Pass the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator CSA Questions and answers with CertsForce

InServiceNow,UI Policiesallow administrators todynamically control form fieldsbased on conditions without using scripts. With UI Policies, you can change thebehaviorof a field by making it:

Read-only→ The user canviewthe field butcannot edit it.

Mandatory→ The field becomesrequired, and the usermustfill it out before submitting the form.

Hidden→ The field isremoved from visibilityon the form.

Explanation of Each Option:A. Read-only–Correct

A UI Policy can make a fieldread-only, meaning users canseethe field butcannot modifyits value.

Example: A field likeRequest Number (REQ0001)is typicallyread-onlyafter submission.

B. Write-only–Incorrect

ServiceNowdoes nothave a "write-only" field setting in UI Policies.

If a field iseditable, users canboth read and write; if it’s hidden or read-only, writing is not possible.

C. Necessary–Incorrect

There isno "Necessary"field state in ServiceNow UI Policies.

If the intent is to make a field required, the correct term is"Mandatory".

D. Mandatory–Correct

UI Policies can make a fieldmandatory, requiring the user toenter a valuebefore submitting the form.

Example: AnIncident Descriptionfield might be mandatory before an incident is submitted.

E. Empty–Incorrect

UI Policiescannot directly enforce an "empty" state. However, adefault valuecould be cleared using aclient script, but this isnot a UI Policy feature.

F. Hidden–Correct

UI Policies canhide a field, making it invisible on the form.

Example: A"Manager Approval"field may be hiddenuntila certain condition (e.g., request cost > $1000) is met.

Final Answer:Read-only

Mandatory

Hidden

ServiceNow Docs – UI Policies and UI Policy Actionshttps://docs.servicenow.com

ServiceNow Learning – Form Configuration & UI Policies

ServiceNow Developer Portal – Controlling Form Behavior with UI Policies

References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

InServiceNow, when working with forms (such as Incident, Change, or Task forms), users can perform different actions tosave records. The two key operations in this context areInsertandUpdate.

Creates a new record in the database.

Saves the record and exits the form(returns to the list view or the previous screen).

The form is cleared after inserting the record.

It doesnotmodify an existing record; instead, it generates anew record with a new unique sys_id.

Example:

A user creates a newIncident, fills in details, and clicksInsert.

The systemsaves the new Incident and exitsto the list view.

Saves changes to an existing record.

Remains on the form after saving.

It doesnot create a new record; itmodifies the existing recordin place.

Example:

A user opens an existing Incident, changes the Priority, and clicksUpdate.

The systemsaves the changes but keeps the user on the form.

1. Insert Operation (Correct Description in Option C)2. Update Operation (Correct Description in Option C)

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:A. Insert creates a new record and Update saves changes, both remain on the form (Incorrect)

Insert does not remain on the form; it exits after creating a new record.

B. Insert creates a new record and Update saves changes, both exit the form (Incorrect)

Update does not exit the form; it remains on the form after saving.

D. Insert saves changes and remains on the form, Update saves changes and exits the form (Incorrect)

Insert exitsafter creating a new record.

Update remains on the form, not exits.

Insert and Stay: This is avariation of Insert, whichcreates a new record but keeps the form openfor additional edits.

Submit vs. Insert:

Submitis typically used when submitting a form for workflow processing (e.g., Service Catalog Requests).

Insertexplicitly saves a record as a new entry.

Additional Notes:

Example Scenario in Incident Management:Action

Result

Click "Insert"

Creates anewIncident andexitsthe form.

Click "Update"

Saves changes to theexistingrecord andstays on the form.

InServiceNow,User Impersonationallows anadmin or a user with the appropriate roleto temporarily act as another userwithout needing their password. This is mainly used fortesting and visibility, helping administrators and developers verify user permissions, role-based access, and UI experiences.

Testing Permissions & Roles

Ensures thatusers have the correct access rights(e.g., verifying ITIL user permissions for incident management).

Helps testUI Policies, Business Rules, and ACLs (Access Control Rules)by viewing the system from the perspective of different roles.

Debugging & Troubleshooting

Identifies why a usercannot access certain records or modules.

Helps inresolving permission-related issueswithout affecting live users.

