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ServiceNow Developer

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April 29, 2024 Updated May 5, 2025 14 minute read

ServiceNow Developer: A Comprehensive Career Guide

A ServiceNow Developer is a technology professional specializing in the ServiceNow platform, a cloud-based system companies use to manage digital workflows for enterprise operations. These developers design, configure, customize, and maintain applications within the ServiceNow environment to meet specific business needs. They act as a bridge between business processes and technology, translating organizational goals into technical solutions on the platform.

Working as a ServiceNow Developer can be engaging because it involves continuous problem-solving and innovation. You'll often collaborate with various teams to automate processes, integrate systems, and ultimately improve how an organization operates. The role offers opportunities to work with cutting-edge cloud technology, including AI and machine learning features integrated into the platform, making it a dynamic field within IT.

Introduction to ServiceNow Developer

What is a ServiceNow Developer?

At its core, a ServiceNow Developer is a software developer who focuses specifically on the ServiceNow platform. They use their technical skills, particularly in programming and web development, combined with a deep understanding of the ServiceNow ecosystem, to build and modify applications. Their primary goal is to leverage the platform's capabilities to streamline workflows and solve business problems.

Unlike general software developers who might work across various technologies, a ServiceNow Developer concentrates on the unique architecture, tools, and scripting languages of the ServiceNow platform. This includes working with ServiceNow's database structure, application suites, and development environment. They configure existing modules and build custom solutions when out-of-the-box features don't fully meet requirements.

Essentially, they ensure that the ServiceNow platform functions optimally for the organization, tailoring it to specific operational needs, from IT service management (ITSM) to customer service management (CSM) and beyond. This involves not just coding, but also understanding business processes and collaborating with stakeholders.

The ServiceNow Ecosystem

ServiceNow is fundamentally a cloud-based technology platform delivered as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or Application Platform-as-a-Service (aPaaS). This means organizations access it via the web, and ServiceNow manages the underlying infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and maintenance. The platform is built on a single data model and database, allowing different applications and workflows to work together seamlessly.

The ecosystem includes a vast suite of pre-built applications categorized into workflows like IT Workflows (including ITSM, IT Operations Management (ITOM)), Employee Workflows (HR Service Delivery), Customer Workflows (CSM), and Creator Workflows (for building custom apps). Companies can also download additional applications and integrations from the ServiceNow Store.

A key part of the ecosystem is its robust development environment, which offers no-code, low-code, and pro-code tools. This allows developers of varying skill levels to build and customize applications. The platform's architecture supports integration with numerous third-party systems via APIs, making it a central hub for enterprise operations.

Who Hires ServiceNow Developers?

Demand for ServiceNow Developers spans across numerous industries because the platform itself is versatile and addresses common enterprise challenges like workflow automation and service management. Organizations increasingly rely on ServiceNow to digitize and optimize their operations, driving the need for skilled developers.

Key sectors employing ServiceNow Developers include Information Technology (IT) services, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunications, and government agencies. Large enterprises, in particular, leverage ServiceNow extensively for managing complex IT infrastructure, automating HR processes, improving customer service, and ensuring compliance.

Consulting firms and managed service providers (MSPs) also hire ServiceNow Developers to help their clients implement and customize the platform. The rise of digital transformation initiatives globally continues to fuel the demand, making it a role with strong career prospects across diverse organizational types and sizes.

Key Responsibilities and Daily Tasks

Configuration vs. Customization

A significant part of a ServiceNow Developer's job involves understanding the difference between configuration and customization. Configuration refers to using ServiceNow's built-in tools and options to tailor the platform—like setting up forms, workflows using Flow Designer, creating reports, or modifying user interface elements without writing code.

Customization, on the other hand, involves writing code, primarily JavaScript, to extend the platform's capabilities beyond what's available out-of-the-box. This might include creating complex business rules, client scripts, UI actions, or developing entirely new applications using ServiceNow's development tools.

