Can I take the CIS-DF (CMDB & CSDM) exam before passing the CSA exam?

[brayalac]

Hello everyone, I have successfully registered and scheduled both the CSA and CIS-DF (CMDB & CSDM) certification exams. My current schedule is: - CIS-DF: July 4 - CSA: July 18 The CIS-DF exam page states that CSA Certified is a prerequisite. However, the system allowed me to register and schedule the CIS-DF exam even though I have not yet earned my CSA certification. Could anyone please clarify: 1. Am I allowed to take the CIS-DF exam before passing the CSA exam? 2. If I pass the CIS-DF exam before obtaining my CSA certification, will the result be held until I earn CSA, or would I need to retake the CIS-DF exam? 3. Would you recommend rescheduling the CIS-DF exam until after I have passed the CSA exam? Thank you for your guidance.

[Abhishek_W]

@brayalac  Yes , you can give CIS-DF before CSA.
Complete CMDB fundamental course and CSDM fundamental course from now learning and follow the path of courses given in now learning for cis-df where you can get suite certification also.

IF you find this helpful , give a thumbs up👍 and accept it ✔️.

[AndersBGS]

Hi @brayalac 

For sure you can and you should. the CIS-DF is mandatory for keeping the CSA.

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @brayalac 

1. Am I allowed to take the CIS-DF exam before passing the CSA exam?

Atul:

Yes, absolutely! You can take the  (CIS-DF) exam before the Certified System Administrator (CSA) exam. CSA is not a prerequisite for the CIS-DF certification.

2. If I pass the CIS-DF exam before obtaining my CSA certification, will the result be held until I earn CSA, or would I need to retake the CIS-DF exam?

Atul:

No. These are independent certification exams, and the results are not dependent on each other. If you pass the CIS-DF exam, your certification result stands on its own—you do not need to wait until you pass the CSA exam, nor will you need to retake CIS-DF because you hadn't completed CSA first.

3. Would you recommend rescheduling the CIS-DF exam until after I have passed the CSA exam?

Atul:

No, I wouldn't recommend postponing it. From what you've shared, you're well prepared and ready for the exam. Go ahead and take it—there's no benefit in delaying it further.

Additional Resources

To help with your exam preparation, I also recommend:

• Listening to the two podcast episodes I've shared—they cover important concepts and exam-related guidance.
• Reading the latest Knowledge Base (KB) updates, as they contain recent information that may be useful for the exam.

Best of luck with your CIS-DF exam!

https://youtube.com/live/oqU5xCLcu3c?feature=share

https://youtube.com/live/wmHacFLL5mU?feature=share

******

Free Exam Registration Offer

Candidates who hold one or more of the seven IT CIS certifications above are eligible to take the CIS – DF (CMDB and CSDM) exam at no cost, if they register on or before December 31, 2026. After registering, candidates have 90 days to schedule and complete the exam. This offer applies to first attempts only.

If a candidate has not earned the CIS-DF certification by 12/31/26, their existing implementation specialist certification(s) within ITAM, ITOM, ITSM, etc. will expire - even if they have a CIS-DF exam scheduled in 2027.

No exceptions or complimentary exam attempts will be granted after December 31, 2026.