Hi @vidishaagarwal5 

You’re just starting with ServiceNow, and that confusion is super common. ServiceNow is a huge platform, and the learning path depends a bit on whether you want to be more of an administrator (config/setup/customization without too much coding) or a developer (scripting, integrations, building apps).

Here’s a clear path for beginners:

Step 1 – Understand the Basics

• What is ServiceNow? → It’s a cloud platform that provides ITSM (IT Service Management), ITOM, HR, Security, etc.
• Learn the UI basics: navigation, tables, forms, lists, modules.
• Explore the ServiceNow documentation portal → docs.servicenow.com.

Do this first:

• Sign up for a free ServiceNow Personal Developer Instance (PDI) at developer.servicenow.com.
• Play around with the instance (it’s the best way to learn).

Step 2 – Follow a Structured Learning Path

ServiceNow actually provides free courses on the Developer site and Now Learning.

Recommended beginner paths:

• ServiceNow Fundamentals (free on Now Learning → gives you the foundation of tables, forms, lists, roles, etc.).
• Admin Fundamentals (if you want to be an admin).
• Scripting in ServiceNow (if you want to be a developer).
• CSA Exam Prep Path (if you want certification → CSA = Certified System Administrator).

Video resources:

• YouTube → “ServiceNow Admin/Developer Basics” channels (great for short lessons).
• ServiceNow’s official channel has good demos.

Step 3 – Pick a Direction

• Admin path: Focus on roles, groups, users, tables, access control, forms, UI policies, catalog items, workflows, reporting.
• Developer path: Learn GlideRecord, Client Scripts, Business Rules, Script Includes, REST APIs, integrations.

A lot of people start with Admin, then grow into Dev.

Step 4 – Build Confidence by Practice

• Start with small exercises → create a custom table, add forms, create catalog items, apply a UI Policy.
• Gradually explore Workflows & Flows, then move into scripting.

Step 5 – Certification (Optional but Valuable)

• First target: CSA (Certified System Administrator).
• After CSA, you can go for CAD (App Developer) or specialization certs (ITSM, HR, Scripting).

My recommendation for you right now:

1. Get a free PDI.
2. Start ServiceNow Fundamentals (free).
3. Explore Admin basics before going deep into scripting.

Hi @vidishaagarwal5 ,

Great to hear that you're starting your journey with ServiceNow! I recommend beginning with the basics  you can find plenty of introductory courses on the ServiceNow Community and YouTube. These resources will help you build a solid foundation.

Start by logging into ServiceNow University and taking the "Welcome to ServiceNow" course — you’ll earn a micro-certification upon completion.

Next, work towards the Certified System Administrator (CSA) and Certified Application Developer (CAD) certifications.

Once you're comfortable with the basics, dive into the ITSM (IT Service Management) module. It's a core module and will give you a strong foundation to understand other modules in ServiceNow more effectively.

Link: https://www.servicenow.com/university/training-and-certification.html?state=seamless

Thanks,

Pradeep

Hi @vidishaagarwal5,

first of all, welcome to the Platform of platform 🚀

You should start with ServiceNow University (ex- Now Learning, if you'l see it, it's the same)

• https://www.servicenow.com/community/servicenow-university/ct-p/sn-university
• scroll down and select your path and you will have many courses suggested,
• most of it si free, but something (absolute minority) is paid
• Enrol to Welcome to ServiceNow training and get your first cert 
• it was very helpful even for me with years of experience when I took it

Then you can practice after creating your own PDI (Personal Developer Instance)

• You can have your own ServiceNow platform without a worry that you break something,
• except of AI and few more features you can try everything on your own for free!
• Also PDI shows you "how it should look like"
• Request your PDI here:
• https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do 
• And also here in the top there are tabs:
• Learning Path
• Courses
• Learn
• Certifications
• These will also help you understand and learn new things, you can get back to it when it's needed

At the ServiceNow University you collect points, badges and (micro-)certifications, on the Developer site is is just for you to learn without "reward", reward is what you will take from that class.

The very first training/certificate that you should take is Certified System Administrator (CSA), it is a must. If you are preparing yourself you might need to invest some money here, but it is worthy.

Happy learning and ask question in this Community when you will face any issues, you will receive support and help. Good luck!