Question 1

Which ServiceNow certification should I start with?

Accepted Answer

Start with the Certified System Administrator (CSA). It is the foundational certification required as a prerequisite for almost every other ServiceNow certification. Cost is $210 USD for exam-only purchase (or $300 USD if bundled with on-demand course voucher). The exam has 60 questions, 90 minutes. Study time: 2-4 weeks. The ServiceNow Fundamentals on-demand course is free on Now Learning.

Question 2

Do ServiceNow certifications expire?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ServiceNow certifications require maintenance through Delta exams. ServiceNow releases platform updates every 6 months. Your certification stays current for the release you passed on plus the next release (approximately 12 months). After that, you must pass a non-proctored Delta exam (20 or fewer questions, 90 minutes or less) within a 90-day window or the certification expires. Delta exams are free.

Question 3

Are ServiceNow certification exams online proctored?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ServiceNow Mainline exams (CSA, CAD, CIS, etc.) are proctored through Webassessor and can be taken online or at testing centers. Micro-certifications and Delta exams are unproctored. Online proctoring requires a webcam, microphone, and a clean private workspace. The exam delivery platform is transitioning as ServiceNow moves to a new unified certification experience.

Question 4

What is the passing score and question count for ServiceNow exams?

Accepted Answer

ServiceNow does not publicly disclose exact passing scores (cut scores). The CSA and CAD exams have 60 questions in 90 minutes; CIS exams typically have 60 questions in 90-120 minutes. Your pass/fail result is displayed immediately upon completion. A detailed score report is available in your Webassessor account.

Question 5

How much do ServiceNow certification exams cost?

Accepted Answer

CSA and CAD exam voucher: $210 USD (exam-only) or $300 USD (via on-demand course). CIS exam vouchers: $315-450 USD depending on purchase method. Retake attempts: $100 USD each (up to 3 retakes). Instructor-led training courses (3-day) cost ~$2,700 and include an exam voucher. On-demand courses on Now Learning are free but exam vouchers must be purchased separately. Delta exams and micro-certifications are free.

Question 6

What is the retake policy for ServiceNow exams?

Accepted Answer

You get 1 main attempt per exam voucher, plus up to 3 retake attempts at $100 each. If you fail all 3 retakes, you must retake the course to get a new voucher. No waiting period is specified between attempts, though scheduling logistics typically require 24+ hours. There is no published limit on the number of total lifetime attempts.

Question 7

What is the hardest ServiceNow certification?

Accepted Answer

The Certified Technical Architect (CTA) is the most demanding, requiring CSA, CAD, CDAT (Certified Data Administrator for TPP), ArchX ($2,500 course), and multiple CIS certifications as prerequisites. The CTA involves a multi-day hands-on practical exam with a live board review. The new Certified CRM Architect (CRMA), launched May 2026, is also highly challenging, requiring CSA, ArchX, CIS-CSM, and CIS-FSM.

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