CTA Series The Journey from Code to Strategy - Part 1

[Mahathi]

The Structure of the Program:

The program spanned 12 weeks, with weekly live sessions every Friday for two hours. Depending on the number of groups in the cohort, the chance to present in a live session varied. Within the larger cohort, we were divided into smaller groups, where we discussed the case study of the week, prepared a presentation, and submitted it by Thursday morning. The submission included both the presentation deck and a 10-minute recording.

Following submission, our presentations were reviewed by peers and facilitators before the live session. Alternating weeks required us to present live, while the remaining weeks focused on peer coordination and reviewing presentations. Juggling this with regular office work made the 12 weeks quite packed but also incredibly enriching.

The Facilitator and Peer Cohort:

Our facilitator played a crucial role in making the learning environment comfortable and engaging. They constantly reminded us that there are no right or wrong answers, which encouraged open discussions and different perspectives. This approach made it easier to share ideas freely, learn from one another, and refine our problem-solving skills.

Additionally, being part of a highly talented cohort made the experience even more valuable. The knowledge-sharing, peer reviews, and collaborative learning helped me scale up every week. Learning alongside exceptional individuals and receiving their guidance was one of the program's biggest highlights.

The Challenge of AI-Driven Capstone Assessment:

After completing the 12-week coursework, we had to undertake an AI-driven capstone assessment consisting of 12 questions, each requiring a response within two minutes. The AI evaluated our responses, determining our readiness for the Mainline Exam. Previously, the Mainline qualification was a 30-minute presentation, but now it consists of this capstone assessment followed by the Mainline Exam. i will discuss more about the Mainline exam and preparation tips in the upcoming blogs.

I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as I sat down to take the capstone. Each question came at me quickly, and there was little room for second-guessing. But as the questions flowed, I realised how much the program had prepared me—not just with the technical knowledge, but with the confidence to respond thoughtfully, even under pressure. The AI-driven format was intense, but it mirrored the kinds of real-world pressure we often face in the field.

Mandatory Program Requirements:

To successfully complete the program, there were a few non-negotiable commitments:

-Live sessions were mandatory, and attendance was tracked via a badge system.
-Being on camera for the entire two-hour live session was a prerequisite.
- Each week, we received a case study with exclusive learning content related to the week’s topic. This was similar to structured courses in other certification exams.

Navigating Time Zone Challenges:

Since I was in an APAC batch, managing time zone differences was an added challenge. Initially, live sessions were at 7:30 AM on Fridays, but due to daylight saving changes, they shifted to 6:30 AM in winter! Waking up early to be on camera and participate actively was tough but eventually became part of my routine.

Final Thoughts:

Balancing work, case studies, and live presentations was a demanding experience, but it strengthened my skills in multiple areas. The CTA Program is not just about theoretical knowledge—it’s about applying that knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios, collaborating with peers, and refining problem-solving abilities.

This is just the beginning of my CTA Program journey! I'll be sharing weekly insights and summaries from each session, so stay tuned for a deep dive into what I learned and how it shaped my experience.

Who is this Program for?

The Prerequisites mentioned in the website are as follows :

Qualifications

Minimum ServiceNow Certifications (current):

Certified System Administrator (CSA)
Certified Application Developer (CAD)
Any two Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS) disciplines

Experience

At least three years of ServiceNow implementation experience

Experience taking business requirements and converting them into ServiceNow platform capabilities.

My Views:

This program is ideal for ServiceNow professionals with over 5 years of Implementation experience who want to elevate their technical expertise to the strategic level. With your varied experiences, this program will help you gain a deeper understanding of architecture design, enterprise solutioning, and develop skills to drive change at the organizational level.

Whether you're looking to formalize your knowledge or enhance your leadership capabilities in technology, the Certified Technical Architect (CTA) Program will guide you on the journey from code to strategy. It’s perfect for those with prior technical experience looking to refine their problem-solving, decision-making, and presentation abilities to operate at the highest levels of IT architecture.

For those from diverse backgrounds, the program also provides a comprehensive learning experience, allowing you to build on your foundation and grow into a more well-rounded, strategic architect capable of addressing complex business challenges with innovative solutions.