How to start learning ServiceNow from zero? Looking for a clear roadmap

[SathiG]

I’m a complete beginner trying to learn ServiceNow, but the online resources feel scattered and overwhelming. I’ve been studying for a week, and even though I learn something every day, I still can’t connect the dots — which is getting frustrating!!!

It would be incredibly helpful to have a clear beginner-friendly roadmap:

1. Simple flowchart

2. Learning map with the right order of topics

3. recommended courses

4. certification links.

Does the community have something like this?
Or is there someone who can help create one for beginners like me?

Any guidance would mean a lot. Thank you!

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @SathiG  ,

First start with Welcome to Servicenow . It will give you basic idea.

Then If you want to learn , Servicenow Admin Course , complete Fundamental course and go for CSA certification.

Once you have the Hands on experience  , follow which career journey - you want to follow:

Career Journey - ServiceNow University

Good Luck!

[SathiG]

Thank you for the guidance!!!

I’ll follow the steps you shared — starting with Welcome to ServiceNow, then Fundamentals, CSA, and exploring the right career journey.

I also want to build my future in ServiceNow along with AI.
Could you please suggest how I can include AI skills in my ServiceNow learning path?
Any specific courses, roles, or areas I should focus on?

Thanks again for your support!

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Hi @SathiG 

Greetings!

I am a ServiceNow trainer and would be happy to guide you.

ServiceNow is expanding both in depth and breadth these days, so moving forward, career planning needs to be done very carefully.

Anyone who wants to start their career in ServiceNow should begin with the basics—ServiceNow Administration. This helps participants understand the platform, terminology, core concepts, architecture, and foundational knowledge that is used across all ServiceNow products. At this stage, you can prepare for the CSA (Certified System Administrator) certification. There are dedicated CSA courses available on Now Learning, either as individual courses or guided learning journeys—you can choose what suits you best.

After completing CSA, the next step depends on the direction you want to take—development or a specific product specialization.
If you want to move into development, CAD (Certified Application Developer) is the next step. This focuses on development concepts, scripting, and other coding-related aspects of ServiceNow.

After that, you can choose any product based on your interest and demand, such as ITSM (which is widely required), CSM, HRSD, GRC, or any other ServiceNow product, and continue growing in that direction.

As a foundation, CSA → CAD is a good path to follow.

Additionally, if you do not want to go into development, there are other career options such as Business Analyst (BA), Business Process Consultant (BPC) (I am a BPC), Technical Support Specialist, or Change Manager (OCM).

System Administrator Career Journey - ServiceNow University

Application Developer Career Journey - ServiceNow University

[SathiG]

Thank you so much for your detailed guidance!!!

As a beginner, I really appreciate the clear explanation of how to approach learning ServiceNow. The way you broke it down — starting with Administration, then moving toward CSA, followed by CAD or product specializations — finally gives me a structured direction.

I’ve been struggling with scattered resources and couldn’t connect the dots, so your roadmap helps me understand where to begin and how to plan my next steps.
Knowing the difference between development‑focused paths (CSA → CAD) and non‑development roles like BA, BPC, Technical Support, or OCM is also extremely helpful.

Thanks again for taking the time to explain this.

Really appreciate your support!