While customization offers greater flexibility, developers must balance it carefully. Excessive customization can make platform upgrades more difficult and costly. [ ] Therefore, a good developer knows when to leverage configuration options and when custom code is truly necessary, always keeping maintainability and best practices in mind. A core responsibility is designing solutions that meet business needs efficiently, whether through configuration or code.

Automating Workflows

Automating business processes is a central function of the ServiceNow platform, and developers are key players in making this happen. Daily tasks often involve designing, building, and maintaining workflows using tools like Flow Designer or older workflow engines. These workflows automate sequences of tasks, approvals, and notifications.

Common examples include automating incident management processes (routing tickets, escalating issues), change management approvals, employee onboarding tasks in HR, or customer service request fulfillment. Developers work with stakeholders to understand the desired process, map it out logically, and then implement it within ServiceNow.

This requires not only technical skills in using the platform's automation tools but also analytical skills to identify inefficiencies in existing processes and design optimized, automated solutions. Debugging and refining these workflows based on user feedback and performance monitoring are also regular activities.

Integrating Systems

Modern enterprises use a variety of software tools, and ServiceNow often needs to communicate with these other systems. ServiceNow Developers are responsible for building and managing these integrations. This involves using technologies like REST/SOAP APIs, web services, and ServiceNow's IntegrationHub.

Typical integration tasks might include connecting ServiceNow to HR systems (like Workday), IT monitoring tools, cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), or customer relationship management (CRM) systems (like Salesforce). The goal is to ensure seamless data flow and process orchestration across different platforms.

Developers need to understand API protocols, data mapping, authentication methods, and potential security implications. They write scripts, configure integration spokes (pre-built connectors in IntegrationHub), and troubleshoot connectivity issues to ensure reliable communication between ServiceNow and external applications.

Evolution of the ServiceNow Developer Role

From ITSM Roots to Enterprise Automation

ServiceNow initially gained prominence as a powerful tool for IT Service Management (ITSM), designed based on ITIL guidelines to manage incidents, problems, and changes. Early ServiceNow Developers primarily focused on configuring and customizing these ITSM modules to fit organizational IT processes.

However, the platform's underlying architecture proved highly adaptable. Organizations recognized its potential beyond IT and began using it to automate workflows across other departments like HR, Customer Service, Security Operations, and more. This expansion transformed ServiceNow into an enterprise-wide workflow automation platform.

Consequently, the role of the ServiceNow Developer evolved. While ITSM expertise remains valuable, developers now often work on a broader range of applications, requiring skills in diverse business domains and the ability to build solutions that connect different parts of the enterprise. They are now key enablers of digital transformation initiatives.

The Rise of Low-Code/No-Code

The trend towards low-code and no-code development has significantly impacted the ServiceNow ecosystem. ServiceNow has invested heavily in tools like App Engine Studio and Flow Designer, which allow individuals with less traditional coding experience ("citizen developers") to build applications and automate workflows using visual interfaces and pre-built components.

This doesn't eliminate the need for traditional ServiceNow Developers but shifts their focus. Developers often handle more complex customizations, integrations, and architectural designs that go beyond the capabilities of low-code tools. They might also play a governance role, setting standards and reviewing applications built by citizen developers.

Furthermore, developers leverage these low-code tools themselves to accelerate development for simpler tasks, freeing up time for more intricate coding challenges. Understanding the interplay between no-code, low-code, and pro-code development is now part of the modern ServiceNow Developer's skill set.

Future Trends: AI, ML, and IoT

ServiceNow continues to evolve by incorporating advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Internet of Things (IoT) integration into its platform. Features like Predictive Intelligence, AI-powered Virtual Agents, and performance analytics leverage AI/ML to offer proactive insights, automate resolutions, and enhance user experiences.

