Retaking the Certified Implementation Specialist - IT Service Management(CIS-ITSM)

[ajk]

Hello.

I am due to register my first retake (i.e. my second attempt) of the CIS ITSM exam, having failed my first attempt in the summer of 2025, but I understand now that there is a pre-requisite for having completed the Certified Implementation Specialist – Data Foundations (CMDB and CSDM) Certification before registering.

This pre-requisite was introduced possibly in November 2025, so didn't apply to me originally. I also understand this pre-requisite applies to first time candidates, and that there is a grace period until the end of January 2026 where the pre-requisite does not apply. However, is this pre-requisite applicable for candidates doing their retakes?

[AndersBGS]

Hi @ajk ,

Quite simple stated.

You can take the CIS-ITSM before CIS-Data Foundation. The CIS-Data foundation is free until end of june as far as I recall. If you haven't taken the CIS-Data Foundation before end of year 2026, you will lose the CIS-ITSM.

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @ajk 

Yes, CIS-DF is mandatory now, so you need to start with DF first and then go for ITSM. However, I would suggest logging a case with the ServiceNow Learning team to get this clarified and confirmed.