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ServiceNow · Business Platforms · Professional

ServiceNow CIS - Software Asset Management exam guide

Exam ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist - Software Asset Management (CIS-SAM)

CIS-SAM proves you can implement ServiceNow Software Asset Management: software discovery and normalization, entitlements, publisher license models, reconciliation, and removal or reclamation workflows that reduce audit risk and license spend.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limitSee official page
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam feeSee official page
Valid forSee official page
DeliveryProctored exam booked through ServiceNow University (online proctored or test center)

Format: Multiple choice and multiple select, proctored. Fee note: ServiceNow sets voucher pricing in ServiceNow University; check there before booking (a retake costs less than a first attempt).

Who it's for

Software asset managers and ServiceNow consultants who manage license compliance and optimization.

What the exam covers

The vendor does not publish a domain breakdown for this exam. Check the official exam page for the current objectives.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) plus completion of the required ServiceNow University implementation training for this product before you can book the exam.

Recommended: Experience with software licensing models (Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe and SaaS) and SAM processes on ServiceNow.

Keeping it active

ServiceNow mainline certifications must be kept current with the platform: complete the maintenance (delta) requirement ServiceNow publishes for new platform releases within its window, or the credential lapses. Check the current maintenance rules in ServiceNow University.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Normalizing discovered software with the Content Service
  • Creating software entitlements and allocations
  • Running reconciliation and reading compliance results
  • Configuring publisher packs and license metrics
  • Reclaiming unused software
  • Managing SaaS license usage

Job roles

Software Asset ManagerServiceNow SAM ConsultantLicense Compliance AnalystITAM AnalystServiceNow Implementation Specialist

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Complete the required SAM implementation training on ServiceNow University.
  2. Week 2: Software discovery sources, normalization and the software model.
  3. Week 3: Entitlements, license metrics, publisher packs and reconciliation results.
  4. Week 4: Reclamation, removal, SaaS license management and dashboards; practice tests.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Know what normalization does and why unnormalized installs are excluded from reconciliation.
  • Understand entitlement allocation vs license metric calculations.
  • Expect publisher-specific questions (e.g. Microsoft, Oracle) on how compliance is calculated.
  • Know the reclamation workflow and its approval steps.

Key terms for this exam

All 7 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

How much does the CIS-SAM exam cost?

ServiceNow sets exam voucher pricing in ServiceNow University and it can differ by region and by whether you hold a subscription or partner/customer entitlement; check the current price there before booking. Retakes cost less than a first attempt.

How do I keep CIS-SAM active?

Keep it current with each ServiceNow family release by completing the maintenance (delta) requirement ServiceNow publishes within its window; otherwise the certification lapses.

Do I need licensing knowledge?

Yes. Questions assume you understand device, user and core-based license metrics.

Is SAM in demand?

Yes. Software audits and SaaS spend keep license optimization a priority for large organizations.

What is required before the exam?

CSA plus the required SAM implementation training in ServiceNow University.

Official page: www.servicenow.com. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.