Understand the certification
ServiceNow CIS-Discovery 验证配置和管理 Discovery 模块（ITOM 套件的基础组件）的能力。60 题 / 90 分钟，及格线 70%（42 题），费用 $250 USD，需先持有 CSA。
Discovery 的核心功能是自动扫描网络中的服务器、数据库、应用和网络设备，将发现的 CI 数据填充到 CMDB。它依赖 MID Server（一个 Java 应用，部署在客户网络内部）作为中间代理 — MID Server 执行扫描命令（SSH/WMI/SNMP），将结果发回 ServiceNow 云实例。
考试最重要的三块：MID Server（安装/集群/IP Range 绑定/故障排查，约占 25%）、Discovery Patterns（水平模式发现 CI + 垂直模式发现应用层，替代传统 Probe/Sensor，约占 20%）、CMDB 数据填充（CI 类层级/关系类型/Identification Engine 去重规则，约占 20%）。
Exam at a glance
- Exam code
- CIS-Discovery
- Provider
- 其他
- Format
- Single choice / Multiple select
- Language
- English
- Validity
- 3 years
- Exam fee
- $250
Skills in focus
Learning outcomes
- Earn the ServiceNow CIS-Discovery certification
- Deploy and manage MID Servers for reliable infrastructure discovery
- Configure schedules, credentials, patterns, and CMDB population rules correctly
- Troubleshoot discovery failures and improve CI accuracy in the CMDB
- Improve your fit for Discovery, CMDB, and ITOM implementation roles
Who this is for
- ServiceNow consultants implementing Discovery and CMDB population workflows
- CMDB engineers responsible for infrastructure visibility and CI quality
- ITOM specialists managing MID Servers and discovery schedules
- Platform administrators supporting infrastructure discovery integrations
Before you start
- CSA is recommended before taking CIS-Discovery
- Hands-on experience with MID Server setup or Discovery configuration
- Understanding of CMDB concepts, CI classes, and identification rules
- Basic networking knowledge across SSH, WMI, SNMP, and credential usage
- Experience reading discovery logs and troubleshooting scan issues is useful
Your learning path
3 chapters
Plan your preparation
- Learning hours
- 20h
- With relevant experience
- 5-7 weeks
- Starting from scratch
- 10-12 weeks
- Daily study
- 1.5-2h
Included in your preparation
- Strong focus on MID Server deployment, capabilities, health, and connectivity
- Practical comparison of Discovery Patterns versus traditional probes and sensors
- Coverage of identification, reconciliation, and CMDB population behavior
- Scenario-based practice for schedules, credentials, ECC Queue troubleshooting, and data quality
- Mock exam aligned to the official 60-question, 90-minute format
1. 第一阶段：MID Server 部署和管理（2-3 周）
在 PDI 上按官方文档安装 MID Server（Windows 或 Linux）。理解 MID Server 的架构角色：部署在客户防火墙内，通过 HTTPS 与 ServiceNow 实例通信。配置 IP Range 绑定（哪些 IP 段由哪个 MID Server 扫描）、MID Server 集群（多个 MID Server 负载均衡）、健康检查（状态：Up/Down/Upgrading）。
2. 第二阶段：Discovery Patterns + 凭据管理（2-3 周）
水平模式（Horizontal Pattern，TCP 端口扫描 → CI 分类）和垂直模式（Vertical Pattern，SSH/WMI 登录后读取进程/服务 → 应用层发现）的区别。Pattern Designer 的使用。凭据类型（SSH/WMI/SNMP/JDBC/VMware）的配置和测试。CyberArk 密码库集成。Discovery Schedule 的创建（一次性/定时/持续扫描）。
3. 第三阶段：CMDB 数据填充 + 模考（2 周）
CI 类层级（cmdb_ci → cmdb_ci_server → cmdb_ci_linux_server）。CI 关系类型（Depends on/Hosted on/Runs on）。Identification Engine 的去重规则（如何判断新发现的设备和 CMDB 中已有 CI 是同一个）。Reconciliation 处理多数据源冲突。Now Learning CIS-Discovery 路径 + 模考 2 次。
Career value
ServiceNow Discovery/CMDB 在澳洲的需求集中在大型企业的 IT 资产可视化项目 — 金融机构需要知道"我的数据中心里跑了哪些服务器、每台服务器上运行什么应用、应用之间有什么依赖关系"。CIS-Discovery 持证者在 ServiceNow 合作伙伴公司的 ITOM Practice 中需求稳定。
和 CIS-ITSM 相比，CIS-Discovery 更偏基础架构和网络方向 — 需要理解 SSH/WMI/SNMP 协议、IP 子网规划、服务器操作系统概念。
不适合的人群：只做 ITSM 流程配置（Incident/Change/Problem）的 ServiceNow 顾问 — Discovery 需要基础架构知识背景。
- 澳洲
- AUD 120,000 – 165,000
- 美国
- USD 110,000 – 155,000
- 中国
- CNY 280,000 – 450,000
Preparation tips
- 60 题 90 分钟，1.5 分钟/题。MID Server 题通常比较直接，快速作答留时间给 CMDB 数据模型题。
