ServiceNow 2026 - Where should I focus my learning?

[maroo]

With 2026 around the corner, and AI being a big part of our future (as of now, the robot uprising could take place sooner than anticipate), where should I focus my training.

I am currently an Admin, but would like to go into the Development area, and learn more about integrations and a side interest with CMDB and Discovery?

Any suggestions? 

[AnjalPDijo · Accepted solution]

Hi @maroo ,
With AI becoming a major part of ServiceNow’s future, here’s a roadmap to help you transition from Admin to Developer while staying ahead:

1. Embrace AI in ServiceNow

• AI features like Now Assist, Predictive Intelligence, and AI Agents are already here and will expand rapidly.
• Make sure you learn and experiment with these AI capabilities as they roll out.
• Explore AI-related courses and practice labs on Now Learning.

 

2. Use Now Learning for Structured Growth

• Start with the Admin → Developer → Advanced Developer learning paths.
• After each milestone, take certifications:
  • CSA (Certified System Administrator)
  • CAD (Certified Application Developer)
  • CIS (Certified Implementation Specialist) and so on.
• If you’re interested in CMDB and Discovery, there are dedicated courses and certifications for those too.

 

3. Explore Integrations

• Learn REST APIs, MID Server, and IntegrationHub for connecting ServiceNow with external systems.
• Practice building Flows and Subflows with IntegrationHub Spokes.

 

4. My Beginner Findings

• When I started, hands-on practice was key. Use personal developer instances and build small apps.
• Please go through the following links:
  • Transform as a ServiceNow Developer – How to Get Started
  • What Helped You Most When Starting Out

 

5. Keep an Eye on AI Features

• AI will keep evolving in ServiceNow. Start learning Now Assist for ITSM, AI Search, and Predictive Intelligence early.
• These will become standard in workflows, so being ahead will make you future-proof.
  
  

Hope this helps!

Best Regards,
Anjal

[Sarthak Kashyap · Accepted solution]

Hi @maroo ,

You can start by strengthening your JavaScript and Glide scripting knowledge, and then move on to Flow Designer, IntegrationHub, and REST/SOAP API integrations. Also, explore CMDB, Discovery patterns, Service Mapping, UI Builder, Workspace customization, ACLs, and MID Server configurations. If you’d like to explore AI-related tools, check out AI Search and Now Assist.

Additionally,Also try to major other modules like HRSD, HAM/SAM, and SecOps.

Please mark my answer as Correct and Helpful if it works for you.

Thanks and Regards,
Sarthak

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Hi @maroo 

I’m a ServiceNow trainer and happy to share my thoughts on this. ServiceNow is becoming increasingly broad and deep these days, and the best way to kickstart your journey is by earning the CSA (Certified System Administrator) certification. The CSA provides a solid understanding of the platform, its terminology, and core modules. Once you get hands-on experience with the platform through CSA, you can decide on your next path.

Employers value professionals with experience across multiple modules, so it’s important to expand your knowledge and add more products to your portfolio. Consider focusing on areas like ITSM, GRC, HRSD, CSM, or SecOps.

Currently, the training is free, which is a fantastic opportunity. However, the real challenge is gaining hands-on experience. To overcome this, the ServiceNow community is an excellent resource. Dedicate at least 1-2 hours a day engaging with the community — read questions others are asking and contribute your own responses. Over time, this will improve your skills and boost your confidence.

Additionally, mastering scripting is essential if you want to become a developer. There are many courses and exercises available on developer.servicenow.com to help you practice and enhance your scripting skills, which will strengthen your portfolio.

Start with the CSA certification and then choose your next step based on your interests — whether that’s development, becoming a Business Analyst, Change Manager, or Project Manager. A solid foundation will give you the flexibility to pursue any domain you prefer.

[AnjalPDijo · Accepted solution]

Hi @maroo ,
With AI becoming a major part of ServiceNow’s future, here’s a roadmap to help you transition from Admin to Developer while staying ahead:

1. Embrace AI in ServiceNow

• AI features like Now Assist, Predictive Intelligence, and AI Agents are already here and will expand rapidly.
• Make sure you learn and experiment with these AI capabilities as they roll out.
• Explore AI-related courses and practice labs on Now Learning.

 

2. Use Now Learning for Structured Growth

• Start with the Admin → Developer → Advanced Developer learning paths.
• After each milestone, take certifications:
  • CSA (Certified System Administrator)
  • CAD (Certified Application Developer)
  • CIS (Certified Implementation Specialist) and so on.
• If you’re interested in CMDB and Discovery, there are dedicated courses and certifications for those too.

