Free Practice Questions for ServiceNow CSA Exam

Theconversational bot platforminServiceNowthat helps usersobtain information, make decisions, and perform common tasksis calledVirtual Agent.

What is Virtual Agent?Virtual Agent is achatbot frameworkin ServiceNow that allows users to interact with the system usingnatural language processing (NLP). It automates responses, guides users through processes, and integrates with ServiceNow workflows to resolve requests efficiently.

Conversational AI & Automation

Uses AI andNatural Language Understanding (NLU)to interpret user input and provide relevant responses.

Predefined Topics & Custom Topics

Comes with pre-built conversation topics (e.g., resetting passwords, requesting IT help) and allows organizations to create custom topics.

Multi-Channel Support

Works with platforms likeMicrosoft Teams, Slack, ServiceNow Chat, and web portals.

Self-Service Capabilities

Enables users to resolve issueswithoutcontacting the Service Desk, improving efficiency.

Integration with ServiceNow Workflows

Can trigger workflows tocreate incidents, update records, retrieve knowledge articles, or complete approvals.

A. Answer Agent

Incorrect: There is no feature named "Answer Agent" in ServiceNow.

B. Live Feed

Incorrect:Live Feedis a social collaboration tool in ServiceNow that allows users to post updates and interact with others, similar to a message board. It does not provide AI-based conversational assistance.

D. Connect Chat

Incorrect:Connect Chatis ServiceNow’s real-timecollaborative chat system, used for direct communication between users and support agents, but it isnot an AI-driven Virtual Agent.

Key Features of Virtual Agent:Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

ServiceNow Product Documentation - Virtual Agent

Virtual Agent Overview

Setting Up Virtual Agent

ServiceNow Conversational Interfaces

Virtual Agent vs. Connect Chat

References from ServiceNow CSA Documentation:

Workflows inServiceNoware typically moved between instances usingUpdate Sets. Update Sets serve as a mechanism for capturing customizations and migrating them across different environments, such asDevelopment (Dev) → Test → Production (Prod).

Recording Customizations:

When a workflow is modified or created, its changes are recorded in an Update Set if theUpdate Set is active.

Capturing Related Records:

Workflows consist of multiple components (e.g., activities, conditions, transitions).

Update Sets capture theWorkflow Versionand associatedWorkflow Activities.

Exporting and Importing:

The Update Set containing the workflow is exported from the source instance (e.g., Dev).

It is then imported into the target instance (e.g., Test or Prod).

Commit the Update Set:

After import, the Update Set must be reviewed and committed to apply the changes in the target instance.

B. Workflows are moved using Transform Maps

Incorrect: Transform Maps are used forimporting and mapping datafrom external sources into ServiceNow tables, not for migrating configurations like workflows.

C. Workflows are moved using Application Sets

Incorrect: There is no such thing as "Application Sets" in ServiceNow. However,Applications (Scoped Apps)can be moved usingApplication Repositories (App Repo)orUpdate Sets, but this is different from standard Workflow migration.

D. Workflows cannot be moved between instances

Incorrect: Workflowscanbe moved usingUpdate Sets, and in scoped applications, they can also be packaged with the application.

How Update Sets Work for Workflows?Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

ServiceNow Product Documentation - Update Sets

Update Sets Overview

Moving Customizations Using Update Sets

ServiceNow Workflows

Workflow Management

References from ServiceNow CSA Documentation:

ServiceNow supports multiple authentication methods to verify user identities before granting access to an instance. The three valid authentication methods from the given options are:

Local Database Authentication

This is the default authentication method used in ServiceNow.

User credentials (username and password) are stored in the ServiceNow database.

Authentication is handled directly by ServiceNow without relying on external identity providers.

This is useful for small implementations or instances where external authentication is not required.

LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol)

LDAP allows ServiceNow to integrate withcorporate directory services, such as Microsoft Active Directory, to authenticate users.

Users authenticate using theircorporate credentials, reducing the need to maintain separate user accounts in ServiceNow.

ServiceNow connects to an LDAP server and verifies credentials without storing passwords in the ServiceNow database.

SSO (Single Sign-On)

Single Sign-On enables users to log into ServiceNow using an external identity provider (IdP).

