If you’re just starting your ServiceNow training, understanding the basic terms is the first step toward building confidence. Whether you’re aiming to become a developer, administrator, or simply explore the platform, this guide will walk you through the most commonly used terminologies in the ServiceNow community forum and beyond.
1. Why Terminologies Matter
ServiceNow is a powerful tool, but like any platform, it has its own language. From terms like tables and records to ACLs and update sets, learning this vocabulary early on can make your training journey much smoother.
2. Basic Platform Terms
- Instance: Your personal version of ServiceNow (like your own workspace).
- Table: A place where data is stored (like an Excel sheet).
- Record: A single row of data in a table.
- Form & List: Form shows one record; List shows multiple.
- Fields & Columns: Fields = input boxes on forms; Columns = part of the table.
3. Key User Roles
- System Administrator: Has full control over the platform.
- Developer: Builds apps, scripts, and automations.
- End User: A normal user who uses the platform for tasks.
- Approver: Reviews and approves requests or changes.
4. Core ServiceNow Modules
- ITSM: Manages IT services like incidents and changes.
- HRSD: Used by HR teams to manage employee requests.
- CSM: Helps companies manage customer support.
- CMDB: A database to store IT assets and relationships.
5. Navigation Terms
- Application Navigator: The left sidebar for moving around.
- Filter Navigator: Helps you quickly find apps or modules.
- Banner Frame: The top bar with your profile, settings, etc.
- Modules vs Applications: Apps are groups; modules are individual tools.
6. Workflows & Automation
- Flow Designer: No-code tool to automate tasks.
- Workflow Editor: The older tool for creating processes.
- Business Rules: Scripts that run on the server side.
- Client Scripts: Scripts that run in the browser.
- UI Policies: Set field visibility or make them mandatory.
7. Data Handling Concepts
- GlideRecord: A script tool to read/write data.
- Import Sets: Bring external data into ServiceNow.
- Transform Maps: Help convert and insert data correctly.
- Scheduled Jobs: Automate tasks on a schedule.
8. Security & Access
- Roles: Define what users can do.
- ACLs (Access Control Lists): Restrict who can see or change what.
- User Criteria: Used in things like HRSD to show content based on user roles.
9. Development & Customization
- Studio: The place to build your own applications.
- Scoped Applications: Custom apps in isolated environments.
- Script Includes: Reusable code blocks.
- Update Sets: Save your changes to move them from one instance to another.
10. Integration Terms
- REST & SOAP APIs: Allow ServiceNow to talk to other systems.
- MID Server: Needed for integrations that touch internal systems.
- IntegrationHub: Tool for building and managing integrations.
11. Certifications & Career Paths
- CSA: Certified System Administrator – beginner level.
- CIS: Certified Implementation Specialist – for specific modules.
- CAD: Certified Application Developer – for those who build custom apps.
12. Conclusion: What’s Next?
Now that you’re familiar with the basic terminologies, it’s time to dive into hands-on learning. Join the ServiceNow community forum to ask questions, share knowledge, and explore what others are building. Keep practicing on your personal developer instance and continue your ServiceNow training to stay ahead.