For ServiceNow Developers, this means opportunities to work with these emerging capabilities. They might configure AI models for predictive incident management, build intelligent chatbots using Virtual Agent Designer, or integrate data from IoT devices into ServiceNow workflows for proactive maintenance or asset tracking.

Staying abreast of these advancements is crucial for future career growth. Developers who can harness AI/ML features or understand how to connect and manage IoT data within ServiceNow will be increasingly valuable as organizations seek more sophisticated automation and data-driven insights.

Technical Skills and Essential Tools

Core Programming Foundations

A strong foundation in programming is essential for a ServiceNow Developer, especially for customization tasks. The primary scripting language used throughout the ServiceNow platform is JavaScript. Proficiency in JavaScript, including both client-side (running in the user's browser) and server-side scripting, is critical.

ServiceNow also utilizes its own server-side JavaScript APIs, often referred to as Glide APIs (like GlideRecord for database operations and GlideForm/GlideUser for client-side manipulation). Understanding how to use these specific APIs effectively is key to interacting with the platform's data and features programmatically.

Familiarity with web technologies like HTML, CSS, and potentially frameworks like AngularJS (for older Service Portal work) or modern web components (for the newer Now Experience UI Builder) is also beneficial for front-end development and creating user interfaces. Knowledge of database concepts, particularly relational databases and SQL principles, helps in understanding ServiceNow's data structure.

Platform-Specific Expertise

Beyond core programming, developers need deep knowledge of ServiceNow's specific tools and modules. This includes understanding the platform's architecture, core applications (like Incident, Problem, Change, CMDB), and how they interact.

Expertise in tools like Flow Designer for building automated workflows, UI Builder for creating modern user interfaces, and Service Portal for designing user-facing portals is crucial. Developers should also be familiar with ServiceNow Studio, the integrated development environment (IDE) for creating and managing custom applications.

Understanding concepts like Business Rules, Client Scripts, UI Actions, Script Includes, Access Control Lists (ACLs) for security, and update sets for deploying changes between instances are fundamental platform-specific skills. Familiarity with ITIL/ITSM processes provides important context for many ServiceNow applications.

Valuable Certifications

ServiceNow certifications are highly valued in the industry and demonstrate validated expertise on the platform. The typical starting point is the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) certification. The CSA covers foundational knowledge of platform administration, configuration, and core applications, often serving as a prerequisite for more advanced paths.

For those focusing on development, the ServiceNow Certified Application Developer (CAD) certification is essential. The CAD validates skills in designing, building, and testing custom applications, scripting, and leveraging ServiceNow's development tools. It typically requires some hands-on development experience.

Beyond CAD, developers can pursue Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS) certifications in various product lines (like ITSM, CSM, HRSD, ITOM) to demonstrate expertise in specific areas. ServiceNow also offers micro-credentials for specialized skills and advanced certifications like Certified Technical Architect (CTA) or Certified Master Architect (CMA) for senior professionals.

These resources can help you prepare for ServiceNow certifications.

Educational Pathways

Formal Degrees and Relevant Fields

While not always strictly required, many employers prefer ServiceNow Developers to have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Common degrees include Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or Software Engineering. These programs provide a strong theoretical foundation in programming, databases, algorithms, and system design.

Coursework in web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), database management, software development lifecycles, and cloud computing is particularly beneficial. Some universities might offer specific courses or tracks related to enterprise systems or IT service management which can provide valuable context. [ ]

However, practical experience and certifications can sometimes substitute for a formal degree, especially for individuals transitioning from other IT roles. Employers often value hands-on skills and demonstrated platform knowledge highly.

Academic Projects and Research

University students can gain relevant experience through capstone projects or theses focused on ServiceNow or related areas like workflow automation, IT service management, or cloud platform development. These projects provide an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems.

Students could potentially design and implement a small-scale workflow automation solution using a ServiceNow Personal Developer Instance (PDI) or research the impact of platforms like ServiceNow on organizational efficiency. Such projects demonstrate initiative, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with relevant technologies.

