What courses do I need for CAD?

Required courses: Application Development Fundamentals, Scripting in ServiceNow Fundamentals. Recommended: ServiceNow Integration Hub, Automated Test Framework.

What is on the CAD exam?

The CAD exam covers 7 domains: Scripting & APIs (25%), Business Rules (15%), Client Scripts (12%), UI Policies & Actions (10%), Script Includes (12%), Integration & REST APIs (15%), Application Development (11%).

CAD Exam Preparation

Certified Application Developer

Official Exam Page ↗Official Study Guide ↗Practice Questions (130+)

Exam Details

Questions

90 min

Duration

70%

Passing Score

$210

Exam Fee

Exam Blueprint

ServiceNow Official Exam Blueprint

Domain	Weight
Scripting & APIs • Write server-side scripts using GlideRecord and GlideSystem • Use GlideAjax for client-server communication • Implement script debugging techniques • Understand script execution order and context	25%
Business Rules • Create business rules with appropriate timing • Use conditions and scripts effectively • Implement current and previous object references • Avoid infinite loops and performance issues	15%
Integration & REST APIs • Build inbound and outbound REST integrations • Use Import Sets and Transform Maps • Implement Scripted REST APIs • Handle authentication and error handling	15%
Client Scripts • Write onLoad, onChange, and onSubmit scripts • Use g_form API for field manipulation • Implement client-side validation • Handle asynchronous operations	12%
Script Includes • Create reusable Script Includes • Extend GlideRecord and other classes • Implement client-callable Script Includes • Use AbstractAjaxProcessor pattern	12%
Application Development • Build applications using ServiceNow Studio • Manage application files and update sets • Implement application security and scoping • Test with Automated Test Framework	11%
UI Policies & Actions • Configure UI Policies for dynamic forms • Create UI Actions for custom buttons • Understand client vs server UI Actions • Implement form behavior without scripting	10%

Study Plan

Focus on high-weight topics first for maximum impact. Topics are ordered by exam weight.

Scripting & APIs

25% weight

Master GlideRecord, GlideSystem, GlideAjax, and server-side scripting on the ServiceNow platform. Learn essential APIs for querying, updating, and managing records programmatically.

Key Concepts to Master:

GlideRecord queries and CRUD operationsGlideSystem utility methodsGlideAjax client-server communicationGlideAggregate for reportingScript debugging and logging+3 more

Practice (24 questions)Learn Concepts

Business Rules

15% weight

Create and manage business rules for server-side automation. Understand when business rules execute, how to use conditions and scripts, and best practices for server-side logic.

Key Concepts to Master:

Before, after, async, and display business rulescurrent and previous objectsBusiness rule conditions and scriptsExecution order and when to runScheduled script execution+3 more

Practice (14 questions)Learn Concepts

Integration & REST APIs

15% weight

Build integrations using REST APIs, web services, and data import tools. Master inbound and outbound REST, Import Sets, and Transform Maps.

Key Concepts to Master:

Scripted REST APIsOutbound REST Messages (RESTMessageV2)Import Sets and Transform MapsTable API vs Scripted REST APIAuthentication methods+3 more

Practice (13 questions)Learn Concepts

Client Scripts

12% weight

Implement client-side scripting for form customization and improved user experience. Master g_form, g_user, and g_list APIs for dynamic form behavior.

Key Concepts to Master:

onLoad, onChange, onSubmit, onCellEdit typesg_form API methodsg_user and g_list objectsGlideAjax from client sideClient script vs UI Policy decisions+3 more

Practice (11 questions)Learn Concepts

Script Includes

12% weight

Build reusable server-side JavaScript libraries with Script Includes. Learn to extend classes, create client-callable scripts, and implement the AbstractAjaxProcessor pattern.

Key Concepts to Master:

Script Include structure and prototypesExtending classes (AbstractAjaxProcessor)Client-callable Script IncludesGlideAjax integration patternsScoped vs global Script Includes+3 more

Practice (12 questions)Learn Concepts

Application Development

11% weight

Build and deploy scoped applications using ServiceNow Studio. Manage update sets, implement application security, and test with the Automated Test Framework.

Key Concepts to Master:

Scoped applications and namespacesServiceNow Studio IDEUpdate sets managementApplication deployment lifecycleAutomated Test Framework (ATF)+3 more

Practice (43 questions)Learn Concepts

UI Policies & Actions

10% weight

Dynamically change form behavior without scripting using UI Policies. Create custom buttons and menu items with UI Actions for streamlined workflows.

Key Concepts to Master:

UI Policy conditions and actionsUI Policy vs Client Script decisionsUI Actions (form, list, context menu)Data Policies for server-side enforcementExecution order and priority+3 more

Practice (13 questions)Learn Concepts