 

3. Explore Integrations

• Learn REST APIs, MID Server, and IntegrationHub for connecting ServiceNow with external systems.
• Practice building Flows and Subflows with IntegrationHub Spokes.

 

4. My Beginner Findings

• When I started, hands-on practice was key. Use personal developer instances and build small apps.
• Please go through the following links:
  • Transform as a ServiceNow Developer – How to Get Started
  • What Helped You Most When Starting Out

 

5. Keep an Eye on AI Features

• AI will keep evolving in ServiceNow. Start learning Now Assist for ITSM, AI Search, and Predictive Intelligence early.
• These will become standard in workflows, so being ahead will make you future-proof.
  
  

Hope this helps!

Best Regards,
Anjal

[Sarthak Kashyap · Accepted solution]

Hi @maroo ,

You can start by strengthening your JavaScript and Glide scripting knowledge, and then move on to Flow Designer, IntegrationHub, and REST/SOAP API integrations. Also, explore CMDB, Discovery patterns, Service Mapping, UI Builder, Workspace customization, ACLs, and MID Server configurations. If you’d like to explore AI-related tools, check out AI Search and Now Assist.

Additionally,Also try to major other modules like HRSD, HAM/SAM, and SecOps.

Please mark my answer as Correct and Helpful if it works for you.

Thanks and Regards,
Sarthak

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Hi @maroo 

I’m a ServiceNow trainer and happy to share my thoughts on this. ServiceNow is becoming increasingly broad and deep these days, and the best way to kickstart your journey is by earning the CSA (Certified System Administrator) certification. The CSA provides a solid understanding of the platform, its terminology, and core modules. Once you get hands-on experience with the platform through CSA, you can decide on your next path.

Employers value professionals with experience across multiple modules, so it’s important to expand your knowledge and add more products to your portfolio. Consider focusing on areas like ITSM, GRC, HRSD, CSM, or SecOps.

Currently, the training is free, which is a fantastic opportunity. However, the real challenge is gaining hands-on experience. To overcome this, the ServiceNow community is an excellent resource. Dedicate at least 1-2 hours a day engaging with the community — read questions others are asking and contribute your own responses. Over time, this will improve your skills and boost your confidence.

Additionally, mastering scripting is essential if you want to become a developer. There are many courses and exercises available on developer.servicenow.com to help you practice and enhance your scripting skills, which will strengthen your portfolio.

Start with the CSA certification and then choose your next step based on your interests — whether that’s development, becoming a Business Analyst, Change Manager, or Project Manager. A solid foundation will give you the flexibility to pursue any domain you prefer.

[GlideFather · Accepted solution]

Hi @maroo,

I would consider ITSM a good start because there's no ServiceNow instance without ITSM, it's always included, other modules are extra and vary per organisation.

So perhaps it's a smart idea to focus on a role more than an area - you can select from the resources below and to aspire for a specific role - an admin, an analyst, a project manager, ...?

There are two great places to start:

1. ServiceNow University  

• Get Started with ServiceNow University
• Learn about ServiceNow and earn badges, points, certificates, and improve your rank.
• Most courses are free, only a few are paid.
• Start with the "Welcome to ServiceNow " training, it's fun and gives you your first certificate! 
• The most important first certificate is  Certified System Administrator (CSA), useful for almost any ServiceNow role.
• Trainings at the SN University provide temporary lab instances with pre-installed plugins and apps.

 Career Journeys:

• System Admin
• App Developer
• Platform Owner
• Implementer
• Technical Project Manager
• Business Process Analyst
• Support Specialist

ServiceNow credentials:

• App Specialist
• Architect
• Developer
• Implementer
• Pre-sales Expert
• Sales Expert
• System Admin

To learn more about trainings:

[ServiceNow University] - Vouchers eligibility, Free Trainings, Paid Exams and Payments | FAQs

2. Developer Portal

• Request your Personal Developer Instance (PDI) — your own ServiceNow sandbox to practice safely.
• You can try almost everything for free (except a few advanced features like AI).
• Explore guides, tutorials, blogs, and documentation to learn more.

Learning Plans

• New to ServiceNow
• Citizen Developer
• ServiceNow Administrator
• Learn admin skills to move into app development.
• Includes short self-paced modules.

TL;DR

ServiceNow University = Learn and earn badges or certifications.

Developer Portal = Practice and explore the platform hands-on.

Connect with others on LinkedIn — follow creators and join groups to learn even more!

Good luck!