ServiceNow Certification Paths
Navigate your ServiceNow career with the right certifications. Find your path from entry-level to architect.
🚀 Quick Start: Where Should You Begin?
New to ServiceNow? Start with CSA (Certified System Administrator). It's the foundation certification that 95% of ServiceNow professionals have, and it's required or recommended for almost every other certification.
⚙️ Administrator Track
The most common entry point into ServiceNow. Administrators configure the platform, manage users, and support day-to-day operations.
- IT professionals looking to enter ServiceNow
- Help desk or support staff wanting to level up
- ITSM professionals from other platforms (Jira, Zendesk)
- Anyone new to ServiceNow
💻 Developer Track
For those who want to build custom applications and write scripts on the ServiceNow platform.
- Software developers wanting to specialize in ServiceNow
- CSA holders looking to move into development
- Full-stack developers interested in enterprise platforms
- Anyone comfortable with JavaScript
🎫 ITSM Specialist Track
Deepen your expertise in IT Service Management — Incident, Problem, Change, and Request Management.
- ITSM administrators who configure these modules daily
- Consultants implementing ITSM for clients
- IT managers overseeing service desk operations
- CSA holders specializing in ITSM
🗄️ CMDB & Data Specialist Track
Specialize in the Configuration Management Database — the foundation of ServiceNow's power.
- Data architects and managers
- CMDB administrators
- Discovery and Service Mapping specialists
- Anyone implementing CSDM
🎧 Customer Service Track
Specialize in ServiceNow's Customer Service Management (CSM) for customer-facing operations.
- Customer service managers
- CSM implementation consultants
- B2B support specialists
- Contact center administrators
👥 HR Service Delivery Track
Specialize in HR Service Delivery for employee experiences and HR case management.
- HR technology managers
- HRSD implementation consultants
- Employee experience specialists
- HR system administrators
🔐 Security Operations Track
Focus on ServiceNow's Security Operations suite — vulnerability response and security incident response.
- Security operations center (SOC) analysts
- Security engineers
- Vulnerability management specialists
- Security consultants
🏗️ Technical Architect Track
The pinnacle of ServiceNow certification. Technical Architects design complex solutions across the platform.
- Senior developers with 3+ years experience
- Solution architects wanting ServiceNow recognition
- Technical leads overseeing large implementations
- Those pursuing CTA certification
Frequently Asked Questions
What ServiceNow certification should I get first?
CSA (Certified System Administrator) is the recommended first certification for everyone. It's the foundation that all other certifications build on, and it's required for most CIS certifications.
How long does it take to get ServiceNow certified?
CSA typically takes 2-4 weeks of study for someone new to ServiceNow. CAD adds another 4-6 weeks. CIS certifications usually take 4-8 weeks each after CSA.
Can I take CIS certifications without CSA?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. CSA teaches foundational concepts that CIS exams assume you know. Without CSA knowledge, you'll struggle with CIS questions.
Is CAD required before CIS certifications?
No. CAD is for developers. CIS certifications are for implementation specialists. You can go directly from CSA to CIS certifications if you're focused on implementation rather than development.
What's the best certification path for career growth?
For most people: CSA → (optional CAD if technical) → 1-2 CIS specializations relevant to your role. This gives you breadth (CSA), optional depth in development (CAD), and specialization (CIS).
Are ServiceNow certifications worth the cost?
Yes, for career growth. CSA alone can increase salary by $20K-30K. The ROI on the $210 exam fee is typically recovered within 1-2 months of a new role.
Ready to Start?
Begin your ServiceNow certification journey with free practice questions.