ServiceNow supports various SSO protocols, including:

SAML 2.0 (Security Assertion Markup Language)

OAuth 2.0

OpenID Connect

Kerberos

This allows users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple applications, improving security and user experience.

A. XML feed–

XML feeds are used for data exchange,not authentication.

ServiceNow can consume XML feeds for integrations but does not use XML feeds to authenticate users.

E. FTP authentication–

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files between systems and isnot a valid authentication methodin ServiceNow.

ServiceNow Docs: User Authentication Methodshttps://docs.servicenow.com/en-US/bundle/utah-platform-administration/page/administer/security/concept/user-authentication-methods.html

ServiceNow CSA Official Training Guide (User Authentication & Security)

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:These references confirm thatLocal Database, LDAP, and SSOare valid authentication methods in ServiceNow.

ServiceNow providesfive primary rolesthat define access and permissions within the platform. These roles help structure user responsibilities and ensure that users only have access to the necessary functions.

Thehighest level of accessin ServiceNow.

Can manage all platform features, applications, data, and configurations.

Has control overusers, security settings, system properties, and scripting capabilities.

Example: A ServiceNow admin configuring new workflows, modifying tables, or setting up instance-wide settings.

Manages specific applications or functionalities within ServiceNow.

Includes roles such as:

knowledge_admin(Manages Knowledge Base)

report_admin(Manages Reports)

catalog_admin(Manages Service Catalog)

Example: A Knowledge Base Administrator controlling access to articles and updating knowledge categories.

Users with theITIL rolewho perform IT Service Management (ITSM) tasks.

Cancreate, update, and resolve recordssuch as incidents, problems, changes, and requests.

Example: A service desk agent handling incidents and requests.

Users with theApprover rolecanapprove or reject requests, such as change requests or access requests.

Can view or modify approval records directed to them but cannot fulfill other ITIL tasks.

Example: A manager approving a new software installation request.

Basic userswith no assigned roles.

Cansubmit requests, view their own tickets, and access public pages(e.g., Knowledge Base, Catalog).

Example: An employee submitting a request for laptop repair via the ServiceNow portal.

1. System Administrator (admin)2. Specialized Administrator3. Fulfiller (ITIL Role)4. Approver5. Requester (Employee Self-Service - ESS)

These roles form thefoundation of role-based access control (RBAC)in ServiceNow.

They ensure that usersonly access the data and functions relevant to their job responsibilities.

Additional roles can be assigned based on business needs, but these five cover the core platform functionalities.

Why These Are the Provided Roles in ServiceNow:

ServiceNow Documentation:User Roles in ServiceNow

CSA Exam Guide:CoversSystem Administrator, Specialized Administrator, Fulfiller, Approver, and Requesteras the standard user roles.

Reference from CSA Documentation:Thus, the correct answer is:

A. System Administrator, B. Specialized Administrator, C. Fulfiller, D. Approver, E. Requester

InServiceNow, tables are structured in a hierarchical format wheresome tables can extend others, inheriting fields and properties. However, there are specific tables thatdo not extend any other table but can be extended—these are known asBase Tables.

Base Tables:

ABase Tableis a table thatdoes not extend another tablebutcan be extended by other tables.

It serves as afoundationfor creating new tables.

Example:

Task Table (task)– TheIncident, Problem, and Change tablesextend from the Task table.

Configuration Item Table (cmdb_ci)– Used as a base for various CI types.

Core Tables:

Core Tablesare thestandard tablesprovided by ServiceNow.

Theycan be base tables or extended tablesdepending on their role.

Example:

Task (task)andUser (sys_user)are core tables, but onlysome core tables are base tables.

Extended Tables:

Extended Tablesare tables thatinherit fields and functionalityfrom aparent table.

Example:

Incident (incident)extends fromTask (task).

Custom Tables:

Custom Tablesare tables thatdevelopers create for specific business needs.

They may or may not extend another table depending on their design.

Understanding Table Types in ServiceNow

Why Answer "A" is Correct:✔️"Base Tables" are tables that may be extended by other tables but do not extend another table.

These tablesdo not inherit fieldsfrom any other table.

They provide thefoundation for extensions, making them the top-level tables in ServiceNow’s data hierarchy.

Example: TheTask tableis a base table because it does not extend another table but serves as the foundation for many other tables (e.g., Incident, Problem, Change).

Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect:B. "Core Tables"

IncorrectbecauseCore Tables are standard ServiceNow tables, but theycan be either base or extended tables.

Not all core tables follow the definition of a base table.

C. "Extended Tables"

Incorrectbecause extended tablesinherit fields from parent tables, meaning theydo extend another table.

Example: TheIncident table extends from the Task table, making it anextended table.

D. "Custom Tables"

IncorrectbecauseCustom Tablescan beeither base or extended tablesdepending on how they are created.

If a developer chooses to extend an existing table, then it isnot a base table.

ServiceNow CSA Study Guide – Data Schema & Tables

ServiceNow Docs: Table Hierarchy & Extensions(ServiceNow Documentation)

ServiceNow Data Model Overview (Base Tables & Extended Tables)

References from the Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

ServiceNow follows asingle-instance, single-tenant architecture,nota multiple-tenant architecture. This means:

Single-Instance:

Each ServiceNow instance is aunique, independent environmentfor a customer.

All customers have their own dedicated instance with their owncustom configurations, data, workflows, and applications.

ServiceNow instances are hosted in amulti-instance cloud modelrather than a multi-tenant model.

Single-Tenant Model (Multi-Instance Architecture):

Unlikemulti-tenant architectures(where multiple customers share the same application and database), ServiceNow provideseach customer with a separate, isolated instance.

Thisensures data security, performance isolation, and customization flexibility.

Each instance has its owndata storage, configuration, and upgrade schedule, reducing risks associated with shared environments.

Why ServiceNow Uses Multi-Instance Instead of Multi-Tenant:

Security & Data Isolation:Since each customer has an independent instance, there isno risk of data leakagebetween tenants.

Customization & Flexibility:Customers cancustomizetheir instance freely without affecting others.

Performance & Scalability:Each instance can bescaled independently, ensuring optimal performance.

ServiceNow does NOT use a multiple-tenant architecture.

ServiceNow follows a single-instance, single-tenant (multi-instance) model.

Each customer has a dedicated instance with isolated resources and configurations.

A multi-tenant architecturemeans multiple customerssharethe same application/database with logical separation, which is NOT the case in ServiceNow.

ServiceNow instead provides separate instancesfor each customer, meaning it isnota true multi-tenant system.

ServiceNow Product Documentation – Multi-Instance Cloud Modelhttps://docs.servicenow.com

ServiceNow Community – Single-Tenant vs. Multi-Tenant Explained

ServiceNow Best Practices – Security & Instance Architecture

Why Option B (False) Is Correct?Why Option A (True) Is Incorrect?References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

UI Policies and UI Actionsare both part of theServiceNow user interface customizationbut serve different purposes.

Used todynamically change form field behaviorsbased on specific conditions.

Canmake fields read-only, mandatory, or hiddenwithout requiring scripts.

Runson the client-side (browser)to improve performance and responsiveness.

Example:

If theCategoryisHardware, theSerial Numberfield becomesmandatory.

Used tocreate buttons, links, and context menu actions.

Can executescriptsto perform specific actions when clicked.

Runs on theserver-side or client-sidedepending on configuration.

Example:

A"Save" buttonthat becomesvisible only to users with a specific role.

UI Policy(not UI Action) is responsible for making fieldsread-only, mandatory, or hidden.

UI Action(not UI Policy) is responsible for making aSave button visiblefor specific users.

ServiceNow Docs: UI Policy Overviewhttps://docs.servicenow.com/en-US/bundle/utah-platform-administration/page/administer/form-administration/concept/c_UIPolicies.html

ServiceNow Docs: UI Action Overviewhttps://docs.servicenow.com/en-US/bundle/utah-platform-administration/page/administer/form-administration/concept/c_UIActions.html

UI Policy:UI Action:Why Option A is Incorrect?References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

InServiceNow, anImport Set Tableis atemporary staging areawhere raw data is storedbefore it is transformed and moved into a target table. It is primarily used indata import processesto ensure data integrity and allow transformation before committing data to production tables.

Stores incoming data from external sources(e.g., CSV files, Excel files, APIs, LDAP, etc.).

Acts as a temporary staging areabefore records are mapped and transformed into atarget table(e.g.,incident,cmdb_ci,problem).

Allows validation and error handlingbefore final data migration.

