Newbie - with Accounting background: Which Way

[Don36]

Greetings everyone,

I'm currently a certified accountant contemplating a transition to ServiceNow, but I'm uncertain about where to begin.

I'm particularly keen on starting immediately in a job-ready capacity after training. I'm debating whether to start with the Associate System Administrator track and progress to the Professional level to obtain CSA certification, or to pursue the Business Process Analyst path. I'm seeking clarity on the best starting point

Recently, I completed a 6-month Business Analyst Training program, though my hands-on experience is still limited. I'm eager for the Community guidance on where and how to begin. Additionally, I'm curious about the effectiveness of the content labeled as "Required" on Now Learning for passing the final exam, without accessing the Optional ones, which takes you to another site.

Again, considering my lack of background in ServiceNow, I'm curious about the timeframe to secure a job upon completion of any pathway.

Thank you for any insights or advice you can offer.

[Simon Hendery · Accepted solution]

HI @Don36,

My 2 cents: For where you are right now, don’t worry too much about deciding between one of the two Career Journey paths (System Admin or BPA).

To get yourself career ready, the first priority and the best return on investment for you is getting your CSA certification, because that’s the number one thing employers want you to have.

Secondly, and equally important, they want demonstrable hands-on skills using the platform. E.g. you want to be able to show employers an app you’ve built on your PDI that solves a specific problem.

I wanted to clarify something from your question: it sounds like you think you need to complete the Professional System Admin path to get your CSA. That’s not correct. Think of the certifications and the Career Journey paths as two different things. You don’t need to complete the journey path content before you sit the exam.

The only course you need to take prior to sitting the CSA exam is the Administration Fundamentals course (part of the Associate Sys Admin career journey.)

The journey paths offer great broad knowledge across the areas they cover, but you can be work-ready and employable without completing them. Again, employers are much more interested in the certifications.

I’ve almost completed both the Associate and Professional paths of the BPA journey, and I'm very happy to answer any further questions you have about the journey if it would help.

Best of luck with your studies!

[Nivedita Patil]

Hi @Don36 ,

1. Go through the below courses.

    a. https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/washingtondc/new_to_servicenow

    b. https://developer.servicenow.com/dev.do#!/learn/learning-plans/washingtondc/servicenow_administrator

2. complete Micro Certification from now learning platform.

3. complete CSA certification.

Mark my answer as accepted solution and helpful if helps you.

Thanks,

Nivedita Patil.

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @Don36 

Greetings!!

As you said , you already completed the BA training and now time for hands on. You can do Now learning CSA training or you can check video on my channel as well

That will provide you in depth knowledge about SN.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi0Ik1xCDEbK1eyb2IP90WymSr9mbgda5

[Simon Hendery · Accepted solution]

HI @Don36,

My 2 cents: For where you are right now, don’t worry too much about deciding between one of the two Career Journey paths (System Admin or BPA).

To get yourself career ready, the first priority and the best return on investment for you is getting your CSA certification, because that’s the number one thing employers want you to have.

Secondly, and equally important, they want demonstrable hands-on skills using the platform. E.g. you want to be able to show employers an app you’ve built on your PDI that solves a specific problem.

I wanted to clarify something from your question: it sounds like you think you need to complete the Professional System Admin path to get your CSA. That’s not correct. Think of the certifications and the Career Journey paths as two different things. You don’t need to complete the journey path content before you sit the exam.

The only course you need to take prior to sitting the CSA exam is the Administration Fundamentals course (part of the Associate Sys Admin career journey.)

The journey paths offer great broad knowledge across the areas they cover, but you can be work-ready and employable without completing them. Again, employers are much more interested in the certifications.

I’ve almost completed both the Associate and Professional paths of the BPA journey, and I'm very happy to answer any further questions you have about the journey if it would help.

Best of luck with your studies!

[Don36]

Thanks @Simon Hendery . This is so very convincing.

You mentioned developing an app in the PDI. I'm curious, is this at the CSA or Developer level? And as a beginner, how important is it for someone like me?

Also, thanks for clarifying that I can take the CSA exams at the Associate Sys Certification level, as long as I've completed the Admin Fundamentals course within the Associate level. Great stuff! 👍🏻

You emphasized the importance of hands-on experience with the platform, which is my main concern. Without practical experience, my understanding remains theoretical. So, how can I interact with the platform while learning? Is there a free version of ServiceNow available, or what's your advice?

Additionally, I've just started with the "Welcome to ServiceNow" content in the Now Learning, and then I'll move on to the Associate Sys Admin course (to prepare for the CSA exam).

Do you think this progression is effective for gaining an overview of ServiceNow, or do you have any suggestions for a better learning flow towards the CSA certification, including how to gain hands-on experience with the platform, which is so very crucial?

thanks @Simon Hendery .

Donald