Presenting these projects or research findings can strengthen a resume and provide talking points during interviews, showcasing practical application of skills beyond standard coursework. Exploring integrations between ServiceNow and other technologies studied in class could also be a valuable project focus.

University Alliances

ServiceNow actively collaborates with educational institutions through programs like the ServiceNow NextGen Program. This initiative aims to train students on the ServiceNow platform and connect them with potential employers within the ServiceNow ecosystem.

These partnerships often involve universities incorporating ServiceNow training modules into their curriculum, offering students access to learning materials, hands-on labs, and sometimes even pathways to certification like the CSA. Participating in such programs can provide a significant advantage.

Students should inquire if their university participates in the NextGen program or similar initiatives. Involvement provides direct exposure to the platform, builds relevant skills, and offers valuable networking opportunities with ServiceNow partners and customers seeking new talent.

Self-Directed Learning and Skill Building

Hands-On Practice: Your Personal Instance

One of the most valuable resources for learning ServiceNow is the Personal Developer Instance (PDI). ServiceNow provides free, fully functional instances to anyone registered on their Developer Site. This PDI is your personal sandbox environment where you can experiment, build applications, break things, and learn without impacting any production system.

Getting a PDI is straightforward: sign up on the ServiceNow Developer Portal, request an instance, and it's typically provisioned within minutes. Consistent use of your PDI is crucial for reinforcing concepts learned through courses or documentation. Follow tutorials, try building small applications, explore different modules, and practice scripting.

Remember that PDIs can be reclaimed by ServiceNow after a period of inactivity (usually 10 days), so log in and perform some actions regularly to keep it active. This hands-on practice is arguably the most effective way to translate theoretical knowledge into practical development skills.

Community Engagement and Open Source

The ServiceNow community is vast and active. Engaging with other developers and administrators through forums on the ServiceNow Community site or platforms like Reddit (r/servicenow) is invaluable. You can ask questions, share solutions, and learn from the experiences of others.

Exploring open-source projects related to ServiceNow on platforms like GitHub can also be beneficial. While ServiceNow itself isn't open source, developers often share utility scripts, tools, or components. Contributing to or learning from these projects can deepen your understanding and expose you to different coding styles and best practices.

Participating in developer meetups (virtual or local) or following influential ServiceNow bloggers and experts provides insights into new features, best practices, and common challenges. Active community involvement accelerates learning and builds professional connections.

Hackathons and Challenges

Participating in ServiceNow hackathons or coding challenges, often organized by ServiceNow or community groups, is an excellent way to apply your skills under pressure and learn collaboratively. These events typically involve building a specific application or solving a particular problem within a set timeframe.

Hackathons push you to think creatively, work efficiently, and often expose you to aspects of the platform you might not encounter in regular coursework. They simulate real-world development scenarios and are great for building portfolio projects.

Even if you don't win, the experience gained, the feedback received, and the connections made during such events are highly beneficial. Look out for announcements on the ServiceNow Developer Portal or community channels for upcoming hackathons or challenges.

Online courses provide structured learning paths to build foundational and specialized ServiceNow skills. Consider exploring courses that cover JavaScript, ServiceNow administration, and application development.

Career Progression and Opportunities

Starting and Advancing Your Career

Entry-level roles often begin as a Junior ServiceNow Developer or ServiceNow Administrator, sometimes requiring the CSA certification. In these roles, individuals focus on configuration, basic scripting, user support, and learning the platform under supervision.

With experience (typically 1-4 years) and potentially the CAD certification, developers move into mid-level ServiceNow Developer roles. Responsibilities expand to include more complex development, integrations, workflow design, and potentially mentoring junior team members.

Senior ServiceNow Developers (often 5+ years experience) tackle complex projects, design application architectures, lead development efforts, and may specialize in specific ServiceNow modules or advanced platform features. Further progression can lead to roles like Lead Developer or Technical Lead, overseeing development teams and technical strategy.

