CSA exam

[mohammedsye]

I am yet to appear the CSA exam and would like to clear it in first attempt. Please advise the best approach that helps in clearing the exam as well as acquire the required knowledge, thank you in advance.

[TejasSN_LogicX · Accepted solution]

@mohammedsye ,.

That’s a great goal! Here are some tried and tested steps that will help you both clear the CSA exam in the first attempt and also build a strong foundation in ServiceNow:

1. Go through the official CSA Learning Path (Now Learning)

   • Enroll in the CSA Preparation Pathway on Now Learning.

   • Cover modules on platform overview, lists & forms, CMDB, user administration, notifications, reporting, service catalog, flows, and scripting basics.

   • These align very closely with the exam blueprint.

2. Read the CSA Exam Guide thoroughly

   • The exam guide clearly outlines the domains and weightage (e.g., User Interface & Navigation, Collaboration, Database Administration, Self-Service & Process Automation, etc.).

   • Use this as your roadmap and focus on high-weightage areas first.

3. Practice in a Personal Developer Instance (PDI)

   • Hands-on practice is crucial. Spin up a PDI from developer.servicenow.com.

   • Experiment with forms, lists, business rules, flows, service catalog, knowledge base, and basic reporting.

4. Use the CSA Practice Tests

   • ServiceNow provides practice questions on Now Learning. Attempt them multiple times until you’re confident.

   • Pay attention to the reasoning behind correct and incorrect answers.

5. Focus on Core Topics

   • Tables, records, and schema map

   • Access controls & roles

   • Update sets & application development basics

   • Flow Designer & Service Catalog

   • CMDB fundamentals

   • Notifications, reporting & performance analytics basics

6. Join study groups & discussions

   • Community posts, LinkedIn groups, and peer discussions help you clarify doubts and expose you to tricky scenarios.

7. Last week before the exam

   • Revise high-weightage topics.

   • Take timed practice tests to simulate the real exam.

   • Focus on understanding concepts instead of memorizing answers — the exam often tests applied knowledge.

Pro tip: The CSA exam is less about “tricky” questions and more about checking if you understand how ServiceNow works at a foundational level. If you’ve practiced enough in your PDI and gone through the learning path, you’ll not only pass but also gain skills useful in real projects.

All the best — you’ve got this! 🎯

[TejasSN_LogicX · Accepted solution]

@mohammedsye ,.

That’s a great goal! Here are some tried and tested steps that will help you both clear the CSA exam in the first attempt and also build a strong foundation in ServiceNow:

1. Go through the official CSA Learning Path (Now Learning)

   • Enroll in the CSA Preparation Pathway on Now Learning.

   • Cover modules on platform overview, lists & forms, CMDB, user administration, notifications, reporting, service catalog, flows, and scripting basics.

   • These align very closely with the exam blueprint.

2. Read the CSA Exam Guide thoroughly

   • The exam guide clearly outlines the domains and weightage (e.g., User Interface & Navigation, Collaboration, Database Administration, Self-Service & Process Automation, etc.).

   • Use this as your roadmap and focus on high-weightage areas first.

3. Practice in a Personal Developer Instance (PDI)

   • Hands-on practice is crucial. Spin up a PDI from developer.servicenow.com.

   • Experiment with forms, lists, business rules, flows, service catalog, knowledge base, and basic reporting.

4. Use the CSA Practice Tests

   • ServiceNow provides practice questions on Now Learning. Attempt them multiple times until you’re confident.

   • Pay attention to the reasoning behind correct and incorrect answers.

5. Focus on Core Topics

   • Tables, records, and schema map

   • Access controls & roles

   • Update sets & application development basics

   • Flow Designer & Service Catalog

   • CMDB fundamentals

   • Notifications, reporting & performance analytics basics

6. Join study groups & discussions

   • Community posts, LinkedIn groups, and peer discussions help you clarify doubts and expose you to tricky scenarios.

7. Last week before the exam

   • Revise high-weightage topics.

   • Take timed practice tests to simulate the real exam.

   • Focus on understanding concepts instead of memorizing answers — the exam often tests applied knowledge.

Pro tip: The CSA exam is less about “tricky” questions and more about checking if you understand how ServiceNow works at a foundational level. If you’ve practiced enough in your PDI and gone through the learning path, you’ll not only pass but also gain skills useful in real projects.

All the best — you’ve got this! 🎯

[mohammedsye]

Hi @TejasSN_LogicX ,

Thank you so much for your valuable insights. Definitely will follow your advice and keep you posted on the result.

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Hi @mohammedsye 

As a ServiceNow (SN) trainer, here's my advice if you want to clear the CSA exam on your first attempt:

1. Be strict with yourself and create a study schedule.
   The CSA training might only be 8 hours (or a bit more), but truly digesting the material takes time. Don’t rush.

2. Complete the training at your own pace.
   It’s okay to take 8–24 hours or more to go through the course thoroughly. What matters is understanding, not speed.

3. Pay close attention to every word.
   Read and listen to the training content word by word. When doing labs, follow the instructions carefully and deliberately.

---

Step 1: Finish the course content.
Take your time, absorb the material, and complete all labs properly.

Step 2: Start your revision.
After finishing the course, begin revising one chapter per day. Yes—just one chapter a day. Revisit the labs for that chapter as well. Stay consistent, don’t rush.

Repeat this process for every chapter at least 3–4 times.

---

Additional Tips:

• Read the official eBook word by word and take notes.

• Highlight important points.

• During labs, get comfortable with the interface. Explore more—don't just follow instructions blindly.

• Avoid relying on dumps or practice papers. The questions might be real, but answers are often unreliable and can reduce your confidence.

---

Follow this strategy, and you’ll be well-prepared for the exam. You've got this!

[mohammedsye]

Hi @Dr Atul G- LNG ,

Thank you so much for your time. I have seen your YouTube videos and your message is so encouraging. Surely, will follow your insights.