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ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist Security Incident Response CIS-SIR Quick Facts
The ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist Security Incident Response (CIS-SIR) certification empowers professionals to elevate their expertise in automating, managing, and optimizing incident response within the ServiceNow platform. This overview guides you through the essential details and domain structure, helping you approach the exam with clarity and confidence.
How does the CIS-SIR certification strengthen your ServiceNow security expertise?
The CIS-SIR certification validates your ability to implement, configure, and manage ServiceNow’s Security Incident Response (SIR) application. It highlights your knowledge of security incident detection, analysis, containment, and remediation processes—all integrated within the ServiceNow ecosystem. By mastering these skills, you’ll demonstrate proficiency in aligning automated security workflows with enterprise resilience strategies while collaborating effectively with security operations and incident management teams.
Who Should Earn the ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist – Security Incident Response (CIS-SIR) Certification?
The ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist – Security Incident Response (CIS-SIR) certification is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to configure, implement, and manage the Security Incident Response (SIR) application within the ServiceNow platform. It’s perfect for:
- Security professionals and incident responders seeking to leverage automation and orchestration
- Implementation specialists and system administrators focusing on ServiceNow Security Operations
- IT consultants or developers helping clients deploy the SIR suite
- Individuals looking to advance into ServiceNow SecOps roles
Achieving CIS-SIR proves you have the expertise to strengthen security posture across organizations using ServiceNow best practices.
What Can You Do with the CIS-SIR Certification?
With the CIS-SIR credential, you’ll be recognized as an expert in implementing automated security incident management workflows. This certification opens doors to roles such as:
- Security Operations Specialist
- ServiceNow Implementation Consultant
- Security Incident Response Manager
- Security Engineer or Administrator
It’s a strong career signal to employers that you can enhance their incident response processes and integrate advanced threat intelligence tools effectively.
How Many Questions Are on the CIS-SIR Exam?
You’ll face 60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions in total. Each question is worth one point, and all items carry equal weight. The questions reflect real-world ServiceNow scenarios, asking you to identify best practices, troubleshoot situations, and apply functional knowledge.
While you don’t need to pass each domain individually, building familiarity across all topic areas will greatly improve your confidence during the test.
How Much Time Will You Have to Complete the Exam?
You’ll be allotted 90 minutes to finish all questions. This duration gives you plenty of time to read carefully, evaluate each scenario, and make thoughtful decisions. A good strategy is to mark items you’re unsure about and return to them after addressing the ones you know first.
What’s the Passing Score for the ServiceNow CIS-SIR Exam?
The exam uses a predetermined cut score, typically equating to about 70% correct answers. However, ServiceNow does not publicly disclose the exact passing threshold since it’s periodically reviewed. You’ll receive a conditional pass or fail immediately after submission, followed by a detailed score breakdown by domain.
What Is the Cost of the ServiceNow CIS-SIR Exam?
The registration fee for the CIS-SIR exam is $450 USD. Payment can be made using learning credits or credit card through the ServiceNow Learning Portal. This cost includes one exam attempt, and discounted pricing might be available to eligible partners or employees.
In What Languages Is the CIS-SIR Exam Available?
To accommodate global learners, the CIS-SIR exam is currently offered in English and Japanese. ServiceNow may expand language availability in the future as the certification continues to grow in popularity among the worldwide ServiceNow community.
How Long Is the CIS-SIR Certification Valid?
Once you pass the exam, your certification is valid as long as you complete annual maintenance requirements. This includes staying current through delta exams and paying the yearly Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) fee. Regular updates ensure your knowledge aligns with the latest ServiceNow releases and product capabilities.
Are There Any Prerequisites for Taking the CIS-SIR Exam?
Yes. To be eligible, candidates must first earn the Certified Implementation Specialist – Data Foundations (CMDB and CSDM) certification. This ensures you have a solid understanding of how data is structured and managed within ServiceNow before advancing to security-specific modules.
What Experience Is Recommended Before Attempting CIS-SIR?
