Best Starting Point in ServiceNow: System Administrator or Technical Project Manager?

himanshupag
Tera Contributor

As an experienced Project Manager with ITIL4 and PRINCE2 certifications, I’m starting my journey in ServiceNow. Would it be more beneficial to begin with the System Administrator path to build technical expertise, or should I leverage my experience and focus on the Technical Project Manager role from the start. What are the pros and cons of each approach.

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

rohansargar
Kilo Guru

Hello @himanshupag 

 

1. System Administrator Path (Technical Expertise)

Pros:
Builds a strong technical foundation in ServiceNow (platform administration, configuration, scripting basics).
Provides hands-on experience with ServiceNow architecture, workflows, and security.
Makes you self-sufficient in managing the platform without always relying on developers.
Opens opportunities for roles like ServiceNow Developer, Architect, or Consultant in the future.

 

Cons:
More time-intensive since you're starting with technical aspects instead of leveraging your existing PM expertise.
Less immediate alignment with your Project Manager background.
Best for: If you want deep technical expertise and the flexibility to move into admin, development, or architecture roles later.


2. Technical Project Manager (Leverage Your Experience)

Pros:
Immediate application of your ITIL4, PRINCE2, and PM skills in a ServiceNow environment.
Works well if you aim for leadership roles (ServiceNow Program Manager, Engagement Manager).
Lets you focus on process improvement, implementations, and stakeholder management rather than platform configuration.
You can pair with a technical team rather than needing to do hands-on work.

 

Cons:
You might depend on ServiceNow Admins/Developers for technical tasks.
Limits your technical growth if you want to get into architecture or hands-on platform work.

 

Recommendation : 
Start with ServiceNow System Administrator certification (CSA) to gain foundational technical knowledge.

 

Mark Helpful if you got solution for your issue.

Best Regards,

Rohan.

View solution in original post

8 REPLIES 8

Dr Atul G- LNG
Tera Patron
Tera Patron

Hi @himanshupag 

Since you already have good knowledge, it's better to start with the TPM journey. During that journey, you will definitely gain more exposure and advance further, as opposed to just doing the CSA, which may provide limited experience. I recommend starting with TPM.

*************************************************************************************************************
If my response proves useful, please indicate its helpfulness by selecting " Accept as Solution" and " Helpful." This action benefits both the community and me.

Regards
Dr. Atul G. - Learn N Grow Together
ServiceNow Techno - Functional Trainer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dratulgrover
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnNGrowTogetherwithAtulG
Topmate: https://topmate.io/atul_grover_lng [ Connect for 1-1 Session]

****************************************************************************************************************

Hello @Dr Atul G- LNG,

Thank you for your advice! Starting with the TPM journey to leverage my existing knowledge sounds like a practical approach.

I appreciate your insights and the resources you shared.

Regards,

Himanshu Paghdal

Sandeep Rajput
Tera Patron
Tera Patron

@himanshupag It is always best to have a basic understanding of the platform before you pursue a higher role. You may choose to pursue System Administrator role to gain a good understanding of platform and how day to day operations are managed on the platform.

 

In case if you wish to skip the System Admin training, you can very well cover some portions of this training in the Technical manager career journey here https://learning.servicenow.com/lxp/en/pages/journey-overview?id=journey_overview&journey_id=97ac27f...

 

This journey not only covers the courses needed for Technical manager persona but also covers few courses from System Administrator persona as well.

 

Hope this helps.

Hello @Sandeep Rajput,

Thank you for your input! Gaining a basic understanding of the platform before pursuing a higher role is a valuable suggestion.

I will definitely consider the Technical Manager career journey you mentioned.