Alternative Career Trajectories

Experience as a ServiceNow Developer opens doors to various related career paths. One common transition is to a ServiceNow Architect role. Architects focus on high-level solution design, platform strategy, governance, and ensuring implementations align with business goals and best practices. This often requires deep technical knowledge and strong strategic thinking.

Another path is towards consulting, either independently or with a ServiceNow partner firm. ServiceNow Consultants work with multiple clients, helping them implement, customize, and optimize their ServiceNow instances. This requires strong technical skills combined with excellent communication, business analysis, and project management abilities.

Developers with strong business acumen and product focus might move into ServiceNow Product Management or Business Analyst roles. These positions involve defining product roadmaps, gathering requirements, and bridging the gap between business needs and technical development teams.

Freelancing and Consulting

The high demand for ServiceNow expertise creates significant opportunities for freelance and consulting work. Experienced developers can offer their services directly to clients or through specialized staffing agencies. This path offers flexibility and potentially higher earning potential but requires strong self-management and business development skills.

Consulting roles often involve working on specific implementation projects, upgrades, or custom application development for various clients. This provides exposure to different industries and use cases, accelerating learning and broadening experience.

Success in freelancing or consulting depends on building a strong professional network, maintaining up-to-date skills and certifications, and consistently delivering high-quality results for clients. It suits individuals who are self-motivated and enjoy diverse challenges.

Industry Demand and Market Outlook

ServiceNow Adoption Across Sectors

ServiceNow continues to experience widespread adoption across various industries globally. Initially dominant in IT departments, its reach has expanded significantly into areas like HR, customer service, security operations, finance, and more, positioning it as a core enterprise platform.

Sectors like technology, financial services, healthcare, government, manufacturing, and education are prominent users of the platform. This broad adoption fuels a consistent and growing demand for skilled ServiceNow professionals, including developers, administrators, and consultants.

Market reports from firms like Gartner often highlight the strength of ServiceNow in areas like IT Service Management and Enterprise Low-Code Application Platforms, indicating its continued relevance and market penetration. This sustained growth translates into a favorable job market for those with ServiceNow skills.

Driving Forces: Digital Transformation

The ongoing push for digital transformation across businesses is a major driver of ServiceNow demand. Companies are seeking ways to automate manual processes, improve efficiency, enhance employee and customer experiences, and gain better insights from data – all areas where ServiceNow excels.

ServiceNow's ability to provide a unified platform for managing workflows across different departments helps break down silos and streamline operations. As organizations replace legacy systems and embrace cloud-based solutions, platforms like ServiceNow become central to their IT strategy.

This strategic importance means companies are investing significantly in their ServiceNow implementations, creating a continuous need for developers to build, customize, integrate, and maintain these critical systems.

Geographic Hotspots

While demand for ServiceNow Developers is global, certain regions exhibit particularly high concentrations of opportunities. Major technology hubs and metropolitan areas in North America (USA, Canada), Europe (UK, Germany, Netherlands), and Asia-Pacific (Australia, India) often show strong demand due to the presence of large enterprises and consulting firms.

Specific cities known for tech employment often correlate with ServiceNow job availability. However, the increasing prevalence of remote work has somewhat distributed opportunities, allowing developers to work for companies based in different locations.

Job boards and salary comparison sites often provide insights into geographic variations in demand and compensation. Researching job postings in target locations can give a clearer picture of regional market dynamics.

Challenges and Considerations

The Upgradeability Dilemma

One significant challenge ServiceNow Developers face is balancing the need for customization with the requirement to maintain platform upgradeability. [ ] ServiceNow releases major platform upgrades twice a year, introducing new features and improvements.

Heavy customization, especially modifications to baseline ServiceNow code (though generally discouraged), can complicate the upgrade process. Custom scripts or configurations might conflict with new platform versions, requiring significant effort to remediate during upgrades. [ ]

Developers must adhere to best practices, such as using scoped applications, avoiding direct modification of out-of-the-box objects where possible, and thoroughly testing customizations before and after upgrades, to minimize compatibility issues. This requires careful planning and disciplined development practices.

