Comparing the Durations of Major CSA Exams
Many professional and academic certifications use the acronym 'CSA,' but their exam lengths and formats are vastly different. The most common technical certification referred to as CSA is for the ServiceNow platform, while the AP Computer Science A (AP CSA) exam is for high school students. A few other certifications also use this acronym, such as CompTIA's Cybersecurity Analyst+ (CySA+) certification, which was previously sometimes referred to as CSA+.
ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA)
The ServiceNow CSA exam is a timed, proctored test designed for IT professionals. According to ServiceNow's official exam blueprint, candidates have 90 minutes to complete the exam. During this time, candidates must answer approximately 60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. The exam is available online with a proctor or at an authorized testing center. The 90-minute timeframe requires a steady pace, averaging about one and a half minutes per question, to ensure all questions can be reviewed and answered.
AP Computer Science A (AP CSA)
For high school students, the AP CSA exam is a more extensive and comprehensive test. It is a three-hour exam that is split into two distinct sections:
- Multiple-Choice Section: This section consists of 40 questions and is allotted 90 minutes.
- Free-Response Section: This section contains four free-response questions and is also allotted 90 minutes.
The structure of the AP CSA requires different time management strategies, with a more generous pace for the coding-intensive free-response portion compared to the multiple-choice questions.
Time Management Strategies for CSA Exams
Regardless of which CSA exam you are taking, proper time management is a critical skill for success. Here are some strategies:
- Practice with Timed Mock Exams: Replicate the real exam experience by taking practice tests under the actual time constraints. This builds confidence and helps you identify your pacing.
- Flag Difficult Questions: Don't get bogged down on a single difficult question. Answer the easier questions first and flag the harder ones to return to if time permits.
- Read Carefully: Especially for multiple-select questions, read the instructions carefully. Some questions on the ServiceNow CSA, for example, ask you to "select all that apply," which requires a thorough review of all options.
- Allocate Time per Section: For multi-part exams like the AP CSA, dedicate your attention and time according to the exam's official structure. Practice dividing your time evenly between sections and questions.
Comparison of CSA and Related Certification Exam Durations
| Certification | Exam Name | Total Duration | Number of Questions | Exam Format | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ServiceNow | Certified System Administrator (CSA) | 90 minutes | 60 | Multiple-choice, multiple-select | IT professionals working with ServiceNow |
| College Board | AP Computer Science A (AP CSA) | 180 minutes (3 hours) | 44 (40 MCQs, 4 FRQs) | Multiple-choice and free-response coding | High school students |
| Scrum Alliance | Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) | 60 minutes | 50 | Multiple-choice, multiple-select, true/false | Project managers and team members in Agile environments |
| Scaled Agile | SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) | 90 minutes | 45 | Multiple-choice | Scrum masters in SAFe organizations |
| CompTIA | Cybersecurity Analyst+ (CySA+) | 165 minutes | Maximum of 85 | Multiple-choice and performance-based | Cybersecurity analysts |
Preparing for the Exam
Beyond time management, there are several other factors to consider when preparing for a CSA exam. The required level of experience and the subject matter can heavily influence your study timeline. For example, the ServiceNow CSA recommends hands-on experience, while the AP CSA is geared towards students completing a specific curriculum.
Effective preparation often includes:
- Enrolling in official training courses offered by the certifying body.
- Utilizing practice exams and study guides to reinforce knowledge.
- Focusing on the exam's specific knowledge domains, which are typically outlined in an official blueprint.
- For certifications requiring lab time, such as the AP CSA, hands-on practice is essential.
Conclusion
Understanding how long does the CSA exam take requires identifying the specific certification you are pursuing. Whether it's the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (90 minutes) or the AP Computer Science A (3 hours), a clear grasp of the time limit is crucial for effective exam preparation and test-taking strategy. By managing your time wisely and focusing your studies on the correct exam format, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Always consult the official certifying body's website for the most accurate and up-to-date exam details before scheduling your test.
ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) Mainline Exam Blueprint
Key Exam Points
ServiceNow Exam Duration: The ServiceNow CSA exam is 90 minutes long with 60 questions. AP CSA Exam Time: The AP Computer Science A exam is 3 hours long and divided into two 90-minute sections. Strategic Pacing: For the ServiceNow CSA, aim to spend about 1.5 minutes per question to stay on track. Diverse Formats: The ServiceNow exam features multiple-choice and multiple-select questions, while the AP CSA includes both multiple-choice and coding-based free-response questions. Timed Practice is Key: Regardless of the specific exam, practicing with timed mock tests is the best way to prepare for the time pressure.
FAQs
Question: Is the ServiceNow CSA exam open book? Answer: No, the ServiceNow CSA exam is a closed-book, proctored test. This means you cannot use notes, textbooks, or other external resources during the exam.
Question: How long do you have to wait to retake a CSA exam if you fail? Answer: The retake policy varies by certifying body. For the ServiceNow CSA, you can retake the exam within a specific timeframe, while for some other certifications like SAFe Agile, specific waiting periods apply between attempts.
Question: What is the average passing score for the ServiceNow CSA? Answer: While ServiceNow does not officially publish the passing score, it is widely cited in preparation materials as being around 70%.
Question: Does the duration of the exam include breaks? Answer: No, the stated exam duration is for the testing time only. Any scheduled breaks are typically separate and do not use up your exam time, but you should confirm the specific policy for your proctored exam.
Question: Is the CSA exam taken online or in person? Answer: Many certifications, including the ServiceNow CSA, can be taken either online via a proctored session or at an in-person testing center.
Question: Do I have to complete the training course before taking the ServiceNow CSA exam? Answer: While formal prerequisites may not exist, ServiceNow highly recommends completing the official training before sitting for the exam to ensure you have the necessary knowledge.
Question: How is the AP CSA exam different from the ServiceNow CSA exam? Answer: The primary difference is the content and format. The AP CSA is a three-hour exam for high school students covering Java programming, while the ServiceNow CSA is a 90-minute, multiple-choice exam for IT professionals focusing on the ServiceNow platform.
