Certification Advice

[D Trivedi]

Hello Friends,

I am working as a Developer since the last one year and currently looking to improve and update my skillset. I want some advice what other courses i can enroll in? I have completed CSA and CAD and certified. I don't have CMDB and CSDM implementation experience yet and would like to skip CIS certifications for the time being.

Please suggest other pathways. Any tips and help will be helpful.

Thank you in advance.

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @D Trivedi 

I am a ServiceNow trainee and happy to share my thoughts. Currently, the Data Foundation module is mandatory. If you want to pursue certifications like ITSM, this certificate is a prerequisite for six modules. It’s better to spend time learning Data Foundation and then take the exam.

By June 30, it’s free, but after that, a fee applies, so take advantage of it now, mate.”

[Sujit Jadhav · Accepted solution]

Hello @D Trivedi , 

Great to see that you’re focusing on improving your ServiceNow skillset! Since you already have CSA and CAD, you’re off to a solid start. If you want to skip CIS-level certifications for now and don’t have hands-on CMDB/CSDM experience yet, there are still several strong pathways to grow your expertise. 
Here are some recommendations: 
 
1. ServiceNow Core Skill Expansion (Highly Recommended) 
Service Portal / UI Builder (Next Experience) 
Learn to build custom portals and UX components — highly in demand. 
 Flow Designer & IntegrationHub 
Focus on building complex automations and integrations. 
ATF (Automated Test Framework) 
Useful for enterprise environments and development best practices. 
 
2. Developer-Focused Learning Paths 
Scripted REST APIs & Integrations 
Practice building inbound/outbound integrations. 
Advanced Scripting (Client, Server, Glide APIs) 
Strengthen your JS fundamentals for better development efficiency. 
App Engine Studio (AES) / App Engine Professional 
Helps you build full enterprise-grade apps with low-code + pro-code. 
 
3. Non-CIS Courses That Add Immediate Value 
Even if you skip certifications, you can take the training and build skills: 
CMDB Fundamentals 
CSDM Fundamentals 
ITSM/FSM/HRSD Fundamentals (based on your interest) 
These give you strong platform understanding without needing implementation experience. 
 
4. Hands-on Practice 
Build small applications or utilities in your PDI. 
Try community challenges like #BuildWithBuildAgent. 
Contribute to ServiceNow Community questions (great for learning). 
 
5. Soft Skills & Developer Mindset 
ITIL v4 Foundation (helps understand ServiceNow processes better) 
Basic understanding of cloud platforms (Azure/AWS) 
API concepts, debugging, and integration patterns 

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Thank You,

Sujit Jadhav

[D Trivedi]

Thank you both for the guidance. I will assess and make the informed decision.

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @D Trivedi 

Next Steps After CSA – Choose Based on Your Career Goals:

• Certified Application Developer (CAD): Ideal if you're interested in scripting, app development, and extending platform functionality.

• Certified Implementation Specialist – ITSM (CIS-ITSM): Best suited for those pursuing roles in consulting or business analysis within IT Service Management.

•  

• Performance Analytics Micro-Certification
  Learn to create KPIs, dashboards, and actionable insights. Ideal for roles focused on reporting, metrics, and data-driven decision-making.

• Integration Hub
  Gain skills in connecting ServiceNow with external systems through pre-built connectors and automation (spokes). Useful for automation and orchestration roles.

• Flow Designer
  Understand how to automate processes without code using a low-code/no-code interface. Critical for building efficient workflows across the platform.

• CMDB (Configuration Management Database)
  Learn how to manage and map IT infrastructure components. This is essential for ITSM, ITOM, and enterprise architecture-related roles.

•  

https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/zurich/new_to_servicenow

https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/zurich/servicenow_administrator