These books provide insights into related areas that developers often need to consider.

Security in Automated Processes

As developers automate workflows and integrate systems, ensuring data security becomes paramount. Automated processes often handle sensitive information, and integrations create potential pathways for data exposure if not secured properly.

Developers must implement security best practices, such as using appropriate Access Control Lists (ACLs) to restrict data access, securing API integrations with proper authentication and authorization, and sanitizing data inputs to prevent injection attacks.

Understanding ServiceNow's security architecture, including roles, groups, and encryption capabilities, is essential. Developers share responsibility with administrators for maintaining the security posture of the applications and workflows they build.

Ethical AI in Service Management

With the increasing integration of AI and Machine Learning into ServiceNow, ethical considerations arise. For example, AI used for predictive incident routing or automated decision-making must be implemented fairly and transparently.

Developers working with AI features need to be aware of potential biases in data or algorithms and strive to build solutions that are equitable and explainable. Ensuring that automated decisions can be reviewed and overridden by humans when necessary is also important.

As AI plays a larger role in ITSM and other workflows, developers will need to stay informed about ethical AI principles and contribute to responsible implementation within their organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the typical salary range?

ServiceNow Developer salaries are generally competitive due to high demand. In the US, entry-level or junior developers (0-2 years experience, possibly with CSA) might earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, though some sources suggest ranges like $67,000 - $87,000 or slightly higher. Early career developers (1-4 years) average around $67,000 to potentially over $100,000 depending on location and specific skills.

Mid-level developers (around 3-5+ years experience, often with CAD) can expect salaries ranging significantly, potentially from $108,000 to $162,000 or higher on average. Senior developers (5-8+ years) can command salaries well into the $130,000s, $140,000s, and often exceeding $150,000-$170,000, with top earners and architects potentially reaching $200,000 or more.

Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, specific skills (e.g., ITOM, CSM specialization), location, and company size. Consulting roles may offer higher base salaries or total compensation. Keep in mind these are estimates, and checking current data on sites like ZipRecruiter or PayScale for your specific region is recommended.

How can I transition from software development?

Transitioning from traditional software development is a common path. Leverage your existing programming skills, especially if you know JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Focus on learning the specifics of the ServiceNow platform architecture, its core modules (ITSM, CMDB), and its unique APIs (Glide APIs).

Obtain a Personal Developer Instance (PDI) for hands-on practice. Consider pursuing the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) certification first to build foundational knowledge, followed by the Certified Application Developer (CAD) certification.

Highlight transferable skills like problem-solving, database knowledge, API integration experience, and familiarity with Agile methodologies on your resume. Network within the ServiceNow community and tailor your job applications to emphasize your desire to specialize in the platform.

Which certifications are most important?

The most crucial certifications generally depend on your career stage and focus. For starting out, the Certified System Administrator (CSA) is fundamental and often a prerequisite for other certifications.

For developers, the Certified Application Developer (CAD) is highly important as it specifically validates development skills on the platform. It demonstrates proficiency in scripting, application design, and using development tools.

Beyond these, Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS) certifications in specific product lines (like CIS-ITSM, CIS-CSM, CIS-Discovery, CIS-HR) become important for specialization and demonstrating expertise in high-demand areas. Advanced certifications like CTA or CMA are significant for architect-level roles.

Are remote jobs common?

Yes, remote work opportunities for ServiceNow Developers are quite common. The nature of the work, being platform-based and often involving collaboration across distributed teams, lends itself well to remote arrangements. Many consulting roles are also remote.

Job postings frequently list remote options, both for full-time employees and contract/freelance positions. While some companies may require hybrid or on-site presence, particularly for certain projects or team dynamics, purely remote roles are prevalent in the ServiceNow ecosystem.