Experience Validation

Ensures userssee the correct menus, fields, and optionsbased on their assigned roles.

Useful when developingnew applications, workflows, or Service Catalog items.

Admins and authorized userscan impersonate by clicking on their name in the top-right corner and selectingImpersonate User.

Once impersonated, all actions are logged for security and compliance.

Primary Functions of User Impersonation:How to Use Impersonation:

(A) Testing and visibility – Correct

The primary function ofuser impersonationis totest and verify what different users can see and doin the system.

It helps withdebugging UI, role-based access, ACLs, and workflow execution.

(B) Activate verbose logging – Incorrect

Verbose loggingis used fordetailed debugging and performance monitoring, butimpersonation does not enable logging features.

(C) View custom perspectives – Incorrect

ServiceNow doesnotuse the term "custom perspectives" in the context of impersonation.

Impersonationshows what a specific user sees based on their roles, but it doesnot create custom perspectives.

(D) Unlock Application master list – Incorrect

There isno such featureas an "Application Master List" that requires impersonation to unlock.

Application access is controlled byroles and permissions, not impersonation.

Explanation of Each Option:

Never impersonate a user without permission, especially in production environments.

All impersonation actions are loggedin the system for security and auditing purposes.

Use impersonation in a sub-production (development or test) instancebefore making changes to production.

Admins should use impersonation instead of logging in with test user accountsto maintain security and accountability.

Additional Notes & Best Practices:

ServiceNow Docs: Impersonating Users

https://docs.servicenow.com

ServiceNow Community: Best Practices for User Impersonation

https://community.servicenow.com

References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

Service Catalog variables in ServiceNow are used to capture user input when they request catalog items, record producers, or order guides. These variables help customize user interactions and drive automation within Service Catalog workflows.

Key Characteristics of Service Catalog Variables:

Global by Default:

When a Service Catalog variable is created, it isglobal by default, meaning it can beused across multiple catalog itemsunless scoped to a specific item.

This helps inreusabilityof variables across different catalog items, reducing redundancy.

However, administrators candisable the "Global" checkboxif they want the variable to be specific to one catalog item.

Types of Service Catalog Variables:

Variables can besingle-line text, choice lists, reference fields, checkbox, multi-line text, and more.

They allow administrators to collect structured data from users during item requests.

Reusability Across Catalog Items:

Global variables can be used across multiple catalog itemswithout creating duplicate variables.

This is useful when multiple items require the same type of user input (e.g., location, department).

Visibility and Dependency:

ServiceNow allowsUI policiesandcatalog client scriptsto control the behavior of these variables dynamically.

Admins can configurevisibility, mandatory status, or dependenciesbased on user selections.

Explanation of Other Options (Why They Are Incorrect):

Option A (Service Catalog variables can only be used in Record Producers) – Incorrect

While Service Catalog variablescanbe used in Record Producers, they arenot limitedto them.

Variables can also be used inCatalog Items, Order Guides, and Requested Items (RITM).

Option B (Service Catalog variables can only be used in Order Guides) – Incorrect

Service Catalog variablescanbe used in Order Guides, but they arenot restrictedto them.

Order Guides allow multiple items to be ordered together, but variables can be used independently in Catalog Items and Record Producers as well.

Option C (Service Catalog variables cannot affect the order price) – Incorrect

Service Catalog variablescan affect pricingthroughVariable Price Mapping.

If configured, variables (like dropdowns or checkboxes) can be linked to aprice adjustment, impacting the total cost of the request.

For example, selecting "Additional Storage" in a cloud server request could add extra costs dynamically.

Official Reference from ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

ServiceNow Documentation – Service Catalog Variables: ServiceNow Variables Guide

ServiceNow CSA Exam Guide: Covers Service Catalog fundamentals, including variable behavior and reusability.

InServiceNow,Eventsplay a crucial role in theevent-driven architecture, allowing the system to respond dynamically to actions such as record updates, system notifications, and integrations.

There aretwo key componentsinvolved in event handling:

Event Registry

A table thatstores event definitions(i.e., predefined event names).

Defines which events can be triggered in the system.

Events in the registry arenot actual occurrences, but ratherpossible eventsthat can be triggered.

