ServiceNow is a leading platform in IT service management (ITSM) and enterprise service management, widely used by organizations to manage and automate their IT and business processes. Getting a ServiceNow certification can be a game-changer for your career, especially if you’re into these particular areas. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate the world of ServiceNow certifications.
- What is ServiceNow Certification
- What ServiceNow Certification Path is Right for You
- How to Pass the ServiceNow Certification Exam
- Benefits of ServiceNow Career
- Final Words
What is ServiceNow Certification
ServiceNow helps businesses streamline their operations by bringing together IT, HR, security, business management, and customer service into one cloud-based system. This makes everything simpler, more efficient, and highly productive. For help desk support, ServiceNow automates repetitive tasks, freeing up IT agents to focus on more important work that helps the business grow.
A Forrester Consulting study from January 2021 showed that investing in ServiceNow can lead to a 235% ROI over three years, highlighting its growing adoption and the increasing demand for skilled professionals.
So, what’s ServiceNow Certification all about? It’s a set of credentials that prove your skills in using the ServiceNow platform. Certifications show you understand the system, can handle tasks efficiently, know best practices, and can apply your knowledge to meet business goals.
Getting certified can boost your career by demonstrating to employers that you have the expertise to work with ServiceNow effectively.
Why Consider ServiceNow Certification
As already mentioned, certification in ServiceNow can significantly enhance your career by boosting your job prospects, earning potential, and industry credibility. It also ensures you stay updated with the latest skills and best practices, making you a more effective and efficient professional. Here is a deep dive into the most common reasons people opt for obtaining ServiceNow certificates:
Career Advancement
ServiceNow certifications are highly regarded in the IT industry. They demonstrate your expertise and commitment to mastering the platform, making you a valuable employer asset. Nearly 60% of certified ServiceNow professionals report that their certification positively impacted their career, leading to a promotion within 3-12 months.
Benefits:
- Increased chances of landing job interviews
- Eligibility for higher-level positions
- Enhanced professional reputation
Higher Earning Potential
Certified professionals often command higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts. Employers are willing to pay more for proven skills and knowledge.
Benefits:
- Better salary negotiations
- Opportunities for bonuses and raises
- Access to higher-paying job roles
Industry Recognition
A ServiceNow certification sets you apart from other IT professionals. It shows that you have the skills to effectively implement, manage, and develop on the ServiceNow platform.
Benefits:
- Increased credibility with peers and employers
- Opportunities to speak at industry events
- Recognition as a subject matter expert
Skill Enhancement
Preparing for and achieving certification deepens your understanding of the ServiceNow platform. It equips you with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills.
Benefits:
- Improved problem-solving abilities
- Greater efficiency in performing tasks
- Ability to leverage new features and functionalities
Networking Opportunities
Joining the community of certified professionals opens doors to valuable networking opportunities. You can connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders.
Benefits:
- Access to exclusive ServiceNow events and forums
- Collaboration with other certified experts
- Opportunities for mentorship and career guidance
There are also delta certifications in ServiceNow that help professionals stay up-to-date according to ServiceNow’s latest releases.
What ServiceNow Certification Path is Right for You
ServiceNow training and certification help you quickly maximize platform capabilities to better achieve your goals. Selecting the right ServiceNow learning path depends on your current role, interests, and career goals. Each of them offers unique opportunities to deepen your expertise and advance your career in the ServiceNow ecosystem.
The ServiceNow certifications list might be confusing but, in general, the certifications are categorized into three main levels:
- Certified System Administrator (CSA)
- Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS)
- Certified Application Developer (CAD)
Normally, it is worth choosing Implementer Path if you’re focused on deploying and customizing ServiceNow solutions across various applications and ensuring successful implementation projects. Developer Path is for those who are passionate about developing new applications, customizing the platform, and solving complex problems through coding and integrations. The administrator path best fits those responsible for the overall maintenance, configuration, and efficient operation of the ServiceNow platform within your organization. But let’s look deeper into each of ServiceNow certification paths:
System Administrator Learning Path
Who it’s for:
- IT professionals responsible for the day-to-day management and maintenance of the ServiceNow platform
- Those new to ServiceNow seeking to build foundational knowledge
Why choose this path:
- It’s the entry-level certification and a prerequisite for more advanced certifications
- Provides essential skills for managing and configuring the ServiceNow platform
- Ideal for those who manage the operational aspects of ServiceNow, ensuring smooth performance and user satisfaction
Recommended ServiceNow Training
The System Administrator Career Journey is designed to help you get started or advance your career in the ServiceNow ecosystem. It introduces you to the ServiceNow platform, teaching you how to use it efficiently. This journey brings all the necessary training content and certifications into one place on Now Learning, so you know exactly what you need to achieve your career goals. You’ll also gain practical experience by working on real-world scenarios to enhance your skills. Engaging with the community is essential for your success, and you’ll be encouraged to participate by commenting, asking questions, and joining groups.
