CAD vs CSA
The CSA tests platform administration knowledge. The CAD tests application development knowledge — scripting, data modelling, security, integrations. You need the CSA before sitting the CAD. Most people find the CAD requires 2-3x more preparation time.
High-weight exam topics
Application development: Creating scoped applications, data models (tables, fields, relationships), inheritance, dictionary configuration.
Scripting: GlideRecord, Business Rules (all types), Client Scripts (all types), Script Includes, GlideAjax. You need to understand what these do conceptually — the exam does not test syntax but does test behaviour.
UI development: Form design, UI Policies, UI Actions, List design, related lists.
Security: ACLs (table and field level), roles, Application Access settings on tables.
Service Catalog: Catalog items, Record Producers, Order Guides, variables, UI Policies on catalog forms.
Flow Designer basics: Creating flows, trigger types, actions, data pills.
Topics that trip people up
Application Access settings — the Accessible from, Can create, Can read, Can write, Can delete settings on tables within scoped apps. Many candidates have not worked with scoped apps and find these questions hard.
Business Rule execution order — which Business Rule fires when, especially around cascading saves and the interaction between Before and After rules.
GlideAjax setup requirements — the Client callable checkbox, extending AbstractAjaxProcessor, the sysparm_name parameter. All are required and all are tested.
Study approach
- Complete ServiceNow's official CAD learning path on learning.servicenow.com
- Build a real application on your PDI (not a tutorial — your own idea)
- Practice every scripting concept hands-on: write 20 different Business Rules, call 10 Script Includes from Client Scripts
- Take the CAD practice assessment on the ServiceNow portal