- Discovery Schedule 的 IP Range 配置题注意 CIDR 表示法 — 需要知道 /24 = 256 个 IP、/16 = 65536 个 IP。
- PDI 是免费且最好的学习环境。ServiceNow 的 Now Learning 平台有完整的 CIS-Discovery 学习路径。
Common mistakes
- **MID Server 不能直接安装在 ServiceNow 云实例上** — MID Server 必须部署在客户自己的网络中（能访问被扫描设备的网段），通过 HTTPS 443 端口与 ServiceNow 云实例通信。
- **Discovery Pattern vs Probe/Sensor 选型** — Pattern 是新一代（声明式、可视化编辑），Probe/Sensor 是旧一代（脚本式）。ServiceNow 推荐所有新实施用 Pattern，但旧环境可能仍在用 Probe/Sensor。考试侧重 Pattern。
- **Identification Engine 的 CI Identifier 配置错误** — 如果 Identifier 规则配得太宽松（比如只用 hostname 匹配），会导致不同设备被误合并为同一个 CI。配得太严格会导致同一设备被创建多个 CI。
Before you register
What is the CIS-Discovery exam format and passing criteria?
The CIS-Discovery exam contains 60 questions (multiple choice and multiple select) with a 90-minute time limit and a 70% passing score. The exam fee is $250 USD, scheduled through ServiceNow official channels. The certification is valid for 3 years and requires a Delta exam or recertification upon expiry.
What core knowledge domains does the CIS-Discovery exam cover?
The CIS-Discovery exam focuses on: MID Server deployment and management, Discovery Schedule and IP Range configuration, Discovery Patterns (horizontal and vertical), Classification Rules, CMDB data population and CI relationship mapping, Service Mapping fundamentals, and Credentials management.
What is the role of MID Server in Discovery, and what does the exam focus on?
The MID Server is a Java application deployed in the customer network that acts as a communication proxy between the ServiceNow instance and customer infrastructure. The exam focuses on MID Server installation and configuration, cluster setup, IP Range binding, health checks and troubleshooting, and security configuration (proxy settings and firewall rules).
What prerequisites and experience are recommended for the CIS-Discovery exam?
It is recommended to hold the ServiceNow CSA (Certified System Administrator) certification and have 6-12 months of hands-on Discovery module configuration experience. Familiarity with network protocols (SSH, WMI, SNMP), the CMDB data model, CI class hierarchy, and basic server and network administration is expected.
What is the difference between Discovery Patterns and traditional Probes/Sensors?
Discovery Patterns are the recommended modern approach using a declarative method to define discovery logic, supporting horizontal patterns (discovering CIs) and vertical patterns (discovering application-layer information). Traditional probes use scripted approaches. The exam covers Pattern design and debugging, Pattern Block usage, and when to choose Patterns over traditional probes.
How do the 119 practice questions help me prepare for the CIS-Discovery exam?
The practice questions cover all Discovery exam domains including MID Server management, Discovery schedule configuration, Pattern design, CMDB population, Service Mapping, and credentials management. Each question includes detailed explanations to help understand the complete Discovery workflow. The mock exam (60 questions/90 minutes) simulates real exam pacing.
Learner experiences
Loading reviews…
MID Server 相关的题占了近 1/4 — 安装问题排查、IP Range 配置、集群设置都考了。Discovery Pattern 和传统 Probe/Sensor 的对比也出了 3 道。建议在 PDI 上把 MID Server 完整安装和配置一遍。
ITOM 顾问 3 年
ServiceNow 合作伙伴 · 76% · 6 weeks
有 Linux/网络基础对 Discovery 的技术概念理解很快（SSH 凭据、SNMP 团体字符串、TCP 端口扫描），但 ServiceNow 平台的操作方式需要额外学习。CMDB 数据模型（CI Class 层级和关系类型）是我最薄弱的部分。
Linux Admin 转 ServiceNow
系统管理员 5 年 · 72% · 9 weeks
Start with the first chapter.
2 free chapters · Full preparation from $39