Our ServiceNow App Development & Certification Process
XpertApps runs a repeatable, certification-first ServiceNow process shaped by the 25+ apps we've taken through certification; most were published under our clients' names. Founded by Saurav Sarkar, formerly on the ServiceNow app certification team, we build certification into every architecture decision, sprint, and code review.
How We Work
Five phases, from discovery to a certified app, then a release certification each release. The weeks shown are for a typical scoped Store app; other builds differ: see the Store App Planner.
- Discovery 2 days • Free
- Architecture & Design 1–2 weeks
- Build & Test 2–3 weeks
- Document & Certify 4–6 weeks
- Keep It Certified Ongoing
What Happens in Each Phase?
Discovery
2 days • FreeWe learn your product, users, and go-to-market timeline—then map every certification requirement before writing a line of code.
Discovery is free. No commitment required.
- Certification requirements scoped upfront
- Technical architecture approach defined
- Risks and dependencies identified before development starts
Architecture & Design
1–2 weeksBefore development begins, we design the technical blueprint. In our experience, this is where certification is won or lost.
- App architecture designed with Store compliance in view
- ACL and data model reviewed against certification checklist
- Sprint plan aligned with your team
Build & Test
2–3 weeksTwo-week sprints with a live demo at the end of each. You see real progress every fortnight—no surprises at handoff.
“XpertApps provided exactly the expertise and attention to detail we needed to launch our advanced visual support tools on ServiceNow.” — Keyur Patel, CTO, Blitzz
- Feature development in focused sprint cycles
- Security and performance reviewed each sprint
- Regular demos keep you informed throughout
Document & Certify
4–6 weeksWe write the certification documents with you—the design document and test plan on ServiceNow’s templates, the installation guide and your Store listing—then submit your app. Allow a week for the documents. The review is ServiceNow’s: it says certification “typically requires 3-5 weeks” (KB1270874), and we handle the feedback.
Several of ServiceNow’s own top ten failed certification checks are access controls. We know the findings the review raises.
- Certification documents on ServiceNow’s templates
- Pre-submission security and compliance review
- Application submitted to ServiceNow review team
- If review raises a finding in our work, we fix it at no extra cost
Keep It Certified
OngoingServiceNow’s Upgrade Policy says it “generally releases two new release families per year”. Maintenance is the release certification for each one: we retest your app on the new release and submit the revised test plan. New features are new work, recertified with the change. See how a release certification works.
- A release certification for each family release
- Recertification whenever you change the app
- New features available on retainer or per-project
Process Questions
When does certification work start?
In discovery. We map every certification requirement before writing a line of code. In our experience, architecture is where certification is won or lost. Security and performance are reviewed each sprint, because security is the most expensive thing to retrofit.
What if our requirements change mid-project?
Scope changes happen. We handle them with a lightweight change request process—you get a written summary of the impact on timeline and cost before we proceed. Nothing changes without your explicit approval.
Who is our main point of contact?
One senior developer is your primary contact throughout—in every demo, the certification submission, and support. No bait-and-switch to junior resources after sign-off.
Where does development happen?
We develop and submit for certification on your vendor instances. ServiceNow says “Partners can publish to the ServiceNow Store only from a vendor instance” (KB0794197), and your company gets them by joining ServiceNow’s Build Program. We can prototype in a personal developer instance (PDI). ServiceNow says a PDI “may be reclaimed” once it “has been inactive for 10 consecutive days” (KB3140725).
Who owns the code when the project is done?
Ownership is set in your project agreement. For a Store app built for your company on your vendor instances, the app, its code and its Store listing are yours.
How long does ServiceNow’s certification review take?
ServiceNow says certification “typically requires 3-5 weeks” from submission (KB1270874). The exact timeline depends on how well the app and its documents meet certification requirements. So we build for compliance from sprint one, draft the documents alongside the build, and finish them in their own week before you submit.
Ready to Start Discovery?
Book a free consultation. We’ll scope your project, map certification requirements, and give you a clear timeline and estimate—no commitment required.
Book a Free ConsultationNot ready to talk? Plan your Store app first.
Free project scoping Fixed-scope estimate for new builds Personal reply within 24 business hours (Mon–Fri)