Located in thesys_event_registrytable.

Event Log

A log ofactual generated eventsthat have occurred in the system.

Whenever an event is triggered (e.g., record update, scheduled job, or integration), it gets recorded in theEvent Log.

Helps administrators track and troubleshoot event execution.

Stored in thesys_eventtable.

Why is Option A Correct?"Event Log contains generated Events, the Event Registry is a table of Event definitions."

Event Registry = Defines possible events that can be triggered.

Event Log = Records actual events that have been triggered.

Why Are the Other Options Incorrect?B. "Event Log is formatted in the Log style, the Event Registry displays different fields."

Misleading: While the log and registry have different layouts, the key difference isevent occurrences vs. event definitions, not just formatting.

C. "Event Log lists Events that were triggered by integrations, the Event Registry lists the Events that were triggered during the day (24-hour period)."

Incorrect:The Event Log tracks all triggered events, not just integrations.

TheEvent Registry does not track daily events, it just defines them.

D. "Event Log is the same as the Event Registry."

Completely incorrect:The Event Logrecords actual event occurrences, while the Event Registrydefines possible eventsin the system.

Reference from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:????ServiceNow Docs – Events and Event Processing

????ServiceNow Event Management Documentation

"TheEvent Registry (sys_event_registry)contains event definitions that specify when an event can be generated. TheEvent Log (sys_event)records events that have actually occurred."

Conclusion:The correct answer isA. Event Log contains generated Events, the Event Registry is a table of Event definitions.

????Understanding the difference between the Event Log and Event Registry is crucial for troubleshooting, automation, and event-driven processing in ServiceNow.

InServiceNow,Rolesare used to control access toApplications and Moduleswithin the platform. ARoleis a set of permissions that define what actions a user can perform and which records they can access.

Grant Access to Applications and Modules:

If a userdoes not have the required role, theycannot see or accessan application/module.

Control Record-Level and Field-Level Access:

SomeAccess Control Rules (ACLs)depend on roles topermit or restrictdata visibility.

Assign Multiple Roles to a User:

A user can havemultiple rolesbased on job responsibilities.

Example Roles in ServiceNow:

admin– Full access to all system features.

itil– Can manage incidents, problems, and changes.

catalog_admin– Manages the Service Catalog.

asset– Manages assets and CI records.

Key Functions of Roles in Access Control:

Navigate to:All → Users and Groups → Users

Open a user record

Scroll to the Roles related list

Click Edit and add roles

How to Assign Roles to Users:

A. Access Control Rules– Incorrect.

Access Control Rules (ACLs)definerecord-level and field-levelsecurity, but they donot control access to applications and modulesdirectly.

B. UI Policies– Incorrect.

UI Policiescontrol the visibility and behavior of form fields,not module or application access.

D. Assignment Rules– Incorrect.

Assignment Rulesautomatically assigntasks(e.g., Incidents, Requests) to groups or users, but theydo not control access.

Explanation of Incorrect Answers:

ServiceNow Product Documentation → Roles and Permissions

ServiceNow CSA Study Guide → User and Role Management

ServiceNow Knowledge Base → Controlling Access to Applications and Modules

References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

ARelated Listin ServiceNow is used to display records from other tables that are related to the current record. It helps users view and manage associated records without navigating away from the main record they are working on.

Related Lists appear at the bottom of a form view.

They display records from tables that have a relationship (via reference fields, many-to-many relationships, or database joins) with the current table.

Users can add, remove, or modify related records directly from the Related List, depending on their permissions.

Key Features of Related Lists:Why "D. To present related records" is the correct answer?Related Lists show records from another table that have a relationship with the current record. For example:

AnIncidentrecord may have a Related List showing allTasksassociated with it.

AUserrecord may have a Related List displayingGroup Memberships.

AChange Requestrecord may have a Related List displaying all relatedCI (Configuration Items).

Option A: "To create a one-to-many relationship"– Incorrect. While Related Lists often display one-to-many relationships, they do not create them. Relationships are defined throughreference fields,many-to-many tables, ordatabase joins.

Option B: "To dot-walk to a core table"– Incorrect. Dot-walking allows users to access related fields from referenced records, but it is not the purpose of a Related List.

