Subject: Guidance Needed to Start Learning ServiceNow Development and Certification

[SandhikaJ]

Hi everyone,

I am Sandhika, and I want to start learning ServiceNow to pursue a career as a ServiceNow Developer. I have a software development background, but I am new to the ServiceNow platform.

Could you please recommend the best learning resources, official training courses, and YouTube channels for beginners?

I would also like to know which certification I should pursue first and whether the first certification exam attempt is free or requires payment. Are there any free training programs or exam vouchers available?

My goal is to become job-ready within three months, so I would appreciate your advice on the most effective learning path.

Thank you for your guidance!

[Dr Atul - LNG]

Hi @SandhikaJ 

Greetings!

As a ServiceNow trainer, I’m happy to share my thoughts with you.

Before you begin, let me tell you something: ServiceNow is growing bigger, deeper, and broader every day. It is no longer just a small platform; it has evolved into a much larger ecosystem, and with AI, even more dimensions are being added.

As you mentioned, you are planning to pursue Software Development, which means you already have coding knowledge. That is a key advantage! However, I would still recommend exploring the ServiceNow ecosystem in more detail to understand how everything works together.

If you or anyone else wants to build a career in ServiceNow, I would strongly recommend starting with the CSA (Certified System Administrator) training. It gives you a solid foundation by explaining how the platform is built, its core components, and how users interact with it. Please don't skip this course, as it is an excellent starting point for building your knowledge.

Once you have completed the CSA training, you can move on to the CAD (Certified Application Developer) training, which focuses more on the development side. It will give you a clearer understanding of the development tools, techniques, and approaches used to build applications in ServiceNow.

Don't worry about certifications just yet. You don't need to rush into them immediately. Focus on learning first, building your skills, and developing a portfolio. Once you have gained enough knowledge and practical experience, you can consider taking the certification exams.

Now, let me share some useful resources with you. Although you asked for YouTube channels, I also have plenty of videos on my own channel that you can follow.

Please note that the training content is free, but the certification exams are not. Currently, there are no vouchers or discount codes available.

My advice is simple: Learn first, build your knowledge, gain practical experience, and then go for the certification.

[Dr Atul - LNG]

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

 Hands on  https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/courses/australia/app_store_learnv2_scripting_austra...

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...

Basic courses:

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

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

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @SandhikaJ 

As you are from developer background, I would suggest you start with  

•   Start with Welcome to Servicenow .  //you will get basic idea
• Do System Administrator Career Journey 
• Do CSA certification
• Gain Hand-on experience
• If you have interest on Development -> go for Application Developer Career Journey ->Complete CAD certification.
• Online Communities and Forums:
  Engage with the ServiceNow community through forums, read query and answer and slowly start to contribute

• Networking: Expand your network and participate in any events possible.
• Apply for Entry-Level Positions:  apply & apply - don't give up.

Regarding discount of certification:

"Training costs depend on the chosen delivery method and whether you are affiliated with a customer or partner organization."

https://learning.servicenow.com/lxp/en/credentials/cost-of-mainline-certification-exams?id=kb_articl...

Exam fees and training costs.

Exam	Registration cost Note: Partner and customer discounts apply.
CSA, CAD, CAS - PA	$300 USD
All CIS	$450 USD

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @SandhikaJ 

Also as you are familiar with coding, do practice different use cases in your PDI.

Scripting in ServiceNow Fundamentals 

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=scripting+servicenow

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzTvAeLiW8AfXEIFrUp-22z512aXxr2Ss