Self-Learned Certification Cost Me RiseUp Opportunity – Any Suggestions?

[Choudharyma]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some guidance from the ServiceNow community.

I was recently selected for the RiseUp with ServiceNow program, but my offer was rescinded because I hold an active mainline certification. I completely respect the eligibility criteria, but I wanted to share that I achieved my certification purely through self-learning, without any formal training or structured program.

My intention in applying was to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-world exposure — areas where I still feel I need guidance despite being certified.

I truly don’t want to miss this opportunity, so I’m reaching out to ask:

• Has anyone faced a similar situation?

• Is there any way to request reconsideration or exception?

• Are there alternative programs or pathways within the ServiceNow ecosystem that I should explore?

Any advice, guidance, or connections would mean a lot to me.

Thank you in advance for your support 

[BiancaKerchhoff]

Hi  @Choudharyma 

Well done on taking the initiative to complete the CSA certification on your own, this shows a great amount of determination and definitely dedication. 

Don't give up! What are the avenues that you have explored to reach out to ServiceNow regarding your rescinded RiseUp application?

If I were you I would search the internet and try and find individuals working for ServiceNow who manages the RiseUp program and explain your situation. 

I done a quick search and found these contacts for you:

Email: riseupwithservicenow@servicenow.com

Sharon Azzam

Director, Workforce Innovation Program Management and Operations

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonazzam/

Karen Pavlin

Chief Workforce Innovation Officer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-pavlin/

Josephine Hill

Senior Programme Leader | Workforce Development · Digital Skilling · Change Enablement | ServiceNow RiseUp EMEA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-hill-56230a13/

Erika Aschmann

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/erika-aschmann_program-apply-riseup-with-servicenow-activity-73972946...

Roberto Sequeira

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/roberto-sequeira-msed_riseupwithservicenow-servicenow-careergrowth-ac...

I would suggest that you could also comment on some of their posts on LinkedIn where they are talking about and advertising the RiseUp program, explain your situation, ask for advise and a way forward...

Another tip, the format of the email addresses of ServiceNow employees are: name.surname@servicenow.com if you would like to send an email to a specific ServiceNow employee.

Feel free to reach out to me directly.

#RiseUp

#ServiceNow RiseUp

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ServiceNow Consultant 

www.linkedin.com/in/biancakerchhoff

[Choudharyma]

Hi Bianca,

Thank you so much for your guidance and for sharing these contacts—I really appreciate your support.

I wanted to update you that I did reach out to the RiseUp team regarding my application. I explained my situation and requested reconsideration, but unfortunately, they declined my request.

That said, I’m still very motivated and determined to continue growing in ServiceNow, and I’ll keep exploring other opportunities and learning paths. Your suggestions really helped me take the right steps.

Thanks again for your encouragement!

[BiancaKerchhoff]

Hi @Choudharyma 

All the best!

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @Choudharyma 

Greetings!!

As a ServiceNow trainer, here are my thoughts:

ServiceNow is a vast and continuously evolving platform. It takes time to fully understand its depth and breadth, so it’s always best to start with the basics first and build a strong foundation.

I understand it’s unfortunate that your RiseUp offer has been revoked. However, you can still continue your learning journey. You may reach out to the team via the same email ID to request reconsideration, but if the decision follows policy, the chances may be limited.

ServiceNow provides multiple learning paths and opportunities, so you can continue exploring and growing your skills.

ServiceNow is growing rapidly in both breadth and depth. The best way to start is by earning the CSA (Certified System Administrator) certification, which builds a solid foundation in platform fundamentals, terminology, and core modules. Once you gain hands-on experience through CSA, you can decide your next learning path.

Employers value professionals with multi-module expertise, so after completing CSA, consider exploring areas like ITSM, GRC, HRSD, CSM, or SecOps to broaden your portfolio.

Currently, the training is free, which is a great opportunity — though the real challenge lies in gaining hands-on experience. To overcome this, spend at least 1–2 hours a day engaging with the ServiceNow Community — read discussions, answer questions, and share your insights to strengthen your understanding and confidence.

If your goal is to become a developer, focus on building scripting skills using resources available on developer.servicenow.com. Regular practice will enhance your technical expertise.

Start with the CSA and then choose your direction based on your interests — whether as an Admin, Developer, Business Analyst, Change Manager, or Project Manager. A strong foundation will give you the flexibility to explore any of these paths.

Welcome to this vibrant community space where you can connect, collaborate, and grow. Share your ideas, seek guidance, and contribute to collective learning.

To take the next step, register on Now Learning and begin your ServiceNow learning journey today.

Useful resources:

• ServiceNow Developer Program

• Now Learning

• ServiceNow Dev Program – YouTube

• ServiceNow Community – YouTube

• NOW Support – YouTube

You can also follow me on my YouTube channel for free learning resources and practical ServiceNow guidance.