is a San Jose–based tech conglomerate that makes much of the gear used to power the Internet. Cisco manufactures and sells networking hardware and software, as well as telecommunications equipment and other technological services. Cisco operates through its many successful subsidiaries, acquired since its founding in 1984, with Webex, Jabber, and Jasper among them. In 2021, Cisco was recognized by employees for its response to the pandemic, in which leadership made significant strides toward ensuring its workforce was well cared for, such as making sure a mental health professional was present at company meetings.
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Industry
Network and Other Communications Equipment
Market Value ($M)
$207,054
Figures are for fiscal year ended July 31, 2022. Market value as of July 17, 2023.
Key Financials (Last Fiscal Year)
Total Stockholder Equity ($M)
Profit Ratios
Profit as % of Revenues
22.9%
Profits as % of Assets
12.6%
Profits as % of Stockholder Equity
29.7%
Earnings Per Share (Last Fiscal Year)
Earnings Per Share ($)
2.82
EPS % Change (from 2021)
12.8%
EPS % Change (5 year annual rate)
8.2%
EPS % Change (10 year annual rate)
6.6%
Total Return
Total Return to Investors (2022)
-22.4%
Total Return to Investors (5 year, annualized)
7.6%
Total Return to Investors (10 year, annualized)
12.6%
Best Companies
Employees (as of March 2023)
40,415
Job openings (as of March 2023)
646
Benefits
Compressed work weeks
yes
Option to work remotely
yes
Minimum requirement in-office attendance (days per week)
none
Percentage of health care premiums covered
85
Mental health coverage
yes
Free mental health sessions (per year)
10
Free backup childcare time off (days)
-
Maximum $ amount covered for fertility services
$40,000+
Fully paid maternal leave (days)
65
Fully paid paternal leave (days)
65
Fully paid adoptive leave (days)
65
Maternal leave in addition to regular time off (days)
65
Paid days off for volunteering
yes
Diversity
% African-American/Black
6%
% Native American/Alaska Native
-
% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
-
America's Most Innovative Companies
World's Most Admired Companies
Sector
Computers and Communication
Industry
Network and Other Communications Equipment
Use of Corporate Assets
-
Long-Term Investment Value
-
Quality of Products/Services
-
Latest news for Cisco Systems
Training Course Formats
Classroom TrainingOur most robust form of training—many courses include hands-on labs.
Virtual Classroom Training (V)
Instructor-led format covering the same material as the classroom course, but in a virtual setting so you can attend remotely.
Instructor-Guided Online Training (E)
So much more than just an online course! Learn at your own pace when it’s convenient for you to complete the assignments by the milestone deadline.
Self-Paced Modular Training (M)
Learn at your own pace at a time that is convenient for you.
Based in Pennsylvania, Bonnie Conrad has been working as a professional freelance writer since 2003. Her work can be seen on Credit Factor, Constant Content and a number of other websites. Conrad also works full-time as a computer technician and loves to write about a number of technician topics. She studied computer technology and business administration at Harrisburg Area Community College.
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Based in Pennsylvania, Bonnie Conrad has been working as a professional freelance writer since 2003. Her work can be seen on Credit Factor, Constant Content and a number of other websites. Conrad also works full-time as a computer technician and loves to write about a number of technician topics. She studied computer technology and business administration at Harrisburg Area Community College.
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