All Learners
The CIS – Data Foundations (CMDB and CSDM) certification establishes the essential knowledge of CMDB and CSDM required across multiple ServiceNow ITx and SecOps implementations. These certifications rely heavily on accurate data modeling, relationship management, and alignment with the CSDM framework.
Requiring the Data Foundations certification helps ensure candidates have the necessary baseline skills before progressing to the following certifications:
Implementation specialist certifications within the ITAM, ITOM, ITSM, and SecOps domains:
IMPORTANT: Learners are no longer required to complete the corresponding training course prior to taking a certification exam. It is still recommended; however, if a learner has the necessary knowledge, they may register for an exam without completing a course first.
These certification areas (ITAM, ITOM, ITSM, and SecOps) depend on accurate CMDB structuring and CSDM alignment. Establishing a prerequisite improves exam readiness, ensures consistent implementation practices, preserves credential integrity, and minimizes escalations.
Candidates who hold one or more of the seven IT CIS certifications above are eligible to take the CIS – DF (CMDB and CSDM) exam at no cost, if they register on or before December 31, 2026. After registering, candidates have 90 days to schedule and complete the exam. This offer applies to first attempts only.
If a candidate has not earned the CIS-DF certification by 12/31/26, their existing implementation specialist certification(s) within ITAM, ITOM, ITSM, etc. will expire - even if they have a CIS-DF exam scheduled in 2027.
No exceptions or complimentary exam attempts will be granted after December 31, 2026.
Previously Purchased Exam Attempt Exchange
Candidates who had previously purchased a CIS – DF exam attempt were eligible to submit a ServiceNow University case (after December 10, 2025) to exchange it for a free attempt on a different certification exam. This offer ends 12/31/2026.
The following offers were previously available and have now ended:
Free CIS-DF Exam Offer to all Candidates
First attempts of the CIS – DF (CMDB and CSDM) exam were offered free of charge to all candidates through June 30, 2026. This offer is no longer in effect for candidates that don't already hold an "at-risk" IT CIS certification.
Temporary Prerequisite Suspension
A temporary suspension of the CIS – DF (CMDB and CSDM) prerequisite was offered through January 31, 2026, allowing candidates already pursuing implementation specialist certifications to complete their journeys without delay. This suspension is no longer in effect. The prerequisite is now required for all candidates.
| Candidate Type | Requirement | Deadline | Consequence if Not Met |
| Already certified in one of the seven listed exams | Must pass CIS – Data Foundations | Dec 31, 2026 | Certification expires |
| Completed training and purchased a voucher | Must pass CIS – Data Foundations first | No set deadline | Cannot schedule the seven listed exams |
| New candidates | Must pass CIS – Data Foundations before the other exams | Ongoing requirement | Cannot register/schedule the seven listed exams |