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Exam Information
Official specifications published by ServiceNow
Exam Format
90 min
60
70%
Specialist
Registration
$450 USD
Webassessor or online proctoring
14 days wait period between attempts
Validity
2 years
Pass the current version of the CIS-SAM exam; Take Delta exams for new releases (non-proctored, 20 questions); Maintain active CSA certification (prerequisite)
CIS-SAM Exam Topics and Domains
CIS-SAM is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with Content Service, Software Library, Analytics, Discovery, and more.
1
Software Asset Core Overview & Fundamentals
14%
Software Asset Management Basics
SAM Goals and ObjectivesSoftware Asset Lifecycle
- Understand the fundamental concepts of Software Asset Management
- Identify the 8 phases of software lifecycle management
- Explain the business value of SAM implementation
Process Architecture
SAM Process Framework
- Describe the SAM process architecture
- Understand integration with ITIL processes
Application Introduction and Recommended Practices
SAM Application ComponentsRoles and Responsibilities
- Navigate the SAM application effectively
- Understand roles and permissions
- Apply recommended practices
2
Data Integrity – Attributes and Sources for the Data
28%
Importing Data
Data Import MethodsData Quality Management
- Configure data import processes
- Create and manage transform maps
- Ensure data quality and integrity
Software Discovery and Normalization
Discovery ProcessSoftware NormalizationDiscovery Models
- Configure and run software discovery
- Understand normalization process and statuses
- Manage discovery models effectively
Content Services
ServiceNow Content LibraryPublisher Packs
- Utilize ServiceNow Content Library
- Configure and manage publisher packs
- Create custom content when needed
3
Practical Management of Software Compliance
30%
Products and Models
Software ModelsSoftware Products
- Create and manage software models
- Understand product hierarchies
- Manage software suites
License Metrics, Entitlements and Allocations
License MetricsSoftware EntitlementsSoftware Allocations
- Configure license metrics appropriately
- Create and manage entitlements
- Implement allocation strategies
Software Reconciliation
Reconciliation ProcessCompliance ManagementLicense Position Analysis
- Run and interpret reconciliation results
- Manage compliance effectively
- Optimize license position
4
Operational Integration of Software Processes
13%
Contract and Change Management
Software ContractsChange Management Integration
- Manage software contracts effectively
- Integrate with change management
- Assess license impact of changes
Service Catalog and Procurement
Software Request ProcessProcurement Integration
- Configure software request catalog
- Integrate procurement processes
- Manage software costs
Software Remediation
Remediation Strategies
- Implement remediation strategies
- Automate remediation workflows
5
Extending SAM
15%
Software Model Lifecycle and Retirement
Lifecycle ManagementSoftware Retirement
- Manage software lifecycle
- Plan and execute retirements
- Optimize through lifecycle management
Software Installation Optimization
Software MeteringSoftware ReclamationOptimization Strategies
- Implement software metering
- Configure reclamation processes
- Optimize license utilization
Reporting, Implementation and Maintenance
SAM ReportingImplementation Best PracticesOngoing Maintenance
- Create effective SAM reports
- Follow implementation best practices
- Maintain SAM system health
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CIS-SAM earns the Certified Implementation Specialist - Software Asset Management certification. It sits in the IT Asset Management track.
Current Level Exams
- CIS-HAM - Hardware Asset Management
- CIS-SAM-SP - SAM Professional
Next Level Options
Alternative Paths
- CIS-CSM - Customer Service ManagementExpand service management expertise
- CIS-Discovery - ServiceNow DiscoveryEnhanced discovery skills for SAM
- CIS-VR - Vulnerability ResponseSecurity and compliance focus
- CIS-SM - Service MappingApplication dependency mapping
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for CIS-SAM is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-09-10
- Announcement date: 2024-08-01
Updates
- Software Inventory Analytics Xanadu New topic area for future exam updates • Release date: 2024-09-10
- SAP Digital Access Xanadu SAP licensing model added to curriculum • Release date: 2024-09-10
- Enhanced Software Asset Workspace Xanadu Updated workspace navigation and features • Release date: 2024-09-10
- Overlapping Usage View Vancouver Cost optimization topic expansion • Release date: 2024-01-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by SAM Consultants and ServiceNow Implementation Specialists.
ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) - Active certification required
- 6+ months of hands-on experience with ServiceNow SAM module
- Participation in at least 2 ServiceNow SAM deployment projects
- Completion of Software Asset Management (SAM) Professional Fundamentals training
- General familiarity with industry terminology, acronyms, and initialisms
- Experience with ITIL processes and asset management