question Re: Next steps after CSA exam? in SysAdmin forum

Next steps after CSA exam?

rakshithar9 — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 22:35:11 GMT

I would love to know what paths people are taking after the CSA exam from a noncoding perspective. I want to go about it structurally. I am not entirely new to ServiceNow and have worked in a techno functional role before. Which certifications or skills helped you the most after CSA?

Re: Next steps after CSA exam?

Rafael Batistot — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 23:10:06 GMT

Hi @rakshithar9

See a Structured Noncoding Path (Example)

CSA (done)
ITIL v4 Foundation (optional but highly recommended)
CIS–ITSM (most common first specialization)
Depending on career direction:

CIS–CSM (if interested in external support processes)
CIS–HRSD (if working with HR)
CIS–SPM (if working with PMOs/strategy)

Add Performance Analytics + Flow Designer to boost functional/low-code expertise.
Broaden with Agile/Scrum or Business Analysis skills.

From ServiceNow, the following are very strong for non-developers:

CIS–ITSM (Certified Implementation Specialist, IT Service Management)
→ Validates you can configure and implement ITSM. This is the most common “next step” after CSA.
CIS–CSM (Customer Service Management)
→ If your org is using ServiceNow outside IT, this cert is valuable.
CIS–HRSD (Human Resources Service Delivery)
→ Popular in enterprises that digitize HR case management.
CIS–SPM (Strategic Portfolio Management, formerly ITBM)
→ Focused on project/portfolio management, good for those interested in governance and strategy.

Re: Next steps after CSA exam?

DGAJ — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 23:16:15 GMT

Hi @rakshithar9 ,

After passing the CSA exam, many people from non-coding or techno-functional backgrounds grow by taking specialization certifications like CIS in ITSM(Core), HR, or CSM, which focus more on process and platform usage than development.

Skills in Performance Analytics, Flow Designer, and Service Catalog design are also helpful, as they allow you to build reports and automate workflows without needing to code.

These paths help you work effectively with ServiceNow while staying focused on functional and business oriented roles.

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Re: Next steps after CSA exam?

Bhuvan — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:40 GMT

@rakshithar9

After CSA, you can go through scripting and development concepts as it would help you with any ServiceNow modules that you would be working in future,

https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/zurich

https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/courses/zurich/app_store_learnv2_scripting_zurich_sc...

Make use of your PDI to full extent to practice what you learn as hands-on would be the most essential part of your learning phase

https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/guides/zurich/developer-program/pdi-guide/personal-develop...

https://learning.servicenow.com/

Developer learning plans are easier to understand the modules compared to official documentation and would recommend to start learning in phases, start with New to ServiceNow and later ServiceNow Administration followed by ServiceNow Application Developer,

https://developer.servicenow.com/

Go through ITSM and Application Development Fundamentals on-demand courses and get certified in CIS-ITSM and CAD. After this, you can learn ServiceNow modules based on your background, expertise and interest in the domain. For example, if you have Computing and Networking experience, ITOM could be best fit. If you have expertise in License Management, Software Asset Management could be logical next step.

If you need any help, you can post in communities and experts can guide you. There are lots of YouTube videos available depending on your topic of interest and thousands of useful blogs available in ServiceNow communities. You can search in communities and YouTube and follow what suits your learning style the best.

As per community guidelines, you can accept more than one answer as accepted solution. If my response helped to answer your query, please mark it helpful & accept the solution.

Thanks,

Bhuvan

Re: Next steps after CSA exam?

Simon Hendery — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 01:01:42 GMT

Hi @Bhuvan

@rakshithar9's question asks about next steps "from a noncoding perspective" so suggestions related to development or scripting are irrelevant, wouldn't you agree?

Re: Next steps after CSA exam?

Nikhil Bajaj9 — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 01:33:33 GMT

Hi @rakshithar9 ,

It depends on which career track you are in or want to be. If you are into Development of Portal then Service Portal Micro certification is for you. If you want to be application developer then - CAD, if you want more insight into ITSM than CIS-ITSM is for you. If you want general understanding of complete ServiceNow ecosystem then you can go with other micro certifications like- CMDB, Flow Designer, ATF etc. If you want to go for BA/BPC journey so you can start BPC journey on Now leanring. If you are interested in anhy other module like- HRSD, ITOM than there CIS certification.

Below Micro Certification available in Now Learning Platform.

1. Welcome to Servicenow

2. Predictive Intelligence

3. Virtual Agent

4. Automated Test Framework

5. Flow Designer

6. Integration Hub

7. Performance Analytics

8. Service Portal

9. Agile Development

10. Application Developer Process Creator

11. Citizen Developer Application Creator

Re: Next steps after CSA exam?

kaushal_snow — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 06:36:07 GMT

Hi @rakshithar9 ,

If you’re coming from a non coding background and just passed CSA, I’d advise not diving into heavily customized apps right away because you'll end up writing lots of scripts, complex business logic, and debugging, instead stick with configuration, low code features, process & domain certifications (CIS-ITSM, HRSD, CSM, etc.), master Flow Designer, Now assist, pa, scripting basics, and build credibility in functional/administration areas....

If you found my response helpful, please mark it as ‘Accept as Solution’ and ‘Helpful’. This helps other community members find the right answer more easily and supports the community.

Re: Next steps after CSA exam?

AndersBGS — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 18:31:32 GMT

Hi @rakshithar9 ,

it really depends on your ambitions and what you would like to work with in relation to the platform… I’d it the CMDB, implementation… etc…. What are you aiming for?