CSAvsCPOA
Compare ServiceNow Certified System Administrator and Certified Platform Owner Associate 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.
CPOA
professionalCertified Platform Owner Associate
The ServiceNow Certified Platform Owner Associate (CPOA) certification validates understanding of platform governance, strategy, and management. This certification is designed for those responsible for overseeing the ServiceNow platform within their organization.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare exam details, costs, and requirements.
| Comparison | CSA | CPOA |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Questions | 60 | 60 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Passing Score | 70% | 70% |
| Exam Cost | $210 | $210 |
| Level | Entry | Professional |
| Format | Multiple choice and multiple select | Multiple choice and multiple select |
| Release | Yokohama | Yokohama |
| Prerequisites | 6-12 months hands-on ServiceNow experience, Completion of ServiceNow Fundamentals course (recommended), Access to a Personal Developer Instance (PDI) | ServiceNow CSA certification, Experience in platform governance and strategy, Understanding of ServiceNow best practices |
Which Should You Choose?
Start with CSA if you're new to ServiceNow. It provides the foundational knowledge needed before pursuing CPOA.
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 CPOA if:
- •You work primarily with platform owner functions
- •Your role requires certified platform owner associate 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.