Free Practice Questions for ServiceNow CSA Exam

AnUpdate SetinServiceNowis a mechanism for capturing and migratingcustomizations and configurationsfrom one instance to another (e.g.,Development → Test → Production).

What is Captured in an Update Set?Update Sets recordconfiguration changes, such as:

Tables & Database Schema Changes(e.g., new tables, modified fields)

Form Layout & UI Changes(e.g., changes in form views, UI policies)

Schedules(e.g., Scheduled Jobs, Business Rules with scheduled actions)

Client Scripts(e.g., JavaScript running on the client side)

Business Rules, UI Actions, UI Policies

Workflows, Script Includes, ACLs (Access Control Rules)

Email Notifications, Dictionary Entries, Application Menus

What is NOT Captured in an Update Set?Data Records (e.g., Incident, Change Request, CMDB data)

Group Memberships & User Data

System Properties (some properties may require manual migration)

Attachments & Scheduled Reports

B. Changes made to tables, forms, views, and fields(Incorrect)

Views and Fieldsare part of UI changes, butschedules and client scriptsare also included in Update Sets, makingOption A more complete.

C. Changes made to tables, forms, Business Rules, and data records(Incorrect)

Data records (actual table entries like incidents or change requests) are NOT captured in Update Sets.

D. Changes made to tables, forms, groups, and configuration items (CIs)(Incorrect)

Groups and CIs (CMDB data) are considered data and are NOT included in Update Sets.

Instead,CIs should be migrated using Import Sets or CMDB data export/import.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Understanding Update Sets

Update Sets Overview

What Gets Captured in Update Sets?

Best Practices for Using Update Sets

References from ServiceNow CSA Documentation:

InServiceNow, you can add additional fields to a form using either:

Form Layout(for quick field additions)

Form Designer(for a drag-and-drop UI approach)

Context Menu > Configure > Form Layout (B)

This allows administrators toadd or remove fieldsin a simplelist-based interface.

Used when only minor modifications are needed.

Context Menu > Configure > Form Design (C)

Opens theForm Designer, adrag-and-drop UI editorfor configuring forms.

Allows users torearrange fields, sections, and tabseasily.

A. Context Menu > Form > Layout(Incorrect)

The correct path isConfigure > Form Layout, not "Form > Layout."

D. Right-click on header > Add > Field(Incorrect)

Right-clicking the form headerdoes not provide an option to add fields directly.

E. Context Menu > Form > Designer(Incorrect)

The correct option isConfigure > Form Design, not "Form > Designer."

F. Right-click on header > Configure > UX Dashboard(Incorrect)

UX Dashboards areused for analytics and reporting, not form configuration.

Form Layout in ServiceNow:https://docs.servicenow.com/en-US/bundle/utah-platform-administration/page/administer/form-administration/task/t_ConfigureFormLayout.html

Form Designer Overview:https://docs.servicenow.com/en-US/bundle/utah-platform-administration/page/administer/form-administration/concept/c_FormDesigner.html

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

When importing data into ServiceNow, thefirst stepin theImport Set processisloading the datainto a temporaryImport Set table. This is done using theLoad Datamodule.

Load Data (First Step)

This step imports raw data from a source file (e.g., CSV, Excel, XML) into anImport Set tablein ServiceNow.

No transformation occurs at this stage; it simply moves data into a temporary staging table.

Create Transform Map & Apply Transform

After loading, aTransform Mapis used to map fields from the Import Set table to the target table (e.g., Incident, CMDB, Users).

TheTransform Datastep converts and inserts data into the final table.

Coalesce to Avoid Duplicates

Coalescing is an optional step that determines whether existing records should be updated or if new records should be created.

A. Coalesce Data(Incorrect)

Coalescingis used during theTransform phaseto prevent duplicate records but is not the first step.

B. Transform Data(Incorrect)

Transforming data occursafter it has been loadedinto the Import Set table.

C. Import Data(Incorrect)

No such specific module exists as"Import Data"; the process begins with "Load Data."

