How to Become a ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist in ITSM?

ServiceNow is popular among service management solutions for its competitive ITSM module. The leading platform enables businesses to streamline workflows and their internal IT service delivery. With the increasing popularity and adoption, there is a growing demand for ServiceNow Implementation Specialists, especially in ITSM. How can you grab this opportunity to enter the ServiceNow ecosystem?

Well, the journey starts from foundational knowledge of the platform to earning the most recognized credentials in the industry – ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS) – ITSM certification. 

In this guide, we’ll explore who a ServiceNow Implementation Specialist is, the skills required for the role, and a step-by-step guide on how to become a ServiceNow Implementation Specialist in ITSM.

Who is a ServiceNow Implementation Specialist?

A ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist is responsible for configuring, customizing, and installing the ServiceNow ITSM platform in accordance with business needs. People in this role ensure that enterprises can efficiently use ServiceNow’s features to automate IT procedures, increase issue response, and improve service delivery. Here are some responsibilities of a ServiceNow Implementation Specialist for a better understanding:

• Implementing ServiceNow ITSM solutions based on industry best practices.
• Configuring and customizing workflows, business rules, and UI policies.
• Integrating ServiceNow with third-party applications for enhanced functionality.
• Troubleshooting and resolving implementation-related issues.
• Ensuring smooth platform adoption by training end-users and stakeholders.

To take over these responsibilities and earn the ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS) certification, you must possess the required skill set.

Skills Required for ServiceNow Implementation Specialist – ITSM

As an implementation specialist, you will have to demonstrate your expertise in efficiently implementing ServiceNow ITSM modules. To become successful in this profile, you need a mix of technical and analytical skills. Below are the key competencies required:

Technical Skills

• ServiceNow Platform Knowledge and understanding of the ServiceNow architecture and functionality is a must.
• The ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) certification is a requirement for the CIS certification and covers the fundamentals of ServiceNow.
• Workflow configuration, which is the ability to adjust workflows, user interface policies, and automation scripts, is also a requirement.
• ITSM Best Practices include understanding ITIL frameworks and IT service management certification principles.
• Proven ability to connect ServiceNow to external systems using APIs, REST, or SOAP.

Soft Skills

• Analytical thinking is the ability to analyze business requirements and convert them into functional solutions.
• Problem-solving involves efficiently troubleshooting technical challenges.
• Communication skills are a basic need while working with stakeholders to gather requirements and provide training.
• Project management is the management of many ServiceNow implementation projects at the same time.

If you have these skills, then you’re on the right track to becoming a ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist in ITSM!

Step-by-Step Guide to Become a ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS-ITSM)

Now that you are aware of the responsibilities and skills for this high-demand role, here is a step-by-step guide on how you can pursue a career. 

Step 1: Earn the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) Certification

Before pursuing the ServiceNow Implementation Specialist certification, you must first achieve the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) certification. This is the first step in this learning journey. The admin credential covers essential ServiceNow topics like navigation and user interface. It serves as the foundation for further ServiceNow certifications such as CIS. The cost of CSA certification varies by area; however, it normally ranges between $150 and $300.

Step 2: Enroll in a ServiceNow CIS-ITSM Training Course

The best way to prepare yourself is CIS-ITSM certification training. Many institutions like S2 Labs provide comprehensive courses to help candidates prepare for the certification. The course covers the basics of admin, advanced ITSM processes and their implementation in ServiceNow. Through instructor-led training, you will get to experience the practical uses and get a deeper understanding of concepts. This would enhance your skills so that you can tackle the certification exam later.

Step 3: Gain Hands-on Experience with the ServiceNow Platform

Practical experience is crucial for success in the IT Service Management domain. You can start by working on freelance or self-paced projects. You can also set up a Personal Developer Instance (PDI) to practice configurations. Here, you will get to experiment with incidents, problems, and changes, as well as request management modules to prepare yourself for a job.

Step 4: Review the ServiceNow ITSM Exam Guide

Once you have learned everything and you are ready to take the exam, review the official CIS-ITSM exam blueprint, which outlines:

• Key topics covered in the exam.
• The weightage of each module.
• Sample questions and practice tests.

This will help you get familiar with the structure and format of the exam. You can also try to attempt some practice tests at this stage. 

Step 5: Take the ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist Exam

After preparation, schedule the CIS-ITSM exam through the ServiceNow certification portal. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. You get 90 minutes to finish the test, and your passing score is around 70%. Successfully gaining this credential will open doors to future opportunities, and you will become a ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist in ITSM.

Preparation Tips for ServiceNow Implementation Specialist Certification

To ace the ServiceNow Implementation Specialist certification, follow these tips:

• To learn about ITSM, read through the official ServiceNow product documentation.
• Join the ServiceNow Community, where experts exchange knowledge and study advice.
• Set up the processes for incident, problem, change, and request management.
• Connect ServiceNow ITSM to third-party technologies like Slack or Jira.
• To familiarise yourself with the format of the CIS-ITSM exam, take practice tests.
• Determine your weak points and adjust your study materials accordingly.
• For organized learning, sign up for ServiceNow Academy courses.
• To keep informed about new features, attend webinars led by ServiceNow specialists.

Conclusion

A ServiceNow Implementation Specialist in ITSM is responsible for implementing service management solutions for businesses. With the adoption of the ITSM module in ServiceNow, the demand for these specialists is soaring. If you are interested in streamlining IT operations for organizations in various industries, then you should definitely consider earning the official credential. It will enhance your career prospects in the IT service management domain. Get started with ServiceNow training today!