Mark Roethof
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Articles, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts, Share projects - Experiences from the field
Hi there,
ServiceNow certification costs remain one of the most popular topics in the ServiceNow Community. Especially when it comes to exam vouchers, exam costs, and retakes. This blog is the 2026 update of my earlier posts from 2024 and 2025.
Unlike previous years, this is not just a pricing refresh. Since late 2025, ServiceNow has introduced fundamental changes to how certifications work:
- Exams moved from Kryterion/Webassessor to Pearson VUE, managed via ServiceNow University
- Exam vouchers no longer exist
- New rules around registration validity, rescheduling, and refunds
- Several CIS certifications now require CIS-DF (Data Foundation) as a mandatory prerequisite
- Retake rules, waiting periods, and costs changed
Let's go through everything step by step.
No eligibility, no exam (formerly “no voucher, no exam”)
In the past, ServiceNow mainline exams required an exam voucher code. That model is now gone. For high-stakes (mainline) certifications, you must first unlock exam eligibility. Without eligibility, you cannot register for an exam.
The word voucher is still often used in the community, but technically there are no exam vouchers anymore.
Unlock exam eligibility
Exam eligibility is unlocked by completing the correct ServiceNow course on ServiceNow University. Courses are available as:
- Instructor-Led Training (ILT)
- On-demand
Which course unlocks eligibility depends on the certification. In most cases, it is the Implementation / Advanced course. Always verify this in the course description on ServiceNow University or in the official Learning Path documentation.
Fundamentals vs Implementation: Do you need both?
Some certification tracks list:
- A Fundamentals course
- An Implementation / Advanced course
Do you need both? Usually not.
Fundamentals are often listed as prerequisites, but they are not always mandatory. In many cases, you can directly take the Implementation course to unlock exam eligibility. Whether that’s a good idea depends on your experience, knowledge, and hands-on exposure to ServiceNow.
Instructor-Led Training (ILT) vs On-demand courses
Instructor-Led Training (ILT)
- Paid
- Includes the first exam attempt
- After successful completion, exam eligibility is automatically included
On-demand courses
- Free (as of early 2025 and still valid in 2026)
- Do NOT include a free exam attempt
- Unlock the option to purchase the exam in ServiceNow University
After completing an on-demand course, it may take a few hours for the exam option to appear.
If it doesn't, raise a personal case on ServiceNow University.
Mandatory CIS-DF (Data Foundation) prerequisite (new)
Several CIS certifications now require CIS-DF (Data Foundation) as a mandatory prerequisite. This applies to:
- CIS-ITSM
- CIS-HAM
- CIS-SAM
- CIS-DISCO
- CIS-SM
- CIS-VR
- CIS-SIR
You must pass CIS-DF first before attempting these CIS exams.
Temporary promotion
- First attempt for CIS-DF is free
- Valid until June 2026
- This is a temporary offer
Exam registration & scheduling (Pearson VUE)
Exams are now:
- Registered and paid for in ServiceNow University
- Scheduled through Pearson VUE
- Accessed using SSO (no separate exam accounts)
There are:
- No exam vouchers
- No manual linking of accounts
- No separate exam systems
Exam eligibility vs exam registration (very important!)
It's crucial to understand the difference.
Exam eligibility
- Unlocked by completing the required course
- Does not expire
- You can register whenever you feel ready and prepared
Exam registration
- Happens when you schedule and/or pay for the exam
- Must be completed within 90 days
- If the exam is not taken within 90 days, the registration expires and the exam attempt is forfeited
Key takeaway:
You can wait as long as you want before registering - but once registered, you must take the exam within 90 days.
Cancellations, rescheduling & refunds
Once an exam is registered:
- Exam payments are non-refundable
- Cancellations are not offered
- You can reschedule your exam without a fee, as long as you do so within the allowed rescheduling window
If you fail to take the exam within the 90-day window, the attempt is forfeited.
Pricing overview
Instructor-Led Training
- 2-day course: $1,900 USD
- 3-day course: $2,700 USD
- Exam attempt included
On-demand courses
- $0 USD
- Exam purchased separately
Exam costs
- CSA, CAD, CAS: $300 USD
- All CIS exams: $450 USD
Exams are purchased and scheduled via ServiceNow University.
Partner discounts apply where eligible. Prices exclude tax.
Retakes: new rules and new costs
The old "maximum of 3 retakes" rule no longer applies. The waiting periods and costs have also changed.
Waiting periods
- 3 days between 1st and 2nd attempt
- 30 days between 2nd and 3rd attempt
- 6 months for all subsequent attempts
Retake fees
- CSA, CAD, CPOA: $150 USD
- All CIS exams: $225 USD
Retakes are purchased and scheduled via ServiceNow University.
Partner discounts apply where eligible. Prices exclude tax.
Example: CSA certification cost
Instructor-Led Training
- 3-day ILT: $2,700 USD
- Exam attempt included
On-demand course
- Course: $0 USD
- Exam: $300 USD
"Free vouchers"
One of the most frequently asked questions remains:
"Are there free exam vouchers?"
In general: no.
Instructor-Led Training includes the exam attempt. On-demand courses do not. Occasional promotions (like CIS-DF) exist, but they are temporary. A common exception is that ServiceNow partners often receive a free CSA exam attempt after completing the required course. Outside of these cases, free exam attempts are not standard.
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That's it. Hope this clarifies some of the frequently asked questions regarding exam vouchers, courses, exams and retakes. If you have any questions or remarks, let me know!
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Kind regards,
Mark Roethof
Independent ServiceNow Consultant
10x ServiceNow MVP
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