Importing Data Using Import Sets:https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/utah-platform-administration/page/administer/import-sets/concept/c_ImportDataUsingImportSets.html

Load Data Module in ServiceNow:https://docs.servicenow.com/en-US/bundle/utah-platform-administration/page/administer/import-sets/task/t_LoadData.html

Steps in Importing Data:Explanation of Incorrect Options:Official References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

InServiceNow,System Import Setsis the primary application used toimport and transform datafrom external sources into the platform. It provides a structured way toload data into tableswhile allowingdata transformation and mappingbefore final insertion.

Data Loading from External Sources:

Supports imports fromCSV, Excel, XML, JSON, and JDBC databases.

Allows data fromexternal systemsto be brought into ServiceNow.

Staging Area for Data Processing:

Imported data first enters atemporary staging table(Import Set Table).

Data can then betransformedbefore being committed to the target table.

Data Mapping and Transformation:

UsesTransform Mapsto map fields from theImport Set Tableto theTarget Table.

Supportsautomatic field mappingandscripted transformations.

Data Cleansing and Validation:

Duplicate records can bedetected and removed.

Invalid or missing data can becorrected before insertion.

Navigate to System Import Sets(All → System Import Sets → Load Data).

Upload the data file(CSV, XML, JSON, etc.).

Create a Transform Mapto define how data is mapped to the target table.

Run the transformationto move data from the Import Set Table to the final table.

Verify the datain the target table.

A company importsemployee recordsfrom an externalHR system (CSV file).

TheSystem Import Setsmodule loads this data into astaging table.

ATransform Mapmoves the data into theUser [sys_user]table.

Key Features of System Import Sets:Steps to Load Data Using Import Sets:Example Use Case:

Why Option C (System Import Sets) is Correct?System Import Sets is the primary tool for loading data into ServiceNow from external sources.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?A. Service Level Management→ Incorrect

Service Level Management (SLM)is used to trackService Level Agreements (SLAs), not to import data.

B. Configuration→ Incorrect

Configuration Management (CMDB)helps trackconfiguration items (CIs)but does not handle data imports.

D. System Update Sets→ Incorrect

Update Setsare used tomove configurations and customizationsbetween instances,not to import data.

ServiceNow Docs – Importing Data with System Import Setshttps://docs.servicenow.com

ServiceNow Learning – Data Import & Transformation Best Practices

ServiceNow Developer Portal – Using Import Sets Efficiently

References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

In ServiceNow,Priorityis achoice field, meaning it has predefined values (e.g., 1 - Critical, 2 - High, etc.). If a customer wants to change the values to displayP1, P2, P3, P4consistently across all tasks, you must modify thechoice list valuesfor the Priority field.

Right-click on the Priority fieldin the Incident form.

Select“Show Choices”from the context menu.

In theChoice List Entriestable, modify theLabelvalues to match the internal terminology (P1, P2, P3, P4).

Ensure that the changes applyto all Task-related tables(such as Incident, Change, and Problem).

The“Show Choices”option displays the choice list for that specific field, allowing modifications to the values displayed in the dropdown.

This ensures consistency across all records using thePriorityfield.

A. Configure Lists:Configures list views,not choice field values.

B. Show Options:Not a valid option in ServiceNow for modifying choice fields.

C. Configure Task:Configures the task table settings,not choice list values.

E. Show Choice List:Not a valid ServiceNow menu option.

F. Configure Options:Not a valid option in ServiceNow for modifying choice fields.

Modifying Choice Lists in ServiceNow:ServiceNow Docs

How to Customize Dropdown Fields in ServiceNow

Steps to Modify the Priority Field Choices:Why is the Correct Answer "Show Choices"?Why Not the Other Options?References from the Certified System Administrator (CSA) Official Documentation:Using“Show Choices”, administrators can updatechoice valueswhile preserving the existingbackend values, ensuring consistency in workflows and reports.

