Need advise on how to move from a ServiceNow Technical Lead to a ServiceNow Architect role

GK0188939920771
Tera Contributor

Hi, I’m looking for advice on how to move from a ServiceNow Technical Lead role into a ServiceNow Architect role.

I’ve already completed the CSA and CAD certifications. Coding is not my strongest area, but I’d like to build that skill further and understand which areas I should focus on, what kind of daily practice would help, and what additional effort I should put in to reach the ServiceNow Architect role.

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Dr Atul G- LNG
Tera Patron

Hi @GK0188939920771 

 

Here's a polished version of your message:

Greetings!!

Let me be very honest here: CSA and CAD certifications alone will not be enough. The market is changing, and the expectation today is that a ServiceNow Architect should have expertise in at least 2–3 core products within their portfolio, along with a good understanding of the end-to-end platform.

I know this is not easy, but with experience we all learn and grow. As you mentioned, you do not have coding experience, which may make it slightly more challenging to move into the next role. However, being a ServiceNow Architect does not always mean you need to do the hands-on design work yourself. A large part of the role is guiding and mentoring the team. You will often be the first point of contact for developers when they need help resolving technical questions or design challenges. Therefore, it is important to build a strong portfolio of skills and knowledge.

My thoughts are:

  • Strengthen your technical foundation.

  • Understand the platform architecture, including core tables, data models, integrations, and relationships between components.

  • Gain knowledge in additional product areas such as GRC, SAM, SecOps, and other ServiceNow applications.

  • Learn how to create and review architecture and design documents, including HLDs (High-Level Designs) and LLDs (Low-Level Designs).

  • Develop a broader understanding of enterprise solution design and best practices.

One more thing: moving into a new role is not just a title change—it is also a mindset shift. Start connecting with architects in your organization. Observe how they approach problems, how they engage with stakeholders, and how they make technical decisions. We learn a great deal from the people around us, and those interactions can provide valuable insights into what is expected at the next level.

Keep learning, stay curious, and focus on building both technical depth and business understanding. Over time, that combination will help you transition successfully into an architect role.

*************************************************************************************************************
Regards
Dr. Atul G. - Learn N Grow Together
ServiceNow Techno - Functional Trainer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dratulgrover
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnNGrowTogetherwithAtulG
Topmate: https://topmate.io/dratulgrover [ Connect for 1-1 Session]

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View solution in original post

6 REPLIES 6

Dr Atul G- LNG
Tera Patron

Hi @GK0188939920771 

 

Here's a polished version of your message:

Greetings!!

Let me be very honest here: CSA and CAD certifications alone will not be enough. The market is changing, and the expectation today is that a ServiceNow Architect should have expertise in at least 2–3 core products within their portfolio, along with a good understanding of the end-to-end platform.

I know this is not easy, but with experience we all learn and grow. As you mentioned, you do not have coding experience, which may make it slightly more challenging to move into the next role. However, being a ServiceNow Architect does not always mean you need to do the hands-on design work yourself. A large part of the role is guiding and mentoring the team. You will often be the first point of contact for developers when they need help resolving technical questions or design challenges. Therefore, it is important to build a strong portfolio of skills and knowledge.

My thoughts are:

  • Strengthen your technical foundation.

  • Understand the platform architecture, including core tables, data models, integrations, and relationships between components.

  • Gain knowledge in additional product areas such as GRC, SAM, SecOps, and other ServiceNow applications.

  • Learn how to create and review architecture and design documents, including HLDs (High-Level Designs) and LLDs (Low-Level Designs).

  • Develop a broader understanding of enterprise solution design and best practices.

One more thing: moving into a new role is not just a title change—it is also a mindset shift. Start connecting with architects in your organization. Observe how they approach problems, how they engage with stakeholders, and how they make technical decisions. We learn a great deal from the people around us, and those interactions can provide valuable insights into what is expected at the next level.

Keep learning, stay curious, and focus on building both technical depth and business understanding. Over time, that combination will help you transition successfully into an architect role.

*************************************************************************************************************
Regards
Dr. Atul G. - Learn N Grow Together
ServiceNow Techno - Functional Trainer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dratulgrover
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnNGrowTogetherwithAtulG
Topmate: https://topmate.io/dratulgrover [ Connect for 1-1 Session]

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 @Dr Atul G- LNG Thanks for sharing the details. I’ll work toward these goals and hope to achieve them soon (fingers crossed 🙂

Good luck mate.

 

Please close the thread by accepting answer(s)

*************************************************************************************************************
Regards
Dr. Atul G. - Learn N Grow Together
ServiceNow Techno - Functional Trainer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dratulgrover
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnNGrowTogetherwithAtulG
Topmate: https://topmate.io/dratulgrover [ Connect for 1-1 Session]

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Dr Atul G- LNG
Tera Patron

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCbHtMALJd4

https://www.servicenow.com/community/training-and-certifications/from-zero-to-cta-how-to-begin-your-...

*************************************************************************************************************
Regards
Dr. Atul G. - Learn N Grow Together
ServiceNow Techno - Functional Trainer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dratulgrover
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnNGrowTogetherwithAtulG
Topmate: https://topmate.io/dratulgrover [ Connect for 1-1 Session]

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Hey everyone! I'm Bill Martin, a ServiceNow Solutions Architect who started just like many of you - curious, eager, and unsure where to begin. Fast forward a few years, and I've built solutions for global enterprises, led large-scale transformations, and even helped others kickstart their careers