What is the ServiceNow CAD exam, and what will you learn from it?
The ServiceNow Certified Application Developer exam, known as CAD, validates your ability to design, build, and implement custom applications within the ServiceNow platform. It certifies that you can work with scripting, UI policies, business rules, data schema, application logic, client and server side development, and ServiceNow APIs.
This certification is ideal for aspiring developers, technical consultants, and professionals who want to create purpose built solutions in ServiceNow rather than only using existing modules. With CAD, you demonstrate that you can turn business needs into functional applications that enhance automation, user experience, and service delivery.
To boost your preparation with realistic testing experience, you can rely on the best exam questions from Cert Empire to strengthen your hands on knowledge and become fully comfortable with the exam style and format.
Exam Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Code | CAD |
| Exam Name | ServiceNow Certified Application Developer |
| Vendor | ServiceNow |
| Version | Latest |
| Cost | Approximately 300 USD |
| Format | Multiple choice questions |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Delivery Method | Online proctored or Test center |
| Language | English |
| Scoring Method | Scaled scoring |
| Passing Score | About 70 percent |
| Prerequisites | ServiceNow Fundamentals plus experience with JavaScript and application building |
| Retake Policy | Two week waiting period between attempts |
| Target Audience | ServiceNow developers, technical consultants, platform builders |
| Certification Validity | Ongoing with delta updates when versions change |
| Release Date | Active and continually updated |
Prerequisites before taking the CAD exam
You should have:
- Understanding of JavaScript fundamentals
- Familiarity with ServiceNow platform architecture
- Knowledge of tables, relationships, and CMDB structure
- Experience working in a ServiceNow development instance
- Basic understanding of workflow automation
Strong hands on practice is highly beneficial for success.
Main objectives and domains you will study for CAD
The exam evaluates your mastery of:
- Designing data schema
- Creating and customizing UI elements
- Working with business rules and client scripts
- Using workflows and Flow Designer
- Building reusable application components
- Managing application security and access control
Topics to cover in each CAD exam domain
- Data Modeling
Creating tables, fields, reference relationships, and indexing - Application Development
Building applications from scratch, modular design, reusable components - User Interface
UI policies, UI actions, form design, layout creation - Server Side Logic
Business rules, script includes, scheduled jobs, background scripts - Client Side Logic
Client scripts, GlideAjax, DOM handling - Integration and APIs
Using REST and SOAP APIs, external app communication, secure data transfer - Application Security
Access control rules, user roles, data level security
Changes in the latest version of CAD
Recent updates highlight:
- Stronger focus on Flow Designer over legacy workflows
- Greater emphasis on scripted automation
- More practical business rule logic scenarios
- Enhanced attention to secure application development best practices
- Updated terminology and platform features aligned with current ServiceNow release
Register and schedule your CAD exam
You can register through the ServiceNow Certification Portal with your developer account. You may select online proctoring or an authorized test center. Scheduling is typically flexible with availability throughout the week.
CAD exam cost, and can you get any discounts?
The exam generally costs about 300 USD. Discounts may apply if:
- You are part of a ServiceNow partner organization
- Your employer sponsors certification
- You enroll in official ServiceNow developer training
- Corporate vouchers are available through your company
Exam policies you should know before taking CAD
- Government issued ID must be presented during testing
- All exam content must remain confidential
- Professional testing conduct is expected
- Rescheduling can be done according to the permitted timeline
What can you expect on your CAD exam day?
Expect both conceptual and scenario driven questions such as troubleshooting broken scripts, building form logic, designing data schemas, and applying appropriate access controls. The exam heavily focuses on practical platform development knowledge.
Plan your CAD study schedule effectively with 6 Study Tips
- Practice application development in a real instance
- Study JavaScript and ServiceNow scripting
- Review the official ServiceNow developer documentation
- Learn platform automation using Flow Designer
- Work through example projects or custom apps
- Reinforce your preparation with best exam questions from Cert Empire to strengthen your real world application logic
Best study resources you can use to prepare for CAD
- ServiceNow developer portal
- Official CAD training materials
- Hands on practice in a PDI environment
- ServiceNow scripting tutorials and documentation
- Reliable and well structured CAD best exam questions offered by Cert Empire to ensure readiness through realistic exam simulation
Career opportunities you can explore after earning CAD
This certification opens doors for roles such as:
- ServiceNow Application Developer
- Technical Consultant
- Platform Engineer
- Automation Architect
- ServiceNow Solution Designer
These positions are in high demand due to the expanding global adoption of ServiceNow.
Certifications to go for after completing CAD
Next logical certifications include:
- CIS ITSM
- CIS HR
- CIS SM
- CIS VR
- ServiceNow CTA
- Advanced scripting and architecture certifications
How does CAD compare to other ServiceNow certifications?
| Certification | Platform | Focus Area | Difficulty Level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ServiceNow CAD | ServiceNow | Application design and development | Moderate to high | Developers and technical builders |
| ServiceNow CSA | ServiceNow | Platform administration basics | Entry level | Beginners and administrators |
| ServiceNow CIS ITSM | ServiceNow | Service management solutions | Moderate | Implementers and consultants |
| ServiceNow CIS SM | ServiceNow | Service mapping and CMDB relationships | Moderate to high | Infrastructure visibility specialists |
| ServiceNow CIS RC | ServiceNow | Risk and compliance | Moderate | GRC professionals |
When you are ready to prepare strategically, you can confidently study using the best exam questions provided through Cert Empire’s CAD preparation offerings, which help you refine your technical understanding and ensure strong exam readiness.
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