Blog [1]: From CSA to CAD to FSM: My ServiceNow Certifications Journey 2025
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a week ago - last edited yesterday
Hi All,
One of the most commonly asked questions in the community by new members is about the CSA and CAD certifications.
I’m sharing my journey on how I cleared these certifications this year (2025). Everyone learns differently , we all have different capacities and learning styles, so this post is simply my personal journey, not a one-size-fits-all guide
1) CSA (Certified System Administrator) (29-03-2025)
The first certification I cleared this year was CSA. Since I already worked on this platform which helped me sail through this certification. CSA sets the base for new learners and newcomers to the ServiceNow platform. It is the easiest of all certifications available provided you have your fundamentals clear.
Preparation tips for CSA :
- Go through foundational video, CSA has best learning content videos on platform.
- Read e-book and follow the tasks
- Get hands-on experience by playing around in a PDI
- Get exam ready by practicing available mock test available online (Udemy) but be mindful as many questions and topics there are outdated
Key topics for CSA:
- Understanding base tables and remembering exact key table names like sys_user, sys_user_group etc.
- Update sets what they capture like customization and configuration
- Knowledge management module and how to create and publish articles
- list , column , form context menus and basics of CMDB like what is CI , key CMDB table etc.
ServiceNow university learning path and exam blueprint for CSA:
2) CAD (ServiceNow Certified Application Developer) (30-12-2025)
CAD used to be one of the most hyped certification until CIS-DF took that spot recently. Its the tests your basics of platform, ServiceNow scripting well. I would consider it medium difficulty.
Preparation tips for CAD:
- Practice and read e-book thoroughly.
- Build at least one custom application, you can follow e-book or create your own custom app
- Dumps can give a general idea of the exam but don’t rely on them entirely
Key topics for CAD:
- Understanding application scopes
- Understanding basic ServiceNow scripting APIs like GlideSystem, GlideUser, GlideRecords.
- Understanding different client side and server side scripts.
- Basics of flow designer , email notifications , Data import
- Understanding ACLs
ServiceNow university learning path and exam blueprint for CAD:
3) CIS-FSM (Certified Implementation Specialist — Field Service Management) (29-04-2025)
Out of the three certifications, FSM was the most challenging one. unfortunately I had to sit twice to clear it. Even though I had project experience, the exam truly tests you. It is mostly scenario-based
Preparation tips for CIS-FSM:
- Read e-book multiple times as each and every word here carries significance
- Practice using lab simulators and understand concepts of inventory management , equipment transfer, crew management , etc.
- Dumps available are outdated and largely useless as most of answers are marked wrong
Key topics for FSM:
- Understanding different type of field services , roles associated
- Understanding types of Scheduling and configuration of each : Manual, Automatic, Dynamic
- Flow of FSM module steps from Qualification to Dispatcher to Field Agent Assignment to closing of Workorder
- Memorize key plugins, tables and properties
ServiceNow university learning path and exam blueprint for FSM:
I’ve always believed that certifications are like a driving license , they prove that you understand the basics, but there is still a lot to learn, practice, and improve through real-world implementation.
My goal for next year (2026) is to to learn and clear these three certifications, possibly CIS-DF, ITSM, and CSM. If you’ve already completed any of these, I’d love to hear about your preparation journey and exam tips.
If you found this blog helpful, please leave a like or a helpful comment, it really motivates me and helps others discover the post too.
Thanks for reading, and happy learning!
Regards,
Mohammed Zakir
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a week ago
Thanks for sharing your inputs
You have covered most points but I would suggest to mention key topics which are important, like for CSA I feel it's understanding about base tables, relations, update sets etc . Similarly can you add the important topics or key topics for exam you have taken.
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a week ago - last edited a week ago
Thanks for reading and sharing your insights.
Will re-edit and include key topics for each certification
Regards,
Mohammed Zakir
