Recommend certificates after CSA

[Andrei_Alvarico]

Just finished with CSA Certification, what certification would you recommend pursuing next?

[Rafael Batistot]

Hi @Andrei_Alvarico 

Congrats on finishing your ServiceNow CSA!
That’s the foundation, and now you’ve got a few good directions depending on where you want to grow.

Here are the common next-step certifications:

If you want to deepen your 

platform skills

 (most common next step)

• ServiceNow CAD (Certified Application Developer)
  
• Builds on CSA and teaches you how to create custom applications, scripts, and automation.
• Great if you’ll be doing development, scripting, or custom app work.

If you want to go toward 

IT Service workflows

• CIS-ITSM (Certified Implementation Specialist – ITSM)
  
• The most popular CIS exam.
• Focuses on IT Service Management apps (Incident, Problem, Change, Request).
• Strong choice if you’re working on IT service delivery or implementations.

If you’re more into 

operations & infrastructure

• CIS-Discovery (for CMDB/Discovery)
• CIS-Service Mapping
  
• Useful if your projects involve infrastructure, CMDB, or integrations.

If you’re leaning toward 

security & risk

• CIS-SecOps
• CIS-Risk & Compliance
  
• Recommended if your company is using GRC or Security Operations modules.

Most common path: CSA → CAD → CIS-ITSM

This gives you strong development + implementation credibility.

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @Andrei_Alvarico 

I’m a ServiceNow trainer and happy to share my thoughts on this. ServiceNow is becoming increasingly broad and deep these days, and the best way to kickstart your journey is by earning the CSA (Certified System Administrator) certification. The CSA provides a solid understanding of the platform, its terminology, and core modules. Once you get hands-on experience with the platform through CSA, you can decide on your next path.

Employers value professionals with experience across multiple modules, so it’s important to expand your knowledge and add more products to your portfolio. Consider focusing on areas like ITSM, GRC, HRSD, CSM, or SecOps.

Currently, the training is free, which is a fantastic opportunity. However, the real challenge is gaining hands-on experience. To overcome this, the ServiceNow community is an excellent resource. Dedicate at least 1-2 hours a day engaging with the community — read questions others are asking and contribute your own responses. Over time, this will improve your skills and boost your confidence.

Additionally, mastering scripting is essential if you want to become a developer. There are many courses and exercises available on developer.servicenow.com to help you practice and enhance your scripting skills, which will strengthen your portfolio.

Start with the CSA certification and then choose your next step based on your interests — whether that’s development, becoming a Business Analyst, Change Manager, or Project Manager. A solid foundation will give you the flexibility to pursue any domain you prefer.

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

I am a ServiceNow Trainer and happy to share my thoughts.

The CSA is a good starting point, but it’s just the basics. You need to look at the bigger picture. 

Here’s a suggested learning path for you:

1. CSA → Data Foundation → GRC or

2. CSA --> ITSM 

3. In parallel, work on micro-certifications such as:

   • Flow Designer

   • App Engine Studio

   • Virtual Agent

I would also recommend not focusing only on GRC. Build your foundation with ITSM in parallel, as it will give your CV a significant boost.

Additionally, ServiceNow has added a Data Foundations certification, which gives deep insight into CMDB and CSDM. This can help you expand your expertise in core ServiceNow practices.

[Nikhil Bajaj9]

Hi @Andrei_Alvarico ,

It depends on what you want to be  - a developer, an implemetor, BA, BPC etc and in which Module - ITSM, CSM , HRSD. All furtehr certifications should be based on your aspirations and Modules of your choice.  If you want to be developer then CAD, if you want to be implementer in ITSM then CIS- ITSM etc. so decide first what you want to be and what is your cup of Tea [Don't listen to anyone, first listen to yourself and decide] then think about next certification.