What is ServiceNow?
Why do many people want to obtain this certification?
And how can one successfully achieve a ServiceNow certification?
In 2023 and 2024, DTS Vietnam had 17 members who obtained ServiceNow certifications and participated in the Company’s real projects. Through diligent study and successfully obtaining these certifications, they have contributed to improving the quality of ServiceNow projects, thereby building trust, confidence, and satisfaction among customers. “As long as you keep grinding iron, it will eventually become a needle.” To hold ServiceNow certifications in their hands, members had to make use of their valuable time to study, and some even had to take the exam a second or third time before successfully obtaining the certification.
So now, let’s follow the admin and talk with DTS Vietnam members to discover how our DTSers conquered the ServiceNow certification. Let’s go…
What is ServiceNow?
ServiceNow is a software platform that supports IT Service Management (ITSM). The platform creates a better working environment by transforming outdated manual processes into modern digital workflows and providing technicians with all the information needed to investigate and resolve customer issues.
ServiceNow uses machine learning to leverage data and workflows so that organizations can automate processes and optimize operations. It provides the flexibility, power, and reliability needed to achieve incident and problem management goals. Furthermore, users are free to choose the interface that best suits their needs. At the same time, the platform provides technicians with all the information necessary to diagnose and resolve issues while eliminating reliance on spreadsheets and emails.
What is a ServiceNow Certification?
ServiceNow certifications are professional credentials provided by ServiceNow to validate a user’s skills and knowledge in using and managing the ServiceNow platform.
Simply put, a ServiceNow certification recognizes the ability to work with systems within the ServiceNow development platform.
What types of ServiceNow certifications are there?
Currently, there are many different ServiceNow certifications designed for different audiences. If you look deeper, you will find that there are more than 20 different ServiceNow certifications, each corresponding to different needs and purposes of users.
You can refer to the most common ServiceNow certifications below:
Basic Certification
- Certified System Administrator (CSA): This certification opens the door for beginners entering the ServiceNow ecosystem. CSA validates fundamental skills in managing and configuring the ServiceNow platform, including knowledge of data management, user interface, workflows, and security. It serves as a foundation for higher-level certifications.
*Advanced Certifications:
If you want to get more deeply involved in ServiceNow solutions, you can pursue the following specialized certifications.
- Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS): This certification includes multiple specializations such as ITSM, HR Service Delivery, Customer Service Management, and Security Incident Response, demonstrating the ability to implement various ServiceNow modules.
- Certified Application Developer (CAD): This certification is intended for developers building applications on the ServiceNow platform, focusing on application development and customization, workflow development, and data integration.
To obtain the CAD certification, in addition to mastering JavaScript and basic development techniques, you also need to understand:
- Server-side & Client-side Scripting: Using Script Includes, GlideAjax, and ServiceNow APIs to process data and enable communication between servers and browsers.
- Custom UI Development: Designing intuitive user interfaces using Service Portal or the Now Experience UI Framework to improve user experience.
- Application Security & ACLs (Access Control List): Configuring application security based on roles and permissions to ensure data and system functionality can only be accessed by authorized users.
- REST & SOAP API: Integrating ServiceNow with external systems to extend the platform’s capabilities and ensure seamless data flow between applications.
- Certified Application Specialist – Certified Technical Architect (CTA): This certification validates your expertise in using specific ServiceNow applications at an enterprise architecture level, such as IT Asset Management and IT Operations Management. It is the highest-level certification for those with extensive ServiceNow experience who want to design system architecture solutions.
Based on the information above, you can choose a ServiceNow certification that best suits your goals.
Who can study and take ServiceNow certifications?
Depending on each person’s specialization and career orientation, anyone can study and take these certifications, especially if you are a developer, system administrator, IT specialist, or project management staff member.
“For example, if you do not have an IT background, you can study and take the CSA certification – this certification is for system administrators who support issue management, reporting, and more.
For those with an IT background, you can study and take the CAD certification – this certification is intended for developers building services on the ServiceNow platform.”
– Shared by Ms. Lien.NT, the first DTSVN member to pass the ServiceNow certification in 2023.
Is it really difficult to study and pass the ServiceNow certification?
“In my opinion, every profession requires focus and time investment, and studying ServiceNow is no different. If you invest a little time each day, studying and taking the exam will not be too difficult.” – Ms. Lien.NT shared.
According to the experience of DTS Vietnam members who have obtained ServiceNow certifications, the level of difficulty depends on your knowledge foundation, experience, and preparation. It becomes much easier if you use official ServiceNow learning materials or participate in available training courses.
However, this does not mean that beginners without experience cannot learn it. You should refer to ServiceNow learning materials and courses to study and review effectively.
What benefits does a ServiceNow certification bring?
Each certification can be considered proof that you are capable of working in a specific field, and ServiceNow certifications are no exception.
(1) Increased job opportunities:
Obtaining a ServiceNow certification gives you an advantage in the eyes of recruiters, enhances the value of your CV, and helps you stand out among other candidates. Career opportunities will expand, especially for roles related to system administration, application development, or ITSM.
(2) Career orientation support:
ServiceNow certifications can help you determine your development direction in the IT industry, allowing you to plan your learning and career development effectively and sustainably.
(3) Meeting market demands:
With the constant changes in society, especially in the IT industry, obtaining a ServiceNow certification helps you keep up with new market requirements and maintain your competitiveness in the field.
(4) Opportunities to participate directly in ServiceNow projects at DTS Vietnam
A tip for conquering ServiceNow certification
Here is a secret shared by DTSVN members to help you conquer the ServiceNow certification more easily.
“To successfully achieve a ServiceNow certification, before starting to study you should carefully understand the exam structure, question types, and the required passing score. Then dedicate time each day to studying and reviewing for at least 1–3 months.
Creating a practical environment to practice what you have learned will help you remember and apply knowledge more effectively. And don’t forget to take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the question format and manage your exam time.”
– Shared by an anonymous DTSVN member who is one of the more than 10 members who obtained ServiceNow certification in 2023.
You should also note that the passing score for ServiceNow certifications is quite high (≥70%), so if you are not diligent, the chance of passing will be relatively low.
With the experiences and insights shared by DTS Vietnam members, we hope you will be motivated to dedicate time to studying and successfully obtain a ServiceNow certification in the near future. Good luck!
