Where to start learn ServiceNow?

[PeterOks]

Hi All,

I have a background of coding and have for a couple of years been working within the ITSM area. I am now intrestered in learning ServiceNow - following the Developer or Administrator path.

I registered at and got my PDI up at https://developer.servicenow.com/ and started the "Learning plan" there, however I now found the https://learning.servicenow.com/ which also have course paths. So my questions are:

1. Should I follow the path on https://developer.servicenow.com/ or https://learning.servicenow.com/  ?

1.1 Does it matter?

1.2 What the difference?

2. If I go down the Developer path and complete the Associate parts on "nowlearning", would that make me ready to take the CSA exam?

2.1 If not, how would one typcally prepare more for the exam?

As you can figure I am new and want to understand whats generelly needed to start working towards the CSA exam. Thank you guys in advance 🙂 

[David Nottingha · Accepted solution]

Hello @PeterOks ;

I would say that doing both is the best approach!  You are well on you way with my recommendations for learning more about ServiceNow.  This Path in Now learning is the recommendation for getting you ready for the CSA. But the best thing you can do is leverage that PDI and Build, Build, Build).

I would also recommend that you follow a few key folks (@Uncle Rob, @Allen Andreas, @Maik Skoddow just to name a few of my favorites) here in the community (many also have LinkedIn and You tube sites. I also highly recommend the GlideFast Consulting YouTube Channel (Note: I work for GlideFast).

David

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Hi @PeterOks 

1. Should I follow the path on https://developer.servicenow.com/ or https://nowlearning.servicenow.com/  ?

Atul: These 2 are 2 different sites, The developer site will provide you with an exercise/labs kind of thing, (the developer site soon will be decommissioned), Now Learning is 1 stop shop for all learning. It has a defined course and provides you with a path for certifications too.  ( The training can be paid or free, depending on if you working with a partner or non-partner. )

1.1 Does it matter?

1.2 What the difference?

2. If I go down the Developer path and complete the Associate parts on "nowlearning", would that make me ready to take the CSA exam?

Atul: CSA is first of learning and certification, and once you complete the CSA then i say go for next journey.

2.1 If not, how would one typcally prepare more for the exam?

Atul : If you want to more deep dive, you may look my channel as well. You will find videos on Admin and ITSM.

Atul: My video will help you to guide a learning path

https://youtu.be/NQZEcRi8b9Y

[Uncle Rob]

1. Should I follow the path on https://developer.servicenow.com/ or https://nowlearning.servicenow.com/  ?

1.1 Does it matter?

1.2 What the difference?

Yes, both, and then some more. And after that, even more.  You have a slight advantage having a background in code, but you have no familiarity in practical application of any of the tools.  I'm sorry to say that taking a course (any course) isn't going to make you competitive enough.  It will take significant practice beyond the course materiali.

2. If I go down the Developer path and complete the Associate parts on "nowlearning", would that make me ready to take the CSA exam?

2.1 If not, how would one typcally prepare more for the exam?

Don't worry about this question.  In some respects, its the wrong question (though you wouldn't know that at this point.   Some things to consider.

• The only people who ever feel PREPARED for the exam are those who've put in significant private BUILD time.  Over the last 10+ years if there's one relationship I've seen its that "the more one relies on reading course materials, the less prepared one feels even after reading".  
• The "Developer" vs "Admin" paths aren't as distinct as you may think.  Ever admin is on the developer spectrum to some degree as the bulk of all SN configuration objects can contain javascript.

You prepare for the exam by USING THE TOOLS. 
I say again.  You prepare for the exam by USING THE TOOLS.

You must think of this more like a trade or a craft than an academic exercise.  Blacksmiths, leatherworkers, stonemasons, cabinet makers, tailors... all of these show evidence of the honing of skill through actual use.

As for what to build... listen to this episode of CJ And The Duke

Embrace the messiness of it all.

Reject notions that some readable documents and exam prep materials advance you.
The DOING of the job, even if simulated, is 100x as effective at preparing for the job, as reading about the job.