This flexibility allows developers to access opportunities from companies located outside their immediate geographic area, broadening the job market significantly.

Is the job market saturated?

Currently, the job market for skilled ServiceNow Developers generally appears strong rather than saturated. The platform's continued growth and adoption across industries maintain a high demand for professionals who can implement, customize, and manage it.

While the number of ServiceNow professionals has grown, the expansion of the platform into new areas (like HR, CSM, SecOps, industry-specific solutions) and the ongoing need for digital transformation keep demand robust.

However, competition exists, especially for entry-level roles. Differentiation through certifications, specialized skills (e.g., specific modules, integrations, AI/ML features), and practical project experience is important for standing out.

How do I start without company access?

You don't need corporate access to start learning ServiceNow development. The key is the Personal Developer Instance (PDI). Sign up for a free account on the ServiceNow Developer Site (developer.servicenow.com) and request your PDI.

Utilize the free learning paths and documentation available on the Developer Site and Now Learning portal. Focus on foundational courses like ServiceNow Fundamentals, Scripting in ServiceNow, and Application Development Fundamentals.

Build projects within your PDI to gain practical experience. Engage with the online community, work towards certifications (starting with CSA), and consider creating a portfolio showcasing your PDI projects. This self-directed learning approach is how many successful ServiceNow professionals begin their journey.

Useful Resources

Here are some valuable resources for aspiring and current ServiceNow Developers:

  1. ServiceNow Developer Portal: The official hub for developers, offering access to PDIs, documentation, APIs, training modules, and community forums. (developer.servicenow.com)
  2. Now Learning: ServiceNow's official training and certification portal, providing learning paths for various roles and products. (nowlearning.servicenow.com)
  3. ServiceNow Community: A place to ask questions, share knowledge, and connect with other ServiceNow users, developers, and administrators. (community.servicenow.com)
  4. ServiceNow Product Documentation: Comprehensive documentation for all platform features, applications, and APIs. (docs.servicenow.com)
  5. OpenCourser: Explore a wide range of online courses related to Programming, IT & Networking, and Cloud Computing to build foundational and specialized skills relevant to ServiceNow development. You can easily browse categories or search for specific topics.

Embarking on a career as a ServiceNow Developer offers a path into a dynamic and growing field within enterprise technology. It requires a blend of technical programming skills, platform-specific knowledge, and strong problem-solving abilities. By leveraging available learning resources, gaining hands-on experience through a PDI, pursuing relevant certifications, and engaging with the community, aspiring developers can build a rewarding career automating workflows and driving efficiency for organizations worldwide.

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Salaries for ServiceNow Developer

City
Median
New York
$140,000
San Francisco
$138,000
Austin
$172,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$140,000
San Francisco
$138,000
Austin
$172,000
Toronto
$122,000
London
£70,000
Paris
€52,000
Berlin
€71,000
Tel Aviv
₪288,000
Singapore
S$96,000
Beijing
¥232,000
Shanghai
¥168,000
Bengalaru
₹608,000
Delhi
₹800,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to ServiceNow Developer

