question Re: How much do certification exam questions change with the Zurich release? in Community Central forum

How much do certification exam questions change with the Zurich release?

NithishkanD — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:35:34 GMT

Hi Community,

I’m currently preparing for the ServiceNow CAD certification, and my exam date falls close to the Zurich release transition. I’ve already completed the courseware based on the Yokohama release, and I’d like to get insights from members who have gone through a similar situation.

I have a few questions and would really appreciate guidance from experienced members:

• When exams transition to a new release (Yokohama → Zurich), how much does the actual question set change?
• Are the changes usually limited to new or updated features, or do they significantly impact core topics as well?
• If courseware was completed on the previous release, is it generally sufficient to review Zurich release notes and validate changes in a Zurich PDI?
• For those who took the exam shortly after a release upgrade, did you feel underprepared due to release changes, or were strong fundamentals enough?

I’m trying to decide whether to attempt the exam before the maintenance window or wait until after Zurich, and I’d love to hear real experiences and best practices.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Re: How much do certification exam questions change with the Zurich release?

AndersBGS — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:51:46 GMT

Hi @NithishkanD ,

normally it is minor changes if any according to the new release. So basic, it should be enough to read the release notes for new features prior to exam.

Re: How much do certification exam questions change with the Zurich release?

Mohammed8 — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 21:04:03 GMT

Hi @NithishkanD,

It doesn't change much if you are refering and studing from latest e-book. If are studying from older e-book/material go through release notes to keep up with latest trends and updates. These exams test your basics and fundamentals and hardly 2/ 3 question will be asked from latest release notes for mainline certifications.

Regards,

Mohammed Zakir

Re: How much do certification exam questions change with the Zurich release?

Abhinav Joshi2 — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 21:09:41 GMT

Hi @NithishkanD ,

Fundamentally it stays the same, the best way to prepare for either mainline or delta’s are to review the material provided by ServiceNow also the release notes of latest version.

If you follow these two materials, you should be able clear exams without any issues.

Thanks,

Abhinav