How to become a CSA ?

[KSHITIJN]

How to do CSA certification and is it enough to enter ServiceNow domain to get hands-on experience and gain more knowledge ?

[Itallo Brandão]

Hi @KSHITIJN ,

Welcome to the ecosystem! This is the most important step in your ServiceNow journey.

To answer your questions directly: Yes, the CSA is the "Golden Ticket" to enter the domain. Most partners and customers will not hire a junior professional without it. However, passing the exam and "knowing the job" are different things.

Here is the roadmap to get certified and actually be job-ready.

Part 1: How to become a CSA (The Process)

You cannot simply buy the exam. ServiceNow requires you to complete an official course first to earn the Voucher.

1. Create a Now Learning Account: Go to Now Learning.

2. Enroll in the Course: Search for "ServiceNow Administration Fundamentals On Demand".

   • Note: This course usually costs money (unless your company is a partner or you are in a university program like NextGen).

3. Complete the Course: Once you finish the modules, you will receive a voucher code.

4. Register for the Exam: Use the code on Webassessor (the testing platform) to schedule your proctored exam.
   
   

Part 2: Is it enough? (The Career Reality)

The CSA is your Driver's License. It proves you know the rules of the road and how to operate the car. It allows you to legally "drive" in a production instance.

• Is it enough to get an interview? YES. It puts you ahead of everyone who doesn't have it.

• Is it enough to be a top performer? NO. The exam tests theory. The real world requires troubleshooting skills.
  
  

Part 3: How to get "Hands-on" (The Secret Sauce)

Do not just read the book. You need to build things.

1. Get a PDI (Personal Developer Instance): Go to the ServiceNow Developer Site and request a free instance. It is a full sandbox for you to break and fix things.

2. Build a Portfolio: Don't just follow the course labs. Build a simple app (e.g., a "Library Management System" or "Gym Tracker").

   • Create Tables, Fields, and Forms.

   • Write simple Business Rules.

   • Configure Security (ACLs).

   • Build a Flow in Flow Designer.

Summary: The CSA gets you the interview; your hands-on practice on your PDI gets you the job.

If this roadmap helps you plan your career steps, please mark this response as Accepted Solution.

Good luck!
Brandão.

[sachin23nas]

Well said @Itallo Brandão , a crystal clear explanation for a person who is entering into ServiceNow.

[Simon Hendery]

@Itallo Brandão - it's not enough to just copy and paste from GenAI tools when replying to questions.

I spotted at least three errors in your answer:

1. The System Admin fundamentals course doesn't "usually cost money" - the on-demand version is always free. But you need to pay to sit the exam.

2. Webassessor is no longer used.

3. Vouchers are no longer used. The entire exam process has changed, meaning your AI-generated answer is wrong.

[Itallo Brandão]

Hi @Simon Hendery  ,

You are absolutely right, and I appreciate the correction.

I was definitely referencing the "Legacy" process (Webassessor/Kryterion) that many of us used for years. I failed to mention the critical shift to Pearson VUE and the fact that the On-Demand version of the course is indeed free now on ServiceNow University.

@KSHITIJN , please disregard the "Webassessor" and "Cost" points in my previous reply. As Simon correctly pointed out:

1. Platform: The exam provider is now Pearson VUE.

2. Cost: The Fundamentals On-Demand course is free; you only pay for the exam attempt itself.
   
   

Thank you, Simon, for keeping the information accurate for new members!

Best regards,
Brandão.