ServiceNow has rapidly become one of the leading platforms for IT service management, automation, and workflow optimization. As more organizations adopt ServiceNow, the demand for skilled developers continues to grow. Becoming a ServiceNow Certified Developer is a great way to advance your career, showcase your expertise, and unlock new opportunities in the tech industry. This blog post will guide you through the certification pathways, provide tips for exam preparation, and share advice for those looking to succeed as a ServiceNow developer.
Why Become a ServiceNow Certified Developer?
Being a ServiceNow Certified Developer comes with several advantages:
- Career Advancement: Certification validates your expertise, making you more attractive to employers and clients.
- Industry Recognition: A ServiceNow certification is globally recognized, giving you credibility in the ServiceNow ecosystem.
- Better Job Opportunities: Certified developers are in high demand, and certification can open doors to higher-paying roles.
- Access to Advanced Resources: Certification gives you access to exclusive developer communities and resources to continue your growth.
Pathways to Becoming a ServiceNow Certified Developer
ServiceNow offers a structured certification pathway that helps developers at different stages of their careers. Here’s an overview of the key certifications:
1. Certified Application Developer (CAD)
The Certified Application Developer (CAD) certification is the foundational certification for developers. It demonstrates that you can design and develop applications on the ServiceNow platform.
Requirements:
- Hands-on experience with the ServiceNow platform (recommended: six months).
- Completion of the ServiceNow Application Development Fundamentals course.
Key Skills Tested:
- Application design and development.
- Creating and implementing forms, workflows, and business logic.
- Security and user interface customization.
- Knowledge of ServiceNow’s REST APIs and integrations.
Exam Details:
- 60 multiple-choice questions.
- 90 minutes to complete.
- Passing score: approximately 70%.
2. Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS)
The CIS certification is ideal for developers involved in ServiceNow implementations. It validates your ability to manage and deploy ServiceNow implementations for customers.
Specializations:
- CIS – IT Service Management (CIS-ITSM)
- CIS – Customer Service Management (CIS-CSM)
- CIS – HR Service Delivery (CIS-HR)
Requirements:
- Hands-on experience with the ServiceNow platform and knowledge of implementations.
- Experience with the specific module you’re specializing in (e.g., ITSM or CSM).
Key Skills Tested:
- Configuring, implementing, and maintaining ServiceNow modules.
- Managing complex workflows and service delivery processes.
- Understanding of the implementation lifecycle and customer needs.
Exam Details:
- 45 multiple-choice questions.
- 90 minutes to complete.
- Passing score: approximately 70%.
3. Certified Application Specialist (CAS)
The CAS certification is designed for developers who focus on specific ServiceNow applications, such as performance analytics, asset management, or security operations.
Requirements:
- Application-specific experience (recommended: six months).
- Completion of related training courses on the specific application.
Key Skills Tested:
- Deep expertise in a specific ServiceNow application.
- Best practices for application implementation and customization.
Steps to Achieve ServiceNow Developer Certification
1. Complete the Required Training
Each certification pathway has its own training courses, which you must complete before attempting the exam. You can access these through ServiceNow’s Now Learning platform. These courses provide hands-on labs, real-world examples, and quizzes to help you grasp key concepts.
Courses you might consider:
- Application Development Fundamentals for CAD.
- Implementation Methodology for CIS.
2. Get Hands-On Experience
Practical experience is essential. It’s recommended to have at least six months of hands-on experience with the ServiceNow platform before attempting any certification exam. You can:
- Use the ServiceNow Developer Instance: Create your own free ServiceNow Developer instance to practice building applications and workflows.
- Work on real projects: Apply your skills in real-world environments to gain a deeper understanding of the platform.
3. Review Exam Blueprint and Study Guides
ServiceNow provides an exam blueprint and study guide for each certification. These resources outline the key areas that will be tested, along with the percentage weight of each topic. Use these documents to focus your study efforts on areas that matter most.
4. Take Practice Exams
Practice exams are an excellent way to prepare. They give you a feel for the types of questions that will appear on the actual test. Many practice exams simulate the same format, time limits, and difficulty level as the certification exam.
5. Join the ServiceNow Developer Community
Join ServiceNow’s active developer community to get advice from other developers who have already taken the exam. This is also a great place to ask questions, share ideas, and network with professionals in the ServiceNow ecosystem.
Exam Tips and Strategies
- Understand the Question Types: The exam consists of multiple-choice and multiple-response questions. Some questions may ask you to choose two or more answers, so read carefully.
- Manage Your Time: You’ll have approximately 1.5 minutes per question, so pace yourself. Don’t spend too much time on a single question. If you’re unsure, mark it for review and come back later.
- Eliminate Wrong Answers: For multiple-choice questions, try to eliminate incorrect options first. Narrowing down your choices increases your chances of selecting the right answer.
- Take Breaks While Studying: Don’t cram all your studying into one sitting. Instead, space out your study sessions and give yourself time to absorb the material.
- Use Your Developer Instance: If you’re unsure about a particular concept, recreate it in your developer instance. This hands-on experience will help solidify your understanding.
What’s Next After Certification?
Once you’ve obtained your ServiceNow Certified Developer certification, you can:
- Pursue Advanced Certifications: You can deepen your expertise with specialized certifications like the Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS) or focus on specific ServiceNow products.
- Explore New Opportunities: Use your certification to apply for roles such as ServiceNow Developer, Architect, or Implementation Specialist.
- Contribute to the Community: Share your knowledge by writing blogs, answering questions in the developer community, or presenting at ServiceNow user groups (SNUGs).
Conclusion
Becoming a ServiceNow Certified Developer is a rewarding process that can significantly boost your career prospects. By following the structured pathway, gaining hands-on experience, and preparing with the right resources, you can earn your certification and unlock new professional opportunities. Whether you are new to ServiceNow or looking to advance your skills, certification is an excellent way to showcase your expertise and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