The journey is divided into three levels based on your experience and skills: Associate, Professional, and Expert. If you’re new to ServiceNow, it’s best to start with the Associate level.
Associate System Administrator
The Associate System Administrator level is designed for beginners with 0 to 3 years of ServiceNow experience. The focus areas for this level include completing introductory ServiceNow System Administration coursework, earning the “Welcome to ServiceNow” Micro-Certification, and preparing for the Certified System Administrator (CSA) exam. Additionally, it involves engaging with the ServiceNow community and utilizing ServiceNow documentation and developer sites, as well as assisting with incident management and basic administration tasks.
Professional System Administrator
The Professional System Administrator level is meant for those with 3 to 5 years of ServiceNow experience. The focus areas at this level include enhancing technical skills in automation, Flow Designer, subscription management, Automated Test Framework (ATF), upgrades, JavaScript, and application development. It also involves earning the CSA certification and the Citizen Developer Application Creator Micro-Certification, as well as leading instance upgrades, customizations, testing, and managing security data and performance.
Expert System Administrator
The Expert System Administrator level targets those with 5 or more years of ServiceNow experience. The focus areas for this level include advancing technical skills through courses in ATF, Flow Designer, scripting, advanced administration, upgrade essentials, and Now Support Administration. Additionally, it involves specializing in areas like GRC, application development, HR, SecOps, finance, and legal, and achieving related micro-certifications. Mentoring and coaching junior staff on upgrades, advanced customizations, integrations, application development, data and performance management, automation, and process optimization are also key components at this level.
The journey provides recommendations for earning credentials at each level. You can start with any role and move to the next at your own pace, depending on your schedule and learning style. Completing all courses in a level earns you a badge to showcase on social media and your ServiceNow resume.
Developer Learning Path
Who it’s for:
- Developers and software engineers
- Those who want to build and customize applications on the ServiceNow platform
Why choose this path:
- Focuses on the full lifecycle of application development on ServiceNow
- Ideal for those who enjoy creating custom solutions and enhancing the platform’s capabilities
- Provides skills to build applications tailored to specific business needs
Recommended ServiceNow Training
Similar to the administrators’ path, the Application Developer career journey offers a comprehensive set of materials and certifications to guide you through your development career within the ServiceNow ecosystem. You will learn how to create applications by designing tables, implementing forms, managing access controls, and integrating workflows.
This journey is divided into three levels, each increasing in complexity and depth of skills and topics.
Associate Application Developer
This level is for those with 0 to 1 year of experience with ServiceNow. Here, you will explore the ServiceNow user interface, complete fundamental administration courses, and learn JavaScript on the Now Platform. You will also use App Engine Studio for developing applications, work towards becoming a ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA), and develop strong communication skills.
Professional Application Developer
Aimed at those with 2 to 4 years of ServiceNow experience, this level requires the Mainline CSA and the Flow Designer Micro-Certification. You’ll focus on completing Scripting in ServiceNow Fundamentals, learning application development, becoming familiar with Integration Hub and UI Builder, and mastering Service Portal Fundamentals. This level also prepares you to become a ServiceNow Certified Application Developer (CAD).
Expert Application Developer
Designed for individuals with 5 to 8 years of ServiceNow experience, this level requires completion of the CAD, Integration Hub Micro-Certification, Application Developer UI Creator Micro-Certification, and Service Portal Fundamentals Micro-Certification. You’ll focus on mastering the Automated Test Framework Essentials, Source Control Fundamentals, and the Now Platform implementation, while also delving deeper into the Service Portal and source control fundamentals.
How to Pass the ServiceNow Certification Exam
Passing the ServiceNow Certification Exam requires a combination of understanding the platform, thorough preparation, and strategic test-taking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you succeed:
Step 1. Understand the Exam Format and Content
Know what to expect:
- Familiarize yourself with the specific certification exam structure and requirements. Each ServiceNow exam covers different areas, so make sure you understand the topics and skills that will be tested. Check this Understand Exam Requirements guide to familiarize yourself with the exam prerequisites.
Each Mainline Certification includes these details:
Certification Description: Outlines the skills and knowledge you’ll gain.
Training Requirements: Lists recommended and mandatory courses, including the course that provides the certification voucher.
Exam Blueprint: Explains the exam’s purpose, audience, content, structure, registration, and sample questions.
Earn Additional Credentials: This shows how this certification can lead to earning more credentials.
Recommended Experience: This suggests how much experience you should have, though it’s not verified by ServiceNow.