Although not mandatory, ServiceNow recommends at least three to six months of hands-on experience in a Security Incident Response deployment or maintenance project. Familiarity with ServiceNow administration, integration workflows, and SecOps modules will make studying and implementation translation much smoother.
What Topics Are Covered on the CIS-SIR Exam?
The exam blueprint is divided across six major domains, each evaluating a key competency area:
- Security Incident Response Overview and Data Visualization
- Security Incident Creation and Threat Intelligence
- Security Incident and Threat Intelligence Integrations
- Security Incident Response Management
- Risk Calculations and Post-Incident Response
- Automation and Standard Processes
The Automation and Standard Processes domain carries the most weight, emphasizing ServiceNow’s automation-driven approach to cybersecurity management.
What Format Are the Exam Questions?
The test features both multiple-choice (single answer) and multiple-select (select all that apply) question types. Each question specifies the expected number of correct responses. There are no partial credits, so careful selection is essential.
How Is the CIS-SIR Exam Scored?
Every correct answer earns one point. ServiceNow uses a scaled scoring model compared to a defined cut score. After submission, your performance by domain is displayed so you can see your relative strengths. This feedback helps guide areas of improvement for future exams or delta assessments.
Where Can You Take the CIS-SIR Exam?
Exams are hosted through Pearson VUE, and candidates can choose between two delivery options:
- Online (OnVUE) – Take the test remotely with webcam proctoring in a quiet, secure space.
- In-person at a Pearson VUE testing center – Ideal for candidates who prefer a traditional testing environment.
Both methods offer the same content and scoring standards.
How Do You Register for the ServiceNow CIS-SIR Certification Exam?
To register, sign in to your ServiceNow Learning Portal and follow the steps to purchase and schedule your exam attempt. Once registered, you have 90 days to book and complete your session. Plan ahead to ensure you’re fully prepared and ready to succeed.
What Resources Are Recommended for Preparation?
ServiceNow officially recommends completing the following training courses before sitting the exam:
- Security Operations Fundamentals
- Security Incident Response (SIR) Implementation
- ServiceNow Administration Fundamentals
- ServiceNow Platform Implementation
Additionally, you can strengthen your knowledge using the ServiceNow Security Incident Response documentation and reviewing automation concepts like playbooks, Flow Designer, and IntegrationHub.
How Can You Best Prepare for Exam Success?
Effective preparation blends structured training, documentation study, and hands-on practice. Taking reputable practice tests that simulate the real exam’s structure and scenarios is invaluable. Check out these ServiceNow CIS-SIR practice exams to reinforce your understanding of each domain and identify areas for improvement before test day.
How Does the CIS-SIR Exam Fit Into a Broader Career Path?
Earning the CIS-SIR credential can lead to progression into roles in Security Operations (SecOps), Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), and automation engineering. Many professionals pursue this certification as part of their path toward ServiceNow Master Architect or ServiceNow Certified Technical Architect positions.
What Happens If You Pass the Exam?
Upon passing, you’ll receive your CIS-SIR digital badge through Credly. You can showcase it on LinkedIn, your resume, and professional portfolios. The certification demonstrates specialized expertise to peers, employers, and clients, proving your ability to deliver results in security-centric ServiceNow implementations.
What If You Don’t Pass on the First Attempt?
If you need another try, you can retake the exam after a waiting period. Each attempt requires a new registration and payment. Use the detailed performance report to guide your study strategy, focusing on lower-performing domains for refinement before reattempting.
What Study Timeline Do Most Candidates Follow?
While schedules vary, a four- to six-week study plan is usually effective for professionals already familiar with the platform. Candidates often combine on-demand ServiceNow courses, documentation review, and practical exercises on a personal or demo instance to cement their understanding.
Where Can You Learn More or Get Official Exam Details?
For official requirements, registration links, and complete certification information, visit the official ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist – Security Incident Response (CIS-SIR) certification page. It provides up-to-date materials, paths, and exam policies essential for your certification journey.
The ServiceNow CIS-SIR certification validates your expertise in securing digital workflows through automation, intelligence, and proactive response. With dedicated preparation and practical application, you’ll be ready to deliver agile, effective incident management on one of the world’s most powerful enterprise platforms.
