CSA Exam Preparation – Studied for Xanadu, Now Taking Yokohama Version

[MirkoV]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently preparing for the Certified System Administrator (CSA) exam, and I’ve just found out that the exam has transitioned from the Xanadu release to the Yokohama version. I’ve been studying extensively using Xanadu-aligned materials (including the SNAF book), and now I’m concerned about how much has changed in the exam content.

I understand that the core admin concepts remain largely the same, but I’d really appreciate some guidance on the following:

• How many questions have actually changed in the CSA exam due to the Yokohama update?
• Which new features or areas in Yokohama are most likely to appear in the exam?
• Are there specific resources (besides the release notes) that can help bridge the gap quickly?

From what I’ve read, some experts say only 3–5 questions might be different 

, while others suggest up to 20–30 questions could reflect new Yokohama features 

I’d love to hear from anyone who has recently taken the CSA exam under the Yokohama release or has transitioned their prep from Xanadu. Any tips, study strategies, or reassurance would be super helpful!

[Shruti D · Accepted solution]

Hello @MirkoV,

In Yokohama version, the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) exam will have a small number of changes, likely a handful of questions (5-7), as the core concepts remain the same.

You can refer the Yokohama Release notes as these are the most important document for understanding all new features, enhancements, and changes.

Focus on the new features like:

• Next Experience UI & Workspaces

• AI and Now Assist

• Security
  

• Data Management

Please Mark Correct ✔️ if this solves your query and also mark Helpful 👍 if you find my response worthy based on the impact.

Regards,
Shruti

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @Shruti D  @Bhuvan  

I appreciate your input, but can you confirm which section in the release notes specifies that it is Admin only? Release notes cover many products and there isn’t a specific section for Admin. I’m not saying the release notes aren’t useful, but if you deep dive into them, you might end up more confused.

[Bhuvan]

@Dr Atul G- LNG 

Yes, release notes are exhaustive and for someone new to ServiceNow, it might be taking a toll during exam preparation.

But I would recommend if candidate has time for preparation, to go through CMDB, Service Catalog, Platform Analytics sections in release notes summary to understand what new features are available with Yokohama release. 

https://www.servicenow.com/docs/bundle/yokohama-release-notes/page/release-notes/summary/rn-summary-...

Thanks,

Bhuvan

[Bhuvan]

@MirkoV 

As long as you go through release notes for Yokohama version and understand the concepts of what is new and what is changed, you should be able to easily pass the CSA exam.

https://www.servicenow.com/docs/bundle/yokohama-release-notes/page/release-notes/family-release-note...

All the best for your CSA journey !

Thanks,

Bhuvan