Exam and Registration Details: Provides information on the exam format, duration, and how to register.
Certification Expiration: Explains how to maintain your certification.
Study the exam blueprint:
- As already mentioned, ServiceNow provides a blueprint or exam guide that outlines the key topics, weightage, and types of questions. Use this to focus your study efforts. Here you can check the one for the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator Exam.
Step 2. Use Official Study Materials
Leverage Now Learning:
- Enroll in a suitable ServiceNow certification training program available on Now Learning, ServiceNow’s official training platform. These courses (mentioned in previous sections) are tailored to cover the material on the exams.
Use ServiceNow documentation:
- The ServiceNow docs site is an invaluable resource too. It provides detailed explanations, use cases, and examples that are crucial for understanding how the platform works.
Step 3. Hands-On Practice
Get practical experience:
- Create a free ServiceNow developer instance. Experiment with the platform by building applications, configuring workflows, and exploring different modules. ServiceNow normally recommends having at least 6 months of practice with the platform before passing the exam.
- While studying for the exam, make sure to complete all labs in the Developer Instance, including the Capstone Project.
- Try any available simulators on Now Learning. These will help you apply what you’ve learned to real tasks and objectives, proving your knowledge and readiness.
Work on real-world scenarios:
- Apply your knowledge to practical situations. If you’re currently employed, try to involve yourself in ServiceNow projects. If not, create your projects to gain hands-on experience.
Step 4. Join the ServiceNow Community
Engage with peers:
- Join the ServiceNow Community forums to ask questions, share insights, and learn from others’ experiences.
- Be careful as not all the entries are useful and true.
Participate in local groups and events:
- Attend ServiceNow user groups (SNUGs) and webinars. These events provide networking opportunities and insights from experts.
Step 5. Review and Use Study Guides
Find study guides and practice exams:
- Use study guides specific to your certification exam. Many guides include practice questions that simulate the actual exam environment.
Take practice tests:
- Practice exams help you get used to the question format and timing. Identify areas where you need more review and focus on those topics.
- Many previous exam takers state that the Udemy ServiceNow preparation courses with analogous test questions are of big help.
Step 6. Time Management
Create a study schedule:
- Plan your study time well in advance of the exam. Break down the topics into manageable chunks and set goals for each study session.
Schedule your exam:
- Review the “Register for Your Mainline Exam” lesson through Webassessor to understand the registration process.
- Create a Webassesor account (platform for exam registration).
- Secure your exam slot by submitting the form.
Pace yourself during the exam:
- During the exam, manage your time effectively. Read each question carefully, and don’t spend too much time on any single question. Normally you will have 60 questions and 90 minutes to complete.
Step 7. Stay Updated
Keep up with updates:
- ServiceNow frequently updates its platform. Make sure your knowledge is current by staying informed about the latest features and changes.
Review release notes:
- Check the release notes for the latest ServiceNow versions. This will ensure you are aware of new functionalities that may be included in the exam.
Step 8. Take Care of Yourself
Rest and relax:
- Get a good night’s sleep before the exam day. Being well-rested can significantly impact your performance.
Stay calm and focused:
- During the exam, stay calm. If you encounter difficult questions, take a deep breath and approach them methodically.
To keep your certification up to date, participate in the maintenance program. This ensures you stay current with the latest features and can effectively communicate updates to customers and the team. For each new release, certified professionals take brief, non-proctored delta exams to learn about the new changes.
Benefits of ServiceNow Career
Choosing a career in ServiceNow comes with a multitude of advantages that can significantly impact your professional journey. Here are some points to consider:
High Demand: Many companies are using ServiceNow, so there’s a big need for people who know how to use it, leading to lots of job opportunities.
Good Pay: Because ServiceNow skills are specialized, jobs in this field often pay more than other IT roles.
Variety of Jobs: You can choose from many different roles, whether you want to be technical, like a developer, or more strategic, like a project manager or consultant.
Global Recognition: ServiceNow certifications are respected by employers all over the world, making you more valuable in the job market.
Modern Technology: Working with ServiceNow means you’ll be using the latest in cloud computing and IT service management, keeping your skills current.
Networking: Being part of the ServiceNow community lets you connect with other professionals, share knowledge, and stay updated on industry trends.
Flexibility: ServiceNow skills can be used in many different industries, like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail, so you have options on where you can work.
Final Words
Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance, the demand for ServiceNow expertise offers promising opportunities. From competitive salaries and career growth to the flexibility of working across various industries, the benefits are numerous. In this guide, we showed why a career in ServiceNow can be highly rewarding and beneficial for your future.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, start exploring ServiceNow certifications today and unlock a world of possibilities!
