Is CIS – Data Foundations (CMDB and CSDM) is Mandatory to take CIS SAM ?

[Balakrishna_ABK]

I have completed CIS SAM course and got voucher but when I am trying to schedule exam using NOW University it is showing CIS – Data Foundations (CMDB and CSDM) is prerequisite to complete.
Earlier it was not mandatory if I am not wrong.

[AbinC]

Hi @Balakrishna_ABK ,

yes its now 

The CIS – Data Foundations (CMDB and CSDM) certification establishes the essential knowledge of CMDB and CSDM required across multiple ServiceNow ITx and SecOps implementations. These certifications rely heavily on accurate data modeling, relationship management, and alignment with the CSDM framework. 

Requiring the Data Foundations certification helps ensure candidates have the necessary baseline skills before progressing to the following certifications: 

Implementation specialist certifications within the ITAM, ITOM, ITSM, and SecOps domains: 

• CIS – Discovery (DISCO) 
• CIS – Hardware Asset Management (HAM) 
• CIS – IT Service Management (ITSM) 
• CIS – Service Mapping (SM) 
• CIS – Security Incident Response (SIR) 
• CIS – Software Asset Management (SAM) 
• CIS – Vulnerability Response (VR) 

Explanation

Why this prerequisite was implemented?

• These certification areas (ITAM, ITOM, ITSM, and SecOps) depend on accurate CMDB structuring and CSDM alignment. 
• Establishing a prerequisite improves exam readiness, ensures consistent implementation practices, preserves credential integrity, and minimizes escalations. 

Impact on Different Audiences  

1. Individuals Who Already Hold One of the Seven Certifications
   • If you currently hold one of the implementation specialist certifications within the ITAM, ITOM, ITSM, and SecOps domains listed above, you have until:
     • December 31, 2026, to complete the CIS – Data Foundations (CMDB and CSDM) prerequisite.
   • What happens if you do not complete it by the deadline?
   • Your implementation specialist certification(s) within the ITAM, ITOM, ITSM, and SecOps domains will expire after 12/31/26.
   • To regain the certification, you will need to pass both Data Foundations and the associated implementation specialist exam again.
2. Individuals Who Completed Training and Purchased a Voucher (But Have Not Taken the Exam)
   • • If you have already completed the training for one of the seven certifications and purchased an exam voucher, please note:
       • You must complete the CIS – Data Foundations exam first, before you will be able to schedule the downstream exam.
       • Your voucher has been converted to an exam attempt through Pearson, but the prerequisite must be met before exam scheduling is allowed.
3. New Candidates Starting Their Certification Path
   • New candidates beginning an ITAM, ITOM, ITSM, or SecOps certification path must:
     • Pass CIS – Data Foundations (CMDB and CSDM) before registering or scheduling any of the seven dependent exams.
   • This ensures that all candidates begin with the same foundational understanding of ServiceNow’s core data structures and service modeling practices. 
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