Uses Transform Mapsto determine how fields in the import set relate to fields in the target table.

Key Functions of an Import Set Table:

Data is importedinto anImport Set Tablefrom an external source.

TheImport Set Table temporarily stores the datawithout affecting existing records.

ATransform Mapis applied to move and modify the data before inserting it into the correct table.

Once transformation is complete, the data is transferred to thetarget table, and the Import Set Table can be cleared.

Example Workflow of an Import Set:

(A) A table where data will be placed, post-transformation – Incorrect

Thetarget table(e.g.,incident,cmdb_ci,problem) holds the dataaftertransformation.

TheImport Set Table is only a temporary staging areabefore transformation occurs.

(B) A table that determines relationships – Incorrect

Relationship tables(e.g.,cmdb_rel_ci) definedependencies between recordsbut are not used for data import.

Import Set Tables do not determine relationships between records.

(C) A staging area for imported records – Correct

Import Set Tables temporarily store incoming recordsbefore processing.

The data is transformed and mappedbefore being inserted into the final target table.

This ensuresdata integrity and consistency.

(D) A repository for Update Set information – Incorrect

Update Sets (sys_update_set) store changes to configurations, such as scripts, workflows, and UI policies.

Import Set Tables are used for data imports, not Update Sets.

Explanation of Each Option:

Always review data in the Import Set Table before applying transformationsto avoid incorrect data entry.

Use Transform Mapsto define field mappings between Import Set Tables and target tables.

Monitor Import Logs(sys_import_set_run) for errors or incomplete data.

Delete old Import Set dataperiodically to improve performance and avoid unnecessary storage usage.

Additional Notes & Best Practices:

ServiceNow Docs: Import Set Overview

https://docs.servicenow.com

ServiceNow Community: Best Practices for Import Set Management

https://community.servicenow.com

References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

InServiceNow Knowledge Management, users can providefeedbackonpublished knowledge articlesby flagging them. This feedback helpsknowledge managers and authorsidentify errors, outdated information, or areas for improvement.

Toview feedback left on a published article, there are two primary pathways:

Pathway 1: Knowledge Base > My Knowledge > Flagged Articles

This option allowsknowledge managers and authorsto see all flagged articlesthey have authored or have access towithin a specificKnowledge Base.

Location:Knowledge Base → My Knowledge → Flagged Articles

Pathway 2: Knowledge > My Articles > Flagged

This option lets authorsview only their own articlesthat have been flagged.

Location:Knowledge → My Articles → Flagged

A. Knowledge > Articles > My Flagged

There isno direct "My Flagged" optionunderKnowledge > Articles.

D. Knowledge > Articles > Published

This showsall published articlesbut doesnot specifically show flagged (feedback) articles.

Navigate toKnowledge > My Articles > Flagged.

OR navigate toKnowledge Base > My Knowledge > Flagged Articles.

Open a flagged article to review thefeedback comments and reason for the flagging.

ServiceNow Docs: Managing Knowledge Feedback and Flagged Articleshttps://docs.servicenow.com/en-US/bundle/utah-it-service-management/page/product/knowledge-management/task/review-article-feedback.html

ServiceNow CSA Official Training Guide (Knowledge Management & Feedback Handling)

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?How to View Feedback in ServiceNow?References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:This confirms that the correct pathways to view feedback on published articles are"Knowledge Base > My Knowledge > Flagged Articles"and"Knowledge > My Articles > Flagged".

AUI Actionin ServiceNow can be configured toprompt or notify users when an action is completed, such as submitting an Incident. UI Actions are used to createbuttons, links, or context menu itemsthat trigger specific actions.

AUI Action(e.g., a "Submit" button on the Incident form) can be configured with asuccess messageusing thegs.addInfoMessage()function.

This message is displayed after the form submission to inform the user that theirIncident has been successfully submitted.

How UI Actions Can Prompt a Success Message:Example of a UI Action Script:javascript

CopyEdit

gs.addInfoMessage("The incident has been successfully submitted.");

This will display aconfirmation messageat the top of the page when an Incident is submitted.

Why "True" is the Correct Answer:UI Actions can display confirmation messages usinggs.addInfoMessage()or similar methods.

Why "False" is Incorrect:UI Actionscanbe used to provide user feedback, including success messages for actions like submitting an incident.