Earlier this week, ServiceNow announced that a special cohort of the RiseUp program will run later this year, specifically aimed at veterans in the US. It’s designed to help veterans and their spouses transition into a new technical career with ServiceNow.
The Advanced AI Program will start on August 3, 2026, and run part-time for 14 weeks, from 6 PM to 9 PM, Monday-Thursday. The course is free, which also includes the cost of two ServiceNow certifications: Certified System Administrator (CSA) and Certified Application Developer (CAD).
Given the news, this seemed like a great time to talk about the RiseUp program in general, and consider how it can help ServiceNow novices to take their first steps in the ecosystem.
What Is the ServiceNow RiseUp Program?
ServiceNow’s RiseUp is a non-profit training program that aims to give people their first steps in the ServiceNow ecosystem. It was first released in October 2022 and has run regularly in the years since.
The program’s key aim is to address skills gaps and broaden the pipeline of new talent coming into the ServiceNow ecosystem. In practice, it benefits both learners and employers. For those taking part in the course, it’s a great way to get started in the ServiceNow ecosystem if you don’t have any prior experience. It also gives you a structured learning path, so you can get your head around the basics without having to worry about where to start.
For employers, the program also provides access to verified entry-level talent. By hiring somebody who’s participated in the program, you can verify that they’ve followed a structured training course, designed by ServiceNow.
How Does RiseUp Work?
RiseUp is primarily a self-guided learning program that relies heavily on resources from ServiceNow University.
While most of this information is available for free online, RiseUp learners will benefit from a structured training program that guides them through the fundamentals of the ServiceNow platform. The program also includes instructor-led training courses, which are not already free.
Crucially, the program is designed to prepare learners to take ServiceNow certifications. These are formal exams that are widely accepted across the ServiceNow ecosystem.
As of 2026, there are two main tiers of the RiseUp program:
1. RiseUp with ServiceNow AI Foundations
This covers foundational content from around the ServiceNow ecosystem, including ITSM, Service Operations Workspace, and Employee Center. It also offers a straightforward overview of AI concepts and responsible AI practices. As part of the course, learners work towards the Certified System Administrator certification.
2. RiseUp with ServiceNow Advanced AI Foundations
The advanced tier covers more complex technical concepts. In particular, this is designed for anybody looking to configure or build ServiceNow applications. It covers configuring, automating, and integrating in ServiceNow, as well as building design applications. As part of the course, learners work towards Certified System Administrator (CSA) and Certified Application Developer (CAD) certifications.
Who Is Eligible for RiseUp?
RiseUp is specifically designed for those at the earliest stages of their ServiceNow journey. As such, the program explicitly rules out anybody with formal ServiceNow training or experience. That includes anybody who is:
- Currently employed by a ServiceNow customer/partner.
- Has formal experience with ServiceNow, excluding self-guided training.
- Holds ServiceNow Mainline or Expert certifications.
- Has already completed a similar ServiceNow course, including NextGen, the ServiceNow Academic Program, or RiseUp itself. Anybody who has completed government-sponsored programs like NASCOMM, AICTE, ICT Academy, or Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNDC) also can’t apply.
As well as this, applicants must be:
- At least 18 years of age.
- Legally eligible for full-time work in your country.
- Proficient in written and verbal English.
- Able to commit to the full duration of the program.
You’ll also need to have access to a computer or laptop with a reliable internet connection and a camera, since much of the training happens online.
If you want to find out more about the RiseUp program, or apply for the next cohort, check out this page here.
Can RiseUp Really Get You a ServiceNow Job?
“[RiseUp] is a great foundation to start or build your career in ServiceNow. That said, I highly recommend that alongside the RiseUp course, you also focus on building your overall skill set. The job market is very dynamic, and expanding your portfolio increases your chances of landing a job. Employers value professionals who have hands-on experience across multiple modules – consider exploring areas like ITSM, GRC, HRSD, CSM, or SecOps.”
Atul Grover, Platform Owner, BPC and Trainer at Advance Solutions [via ServiceNow Community]
While ServiceNow explicitly frames the scheme as a way to land your first job, it’s important to be aware that there’s no guarantee of employment here.
Indeed, discussions in the ServiceNow Community and elsewhere suggest that employment prospects post-study can vary from person to person. The people who are most likely to succeed are those who take the opportunity to explore the ServiceNow platform in as much detail as possible while they’re studying. At the same time, it’s important to gain as much practical experience as you can along the way.
We discussed this topic in detail in a recent piece: “Are ServiceNow Certifications Still Valuable in 2026 or Just Table Stakes?” Given that the RiseUp program is designed to lead towards formal certification, it’s helpful to recap that discussion here.
“For me, certification is more like an entry point… it gives me direction and helps me get the basics right. But honestly, the real weight comes from actually applying that knowledge,” said Certified Technical Architect, Mahathi Veena.
So with RiseUp (and ServiceNow certifications more generally), the best advice is to treat this as a foot in the door, rather than a differentiator. Any extra study or experience you can do alongside this will really help you stand out when you’re exploring your first paid role.