ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) ® 2026

Moderate with hands-on experience; the broad scope, especially the 30% Database and Security domain, trips up candidates lacking practical admin practice. It has 60 questions in 90 minutes and a cut score ServiceNow does not publish. Most candidates need 4-8 weeks of preparation, and realistic practice tests significantly improve pass rates.

Plan for 4-8 weeks of study for the ServiceNow CSA (CSA) exam. Focus on the heaviest-weighted domains—Database Management & Platform Security (30%), Configuring Applications for Collaboration (20%) and Self-Service & Automation (20%)—and aim to score 85%+ on practice tests before booking your exam.

The ServiceNow CSA (CSA) exam costs $300 USD. Pricing can vary by region, and you can retake the exam if you do not pass, subject to the provider’s retake policy. Many employers reimburse certification fees.

Maintained via an annual delta (maintenance) exam taken within a 90-day window, plus a yearly US$200 Certification Maintenance Program fee (the 2027 fee applies to holders certified before 1 January 2026); missing either expires the certification. Keeping the credential current keeps it valuable to employers.

ServiceNow CSA maps to roles such as ServiceNow System Administrator, Platform Administrator, ITSM Administrator, Configuration Specialist. A 60-question, 90-minute proctored exam whose content ServiceNow refreshes once a year, kept current through an annual delta (maintenance) exam and a yearly maintenance fee.