What is the best order to pursue ServiceNow micro-certifications for beginners and developers?

[1__ParagP]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to ServiceNow and currently exploring the certification path. I recently completed the ServiceNow Fundamentals training and I’m planning to start with micro-certifications to strengthen my basics before attempting the main certifications like CSA and CAD.

However, I am a bit confused about the correct order or recommended sequence for completing the ServiceNow micro-certifications. As a beginner, I want to understand which micro-certifications should be taken first and how they help in building skills step by step.

Could someone please guide me on:

• The recommended order to complete ServiceNow micro-certifications

• Which ones are best suited for beginners

• Any learning path or roadmap that I should follow

Your guidance will be very helpful for my learning journey.
Thank you in advance!

[Mohammed8]

Hi @1__ParagP 

You can check Associate system administrator path to understand what certificates/micro-certificates need to be completed at beginner level, Here is the link:

https://learning.servicenow.com/lxp/en/pages/journey-overview?id=journey_overview&journey_id=55f79b4...

Similarly for CAD you can check Associate Application Developer path for beginner level:

https://learning.servicenow.com/lxp/en/pages/journey-overview?id=journey_overview&journey_id=cbdb13f...

If this answer helps, please mark it as helpful/solution accepted.

Regards,

Mohammed Zakir

[Ankith Sharma]

Hi @1__ParagP 

If you’ve just completed ServiceNow Fundamentals, starting with micro-certifications is a great way to build confidence before going for CSA or CAD. There isn’t a strict official sequence, but there is a logical order that makes the learning curve smoother for beginners.

A beginner-friendly order to follow:

1. Platform Micro-Certification
   A good follow-up to Fundamentals. It reinforces how the platform is structured and how core features work.

2. Data Foundations Micro-Certification
   Helps you understand tables, records, relationships, and how data moves around the platform. This is essential for almost everything you’ll build later.

3. Flow Designer Micro-Certification
   Very useful early on. Most real-world work involves automating processes, and Flow Designer is central to that.

4. App Engine / AES Micro-Certifications
   Great for beginners who want to start building apps without jumping straight into JavaScript. Gives a strong low-code foundation.

5. Service Catalog Micro-Certifications
   Useful if you’ll be working on request forms, record producers, and catalog items.

6. CMDB Micro-Certifications (optional)
   Good once you’re comfortable with the basics, especially if you plan to work with ITSM, operations, or integrations.

Why this order works:
You start with the platform basics, build your understanding of data, add automation, then move into app development and catalog work. By the time you reach CSA, you’ve already touched all the areas the exam covers.

Suggested learning path:
Fundamentals → Platform → Data Foundations → Flow Designer → App Engine → Service Catalog → CMDB (optional) → CSA → CAD

This approach builds skills gradually without overwhelming you.

If you found this useful, please mark it as Helpful and Accepted.

-- Ankit

[KavyashreeB1494]

More Helpful

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi @1__ParagP 

Being a ServiceNow trainer, I would say:

First, go for the CSA, because it gives you detailed knowledge about the platform and its components. Once you complete CSA, focus on:

• Flow Designer

• CMDB

• Integration Hub

• Performance Analytics

After that, you can move on to CAD.

You can also take micro-courses and training on AI, as AI will be a key area in the coming days and months.