Fresh Grad Prep: CSA and CAD Exams!

[ErwinJayM]

Hi everyone!

As a fresh graduate, I am focusing 100% on passing the Certified Application Developer (CAD) and Certified System Administrator (CSA) exams before diving fully into the job hunt.

I'm taking the CAD exam first in late July, and my preparation is already underway. I've been grinding hard by completing the official Now Learning courses, doing all the hands-on labs on my PDI, and reviewing the knowledge checks. Since I really need to pass on my first try, I want to make sure my preparation is completely foolproof.

My questions are:

1. What additional free resources or study strategies do you recommend for this final stretch of CAD prep?

2. Once CAD is done, how should I transition my studying for the CSA? For those who have both, is the CSA harder or easier than the CAD?

3. For landing that first entry-level role, how big of a role do these two certifications play in making a fresh graduate stand out to recruiters?

Thank you so much for any tips, advice, or shared resources!

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Hii @ErwinJayM 

1. What additional free resources or study strategies do you recommend for this final stretch of CAD prep?

Atul: 

Here are a few tips:

1. Follow this master playlist to strengthen your JavaScript skills specifically for the ServiceNow platform. 

https://youtu.be/62Nabpb94Jw?si=FqBwRN2B8C71aYHr

 Hands on  https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/courses/australia/app_store_learnv2_scripting_austra...

1. Spend at least 1–2 hours daily on the ServiceNow Community. Observe the kinds of technical questions being asked and how experienced members respond. You’ll learn a lot passively this way—and I highly encourage you to start answering questions as well. Explaining concepts to others will improve your technical thinking and deepen your understanding.

1. Explore the free courses available on the ServiceNow Developer Site. These are practical and focused, and will help you apply your knowledge directly on the platform.

2. https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/yokohama/citizen_developer
3. https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/yokohama/servicenow_application_devel...

1. Once CAD is done, how should I transition my studying for the CSA? For those who have both, is the CSA harder or easier than the CAD?

Atul:CSA is the first step you should take before moving on to CAD. CSA gives you a strong understanding of the platform, its core concepts, terminology, and structure. So it is recommended to complete CSA first.

1. For landing that first entry-level role, how big of a role do these two certifications play in making a fresh graduate stand out to recruiters?

[yashkamde]

Hello @ErwinJayM ,

I have passed CSA. I would be happy to share my experience on my journey throughout preparation :

Refer this :

ServiceNow CSA Exam Study Guide 

If my response helped mark as helpful and accept the solution.

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @ErwinJayM 

For CAD preparation:

1. Go Through the course content till your concept is clear - Certified Application Developer (CAD) Learning Path

2.  Certified Application Developer (CAD) Exam Blueprint for syllabus

3. Practice in your Personal Developer Instance (PDI)

• Practice lots of mock question with Correct Answer 
• Practice from ServiceNow university provided practice (if you have access) : https://account.measureup.com/servicenow-university
• If anything left or you are struggling with answering practice test, Revisit the course content.
• Once you are confident ,  Schedule the exam and Go for it.

Note: Once registered, you have 90 days to schedule and complete your exam. 

Refer: https://nowlearning.servicenow.com/kb?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0011554

Good luck!

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @ErwinJayM 

CAD is more tough than CSA ( for me).

Here is CSA preparation guide:

• First complete  ServiceNow Administration Fundamentals  course from ServiceNow University
• Practice again all lab task in The given learning instance.
• Practice in your Personal Developer Instance (PDI)
• Practice mock question with Correct Answer 
• Practice from ServiceNow university provided practice (If you have access) : https://account.measureup.com/servicenow-university
• Check the syllabus from  Certified System Administrator (CSA) Mainline Exam Blueprint
• If anything left or you are struggling with answering practice test, Revisit the course content.
• Once you are confident ,  Schedule the exam and Go for it.