CSAvsCIS-ITSM
Compare ServiceNow Certified System Administrator and Certified Implementation Specialist - IT Service Management certifications to find the right path for your career.
CSA
entryCertified System Administrator
The ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) certification validates your ability to configure, implement, and maintain ServiceNow instances. This entry-level certification is the foundation for all other ServiceNow certifications.
CIS-ITSM
professionalCertified Implementation Specialist - IT Service Management
The CIS-ITSM certification validates your expertise in implementing ServiceNow IT Service Management solutions including Incident, Problem, Change, and Request Management.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare exam details, costs, and requirements.
| Comparison | CSA | CIS-ITSM |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Questions | 60 | 60 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Cut Score | Not published | Not published |
| Exam Cost | $300 | $450 |
| Level | Entry | Professional |
| Format | Multiple choice and multiple select | Multiple choice and multiple select |
| Blueprint Updated | January 2026 | January 2026 |
| Prerequisites | 6-12 months hands-on ServiceNow experience, ServiceNow Administration Fundamentals course (recommended, not required), Access to a Personal Developer Instance (PDI) | CIS-DF (Data Foundations) certification, required before you can register for this exam, ServiceNow CSA certification (recommended), ITSM implementation experience, ITIL Foundation knowledge recommended |
Which Should You Choose?
Start with CSA if you're new to ServiceNow. It provides the foundational knowledge needed before pursuing CIS-ITSM.
Choose CSA if:
- •You work primarily with foundation functions
- •Your role requires certified system administrator expertise
- •You want to demonstrate entry-level ServiceNow skills
Choose CIS-ITSM if:
- •You work primarily with it service management functions
- •Your role requires certified implementation specialist - it service management expertise
- •You want to demonstrate professional-level ServiceNow skills
Ready to Start Preparing?
Try our free practice questions to see which certification fits your current knowledge.