ServiceNow provides a robust and tiered certification framework for professionals looking to validate their skills in administering, developing, or architecting on the platform. Whether you're just starting with foundational certifications or aiming for elite credentials like CMA or CTA, the framework supports growth at every stage of your ServiceNow journey.
Mainline Certifications
You can demonstrate your technical proficiency in ServiceNow by passing a Mainline Certification exam, which covers core platform capabilities and product expertise. Mainline Exams are proctored through Webassessor. Successful completion is an accomplishment, and the certification achievement is verifiable. Each Mainline Certification listed below includes the following details:
Certification Description - Identifies the skills and knowledge you gain by completing this certification.
Training Requirements - Highly recommended courses that provide the underlying content for the required courses.
Required Training - The certification exam content is sourced from this mandatory course(s). The final course listed issues the required certification voucher.
Exam Blueprint - Details the exam purpose, audience, preparation, scope, registration, structure, results, sample questions, and additional Training Information.
Earn Additional Credentials - The credential is associated with one or more suites. Earning this credential is one step closer to earning more credentials.
Recommended Experience - The amount of experience recommended; however, ServiceNow does not verify experience.
Exam and Registration Details - The exam format, duration, and registration details are shown.
Certification Expiration - Details on how to maintain your certification.
Fundamental Certifications
Certified System Administrator (CSA)
The CSA certification is the entry point for all ServiceNow certifications. It validates your ability to manage and configure the ServiceNow platform.
Enroll in the ServiceNow Administration Fundamentals if you want to take it with an instructor or the ServiceNow Administration Fundamentals On Demand course if you want to do it on demand.
Once you complete it, you will receive a CSA Voucher.
This image shows the layout of the ServiceNow Administration Fundamentals On Demand course, including the navigation menu and key training modules for new administrators.
Advanced Certifications
After obtaining the CSA certification, professionals can pursue advanced certifications based on their career paths.
Certified Application Developer (CAD)
Ideal for developers who build applications on the ServiceNow platform.
The image shows the layout of the ServiceNow Application Development Fundamentals On Demand course and the available lessons.
Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS)
Tailored for professionals implementing specific ServiceNow applications. Includes specializations like:
IT Service Management (ITSM)
Customer Service Management (CSM)
Human Resources (HR)
Platform Analytics (PA)
Service Provider (SP)
Discovery (DISCO)
Event Management (EM)
Hardware Asset Management (HAM)
Risk and Compliance (RC)
Service Mapping (SM)
Software Asset Management (SAM)
Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM)
Third-party Risk Management (TRM)
Vulnerability Response (VR)
Field Service Management (FSM)
Preparation Tips:
Attend relevant training.
Study product documentation.
Practice configuring the applications in sandbox environments.
Expert Certifications
Certified Technical Architect (CTA)
The Certified Technical Architect (CTA) program equips professionals with advanced skills in ServiceNow architecture, design, integration, security, and governance.
Key Topics Covered
Architecture and Design
Integration Strategies
Performance Optimization
Governance and Compliance
Qualifications
Minimum ServiceNow Certifications (current):
Certified System Administrator (CSA)
Certified Application Developer (CAD)
Any two Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS) disciplines
Program Structure
The program is approximately 3 months in duration and made up of several components:
Self-paced learning modules
Study group meetings
Informal cohort discussions
Individual team presentations
Assessments
Capstone assessment
Certified Master Architect (CMA)
A Certified Master Architect (CMA) is a highly skilled advisor who guides and supports customers in designing, governing, and implementing complex digital transformation strategies with ServiceNow.
Any two other Certified Implementation Specialist certifications (CIS in CSM, HR, SecOps, ITOM, etc.)
ITIL v3.0 or v4.0 Foundation (recommended)
Program Structure
The program is approximately 5 months in duration and is made up of several components:
Immersion events
Weekly webinars
Informal cohort catch-up
Team activities
Individual and team presentations
Performance-based assessments
Architecture Excellence (ArchX)
Architecture Excellence (ArchX) is a cohort-based learning program focused on developing the skills and knowledge needed to excel as an architect in the ServiceNow ecosystem.
Key Topics Covered
Core architecture principles
Platform design and scalability
Integration and security models
Qualifications
Minimum ServiceNow Certifications (current):
Prerequisites: Certified System Administrator (CSA)
At least one Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS) certification is recommended.
Program Structure
The program is 4 weeks in duration, requiring 4-6 hours weekly. There are no in-person sessions, so all cohorts are available for any time zone and are made up of several components:
Self-paced learning modules
Peer reviews
Cohort discussions
Individual activities
Micro-Certifications
A certificate that is awarded upon passing a short, non-proctored exam that assesses knowledge of ServiceNow messaging, strategies, features, and products. It recognizes the learner's adherence to specific learning objectives and serves as proof of acquired knowledge and skills. Do not require a voucher, and do not require the completion of delta exams to maintain the micro-certification.
Available Micro-Certifications
Automated Test Framework Essentials
Integration Hub Fundamentals
Playbooks Essentials (formerly known as Citizen Developer Process Creator)
Flow Designer Fundamentals
Introduction to App Engine Studio
Playbooks Advanced (formerly known as Application Developer Process Creator)
Platform Analytics - Coming Soon (Available as the previous name: Micro-Certification Performance Analytics)
Predictive Intelligence
Service Portal
UI Builder
CMDB Health
Configure the CMDB
Virtual Agent Implementer
Welcome to ServiceNow
Agile and Test Management Implementation
GRC: Business Continuity Management
DevOps Change Velocity
Benefits
Low time investment.
Focused on specific features.
Great for continuous professional development.
Where to Get Them
Available via the ServiceNow Now Learning platform.
Certification Maintenance
ServiceNow certifications must be maintained to stay valid with each major platform release.
Maintenance Steps
Stay up to date with release notes.
Complete the mandatory Delta Exams on Now Learning.
Attend new feature training as needed.
Conclusion
ServiceNow certifications give you a clear path to grow your skills and career — whether you’re just starting with CSA, building apps with CAD, implementing solutions through CIS, or leading strategy with expert-level certs like CTA and CMA.
Micro-certifications add even more value by focusing on specific features, and staying certified helps you keep up with the platform’s fast changes. It’s a smart investment if you want to stay sharp and move forward in the ServiceNow ecosystem.
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