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
ServiceNow is built upon ITIL principles. This official guide to ITIL 4 provides the foundational knowledge of IT service management best practices, which are essential for understanding the processes automated by ServiceNow. is highly recommended for anyone working with ServiceNow, regardless of their technical role, and is often a prerequisite for certifications.
As a newer edition of the Development Handbook, this book provides updated pro-tips, guidelines, and best practices for ServiceNow development and architecture. It's a current and valuable resource for anyone involved in developing on the platform, from experienced developers to architects. is an essential reference for staying current with ServiceNow development.
Provides a comprehensive guide to administering the ServiceNow platform, covering user management, security, upgrades, and configuration. It's a practical resource for administrators at all levels, from those just starting out to experienced professionals. This book is highly relevant for individuals pursuing administration roles and can serve as a textbook or primary reference.
Dives into contemporary topics by exploring the integration and application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning within the ServiceNow platform for intelligent automation and data-driven solutions. It is highly relevant for graduate students and working professionals interested in advanced ServiceNow capabilities and digital transformation.
For those looking to move beyond basic configuration and into customization, this book focuses specifically on scripting within ServiceNow using JavaScript APIs. It's essential for developers and administrators who need to extend the platform's capabilities. is best suited for undergraduate students with some programming background, graduate students, and working professionals in development roles.
Focusing on the core IT Service Management (ITSM) processes within ServiceNow, this book offers guidance on implementing and optimizing Incident, Problem, Change, and other key modules. It's valuable for anyone involved in IT service delivery and management, including project managers, administrators, and process owners. useful reference for understanding how ServiceNow supports ITIL best practices.
Specifically addresses ServiceNow's IT Operations Management (ITOM) capabilities, including Discovery, Service Mapping, and Event Management. It's valuable for professionals focused on managing IT infrastructure and operations using the ServiceNow platform. This book is relevant for graduate students and working professionals in IT operations roles.
Is an excellent starting point for anyone new to ServiceNow, covering fundamental concepts of administration and development. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the platform's core functionalities and is suitable for high school and undergraduate students, as well as professionals beginning their ServiceNow journey. It serves as a useful reference for basic configurations and workflows.
Explores the capabilities of low-code development on the ServiceNow platform, covering UI configuration, automation, and integrations. It's relevant for developers and administrators looking to build applications with minimal coding. This book is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students interested in application development and working professionals in similar roles.
Focuses on developing custom applications on the ServiceNow platform. It's geared towards individuals who want to build new functionalities and extend the platform's capabilities beyond standard configurations. This is most relevant for undergraduate and graduate students in development tracks and working professionals in similar roles.
Bridges the gap between ITIL concepts and their practical implementation within ServiceNow. It offers a roadmap for executives, project managers, and IT professionals involved in ServiceNow deployments. This book is particularly useful for understanding the strategic aspects of implementing ServiceNow and aligning it with ITIL frameworks.
Provides a practical guide to ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations in ServiceNow. It covers best practices for risk management, audit preparation, and incident response.
Provides a comprehensive guide to creating and using reports and dashboards in ServiceNow. It covers best practices for data visualization, report scheduling, and performance optimization.
Provides an introduction to ServiceNow administration and scripting, covering key concepts and best practices with real-world scenarios. It's suitable for beginners looking to understand the basics of administering and configuring a ServiceNow instance. This book can serve as a helpful guide for high school and undergraduate students, as well as new administrators.
This guide provides an overview of ServiceNow ITSM modules and their functionalities, focusing on unlocking the potential of the platform for digital transformation. It's suitable for those who want to understand the breadth of ServiceNow's ITSM capabilities. can be a useful reference for students and professionals exploring different aspects of ServiceNow.
Building upon the Foundation level, this ITIL guide provides practical guidance on implementing and improving IT service management processes. It's relevant for those who want to apply ITIL principles effectively within a platform like ServiceNow. is valuable for graduate students and working professionals focused on process improvement.
While not solely focused on ServiceNow, this book provides a foundational understanding of Configuration Management Databases (CMDB) and their importance in IT Service Management. Understanding CMDB concepts is crucial for effectively utilizing ServiceNow's CMDB features. is valuable background reading for students and professionals working with ServiceNow's IT Operations Management modules.
This ITIL publication focuses on the Continual Service Improvement stage, emphasizing the importance of ongoing improvement in IT services. This aligns with the goal of optimizing ServiceNow implementations over time. It provides frameworks and methods for driving improvement initiatives.
Shares knowledge and best practices from an experienced ServiceNow professional, offering insights from both customer and partner perspectives. It can provide valuable real-world context and tips for administrators and developers. This book good supplementary read for those with some existing ServiceNow knowledge.
Table of Contents
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