Support for the RoadMap

[RohitPapann]

Hi everyone,

I’m new to ServiceNow and would like to start learning it from scratch with a proper and structured roadmap. I’ve already created my developer instance, but I’m a bit confused about where exactly to begin and how to progress step-by-step.

Could anyone please guide me on:

1. What’s the correct learning order — for example, should I start with CSA (Certified System Administrator) or first learn ITSM / FSM / HRSD, etc.?

2. How to plan the journey from a beginner level to a ServiceNow Developer / Admin professional?

3. Any recommended learning path (modules, documentation, or projects) on Now Learning or elsewhere that can help build a solid foundation?

4. Also, how much scripting knowledge (like JavaScript or Glide APIs) is needed initially?

My goal is to gain hands-on knowledge and later prepare for certifications like CSA and CAD, but I want to ensure I’m following the right learning order from the beginning.

Any guidance, learning tips, or shared experiences from the community would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance for your time and support! 🙏

— Rohit

[Matthew_13 · Accepted solution]

If you’re brand new to ServiceNow, I would not recommend starting with ITSM, HR, or development yet. Those are built on top of the platform. If you skip the basics, everything later feels confusing and random.

I think it works best is this order:

First – learn the platform itself
Since you already have a developer instance, just spend time exploring:

• how lists and forms work

• what tables and records are

• users, groups, and roles (no need to go deep yet)

• update sets (this one is important)

This is where things start to “click.”

Next – go for CSA
CSA should be your first goal. Even developers are expected to understand admin basics. CSA teaches you how ServiceNow actually behaves and why things work the way they do.

Then – learn ITSM
Once you understand the platform, ITSM suddenly makes sense:

• Incident, Change, Request

• SLAs and assignments

• basic workflows and flows

If you try ITSM before this, it just feels like memorizing screens.

After that – development (CAD path)
Only after CSA + some ITSM experience should you dive into scripting.
The good news:
You don’t need to be a JavaScript expert to start. Basic JS plus learning when scripts run client vs server is enough early on.

My biggest tip: use your dev instance constantly. Build small things. Break them. Fix them. That’s how real understanding happens.

If you follow that path I think you won’t feel lost and you won’t have to relearn everything later.

@RohitPapann - Please mark as Accepted Solution and Thumbs Up if you find Helpful!!

[Mohammed8 · Accepted solution]

Hi @RohitPapann 

If you are to ServiceNow its best to begin with CSA fundamentals. Complete the course in ServiceNow university and take CSA certification. Clearing CSA will boost your confidence.

Next if you looking for developer roles go for CAD course and learn ServiceNow scripting along with getting your JavaScript base strong as it is very much essential for developer roles. 

Next  try to learn clear CIS-DF as its mandatory pre-requisite for ITSM and few other certs. CIS-DF has free first attempt till June 30th 2026 , so don't miss out on this opportunity

Next depends on what field you are interested or working in your project. I see you mention FSM/ITSM /HRSD then go for FSM/ITSM or HRSD depending open your project or field of interest.

Here I'm sharing my blog where I have mentioned ServiceNow links to course for CSA,CAD and FSM. Have a look if you have got time:

https://www.servicenow.com/community/training-and-certifications/blog-1-from-csa-to-cad-to-fsm-my-se... 

If you find this useful please mark it as helpful/solution accepted

Thanks and Regards,

Mohammed Zakir

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @RohitPapann 

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

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi  

I’m a ServiceNow trainer and happy to share my thoughts.

As you mentioned that you’re the sole developer in your company, I see this as a great opportunity for you to learn and grow. You already hold CSA and CAD certifications, which is commendable. It's also a great self-awareness point that you feel your JavaScript skills need improvement—recognizing that is the first step toward growth.

Here are a few tips:

1. Follow this master playlist to strengthen your JavaScript skills specifically for the ServiceNow platform. 

https://youtu.be/62Nabpb94Jw?si=FqBwRN2B8C71aYHr

1. Spend at least 1–2 hours daily on the ServiceNow Community. Observe the kinds of technical questions being asked and how experienced members respond. You’ll learn a lot passively this way—and I highly encourage you to start answering questions as well. Explaining concepts to others will improve your technical thinking and deepen your understanding.

1. Explore the free courses available on the ServiceNow Developer Site. These are practical and focused, and will help you apply your knowledge directly on the platform.

2. https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/yokohama/citizen_developer
3. https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/yokohama/servicenow_application_devel...

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @RohitPapann 

1. What’s the correct learning order — for example, should I start with CSA (Certified System Administrator) or first learn ITSM / FSM / HRSD, etc.? -

Atul: Answered in my previous reply

1. How to plan the journey from a beginner level to a ServiceNow Developer / Admin professional?

Atul: Answered in my previous reply

1. Any recommended learning path (modules, documentation, or projects) on Now Learning or elsewhere that can help build a solid foundation?

Atul: Answered in my previous reply , along this you can follow my channel as well, where you will get dedicated CSA training batch, scripting playlist , ITSM , HRSD and many other courses.

1. Also, how much scripting knowledge (like JavaScript or Glide APIs) is needed initially?

Atul: If you are opting for a development role, scripting is a must. I have shared a few links that you can follow to build your scripting knowledge. In ServiceNow, JavaScript is primarily used, so you only need to focus on learning that.

[TejasSN_LogicX]

Hi @RohitPapann , watch this video  and also i have attached learning path pdf .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SbPuuQasHM

learning path PDF :https://www.servicenow.com/standard/infographic/learning-paths.html?state=seamless