Option C: "To present related fields"– Incorrect. Related Lists display related records, not just individual fields. Related fields can be accessed using dot-walking or reference fields but are not the same as Related Lists.

ServiceNow Product Documentation - Related Lists

ServiceNow CSA Study Guide - Configuring Forms and Lists

ServiceNow Docs: Relationships in Tables

Explanation of Incorrect Options:References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

In ServiceNow,Tables & Columnsis the module that allows administrators to view and managefield settingsfor a table. This module provides a list of tables in the system along with details about theircolumns (fields), data types, and attributes.

Displaysall fields (columns)within a selected table.

Showsdata types, attributes, and configurationsof each field.

Allows admins toadd, modify, or removefields.

Provides details onrelationships between tables(e.g., reference fields, one-to-many relationships).

Navigate to:System Definition > Tables & Columns

Select a table to view itsfield settings.

B. Access Control – Incorrect

This module managessecurity rules (ACLs)for accessing records but does not display table field settings.

C. Columns and Fields – Incorrect

No such module exists in ServiceNow.

D. Tables and Fields – Incorrect

The correct module name is"Tables & Columns", not "Tables and Fields".

ServiceNow Docs: System Definition – Tables & Columns

ServiceNow CSA Study Guide – Table Administration

ServiceNow Product Documentation: Managing Fields in a Table

Key Features of the "Tables & Columns" Module:How to Access Tables & Columns in ServiceNow:Explanation of Incorrect Options:References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

In ServiceNow, eachKnowledge Base (KB)can have unique configurations, includinglifecycle workflows, user criteria, category structures, and management assignments. This flexibility allows organizations to manage knowledge articles according to different business needs, departments, or service functions.

Each knowledge base can have a customworkflowthat defines how articles are created, reviewed, published, and retired.

Examples of workflow stages:Draft → Review → Published → Retired.

Workflows ensure proper governance and content accuracy before publishing.

ServiceNow allows administrators to defineUser Criteriato controlwho can read, create, or contributeto a knowledge base.

Example:

IT Knowledge Base is only accessible to users with theITIL role.

HR Knowledge Base is only available toHR employees.

Each knowledge base can have a uniquecategory hierarchyto organize articles efficiently.

Example:

IT KB Categories:Hardware, Software, Network.

HR KB Categories:Benefits, Policies, Payroll.

Different knowledge bases can have different owners or managers.

Example:

IT KB is managed byIT Support Team.

HR KB is managed byHR Admins.

ServiceNow allows multiple knowledge bases with distinct configurations.

Each knowledge base can haveits ownworkflow, user criteria, categories, and managers.

This ensuresflexibility and proper governancein knowledge management.

ServiceNow Docs: Knowledge Management Overview

ServiceNow CSA Study Guide – Knowledge Base Administration

ServiceNow Product Documentation: Configuring Knowledge Bases

Key Aspects of Knowledge Base Customization:1. Unique Lifecycle Workflows2. User Criteria (Access Control)3. Category Structures4. Management AssignmentsWhy "A. True" is the Correct Answer?References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

In ServiceNow, afilter conditionconsists of three primary components:

Field– The specific column (attribute) in a table that you want to filter by.

Example:State,Priority,Category,Created Date

Operator– Defines the comparison condition between theFieldand theValue.

Example:is, is not, contains, starts with, greater than, less than

Value– The actual data that the filter is looking for.

Example:High (for Priority), New (for State), IT Support (for Category)

Example of a Filter Condition in ServiceNow:If you want to filter Incident records where theStateisNew, the filter condition would be:

Field:State

Operator:is

Value:New

A. Table–

A table is where data is stored, but it isnota component of a filter condition.

Filters are appliedona table but do not include the table itself in the condition.

ServiceNow Docs: Filtering Data in Lists and Reportshttps://docs.servicenow.com/en-US/bundle/utah-platform-user-interface/page/use/using-lists/concept/filtering-lists.html

ServiceNow CSA Official Training Guide (Filtering and Searching Data)

Why the Other Option is Incorrect?References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:This confirms thatField, Operator, and Valueare the three core components of a filter condition.