ITSM Exam Prerequisite – Clarification Needed

[RaveendraK]

Hello Community,

I have already received a voucher and registered for the ITSM exam, and I am currently preparing for it.

While scheduling the exam, I noticed the prerequisite mentioned:

Candidates must hold the Certified Implementation Specialist – Data Foundations (CMDB and CSDM) certification before registering for this exam.

I have not yet started preparation for the Data Foundations (CMDB and CSDM) certification.
Could someone please clarify:

• Is it mandatory to complete and pass Data Foundations before attempting the ITSM exam, or

• Can I take the ITSM exam first and complete the Data Foundations certification later?

Any guidance or experience on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[AniketC85155510 · Accepted solution]

Hello @RaveendraK ,

Good question — this update has confused many.

*******Short answer:
You can take the CIS – ITSM exam first. The Data Foundations prerequisite has been temporarily suspended until Jan 31, 2026.

So since you’re already registered, you’re good to proceed. 👍

However, you will still need to complete CIS – Data Foundations later to maintain the certification long-term.

If you want full details, I’ve shared a breakdown here in my LinkedIn posts below 👇

•  (Link 1 & Link 2)

Hope this helps — all the best for your exam! 💪✨

🔹 Please mark ✅ Correct if this solves your query, and 👍 Helpful if you found the response valuable.

Best regards,
Aniket Chavan
🏆 ServiceNow MVP 2025 | 🌟 ServiceNow Rising Star 2024

[AndersBGS · Accepted solution]

Hi @RaveendraK 

You are able to take the CIS-ITSM first, but notice that you need to take the Data Foundations (CMDB and CSDM) before 31/12/2026, otherwise your ITSM will be revoked.

[RaveendraK]

Hello @AndersBGS ,

Good Day!
Thankyou so much for the clarification.