In ServiceNow, the"Service Desk > My Groups Work"module is designed to display tasks assigned to a groupbut not yet assigned to an individual user.This means that even if an IT manager oversees theNetworkandHardwareassignment groups, they will not see any tasks in this listif all tasks have already been assigned to specific individualswithin the group.

Let’s break down whyoption Ais the correct answer and why the other options are incorrect:

The"My Groups Work"list only shows tasks that are assigned to thegroupbut have not been assigned to a specificindividualwithin the group.

If all tasks are assigned to specificteam members, then the manager will not see any tasks in this list.

The IT manager can verify this by navigating to theTask List(e.g., Incidents, Changes, or Requests) and filtering by theNetworkandHardwareassignment groups.

Explanation for Correct Answer (A):

Theitil roleallows users toview, create, update, and resolve incidents, changes, problems, and other ITSM tasks.

However, not having this role wouldrestrict accessto various ITSM functionalities, but itdoes notimpact whether tasks appear inMy Groups Work.

If the manager lacks theitilrole, they might have trouble accessing or modifying tasks, but this wouldn't explain why they don’t see anything in the list.

TheService Desk groupis a separate entity in ServiceNow, typically associated with incident handling and user support.

TheMy Groups Workmodule isnot restricted to the Service Desk group—it displays work assigned toany groupthe user belongs to.

Since the manager is responsible for theNetwork and Hardwaregroups, being part of theService Deskgroup is irrelevant.

If the manager wasnot a memberof these groups, they wouldn't seeany group-related tasksat all.

However, the question states that the manager isresponsible for these groups, so it’s reasonable to assume they are either a member or at least agroup managerwith visibility.

Even if they were just a manager and not an officialgroup member, they would still be able to see the tasks assigned to the groups.

TheAssignment Group managerfield is an informational field that indicates who manages a group.

This fielddoes not controlwhat is displayed in theMy Groups Workmodule.

Even if this field were empty, it wouldn’t prevent a manager (who is a group member) from seeing unassigned tasks.

Explanation for Incorrect Answers:(B) The manager does not have the itil role.(C) The manager is not a member of the Service Desk group.(D) The manager is not a member of the Network and Hardware groups.(E) The Assignment Group manager field is empty.

ServiceNow CSA Guide - User Interface and Navigation

ServiceNow ITSM Fundamentals - Incident and Task Management

ServiceNow Role-Based Access Controls and Group Management

ServiceNow KB Articles - My Groups Work Module

References to Official Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

TheCommon Service Data Model (CSDM)is a framework provided by ServiceNow that ensures your application's data correctly maps to theConfiguration Management Database (CMDB)tables. It standardizes howconfiguration items (CIs), services, and relationshipsare structured within the CMDB.

Standardized Data Model:Ensures consistent and correct CMDB data structuring.

Alignment with CMDB Best Practices:Helps businesses align their IT assets, services, and business functions effectively.

Better Service Mapping:Provides structured relationships between business services and their technical components.

Compliance & Governance:Ensuresdata integrityby enforcing best practices for CMDB population.

Key Functions of CSDM:

Incorrect Answer Choices Explanation:B. Service Mapping Utility (SMU)– Service Mapping is used fordiscovering and mapping dependenciesbut is not a data model framework.

C. Service Schema Map (SSM)– No such official term exists in ServiceNow documentation.

D. CMDB Class Manager (CMDBCM)– This is a tool used tomanage CI classesbut does not define a data model framework like CSDM.

E. CI Class Manager (CICM)– Incorrect term; CMDB Class Manager is used for CI class hierarchy management, not for mapping applications to CMDB tables.

ServiceNow Documentation: Common Service Data Model (CSDM)CSDM Overview

ServiceNow CMDB Best PracticesCMDB and CSDM Alignment

Official CSA Documentation Reference:

ATransform Mapin ServiceNow is a tool used to define relationships betweenfields in an import set tableandfields in a target table. It helps map incoming data to the appropriate fields within the ServiceNow database when importing data from external sources.

Data is loadedinto anImport Set Table.

ATransform Mapis created to define how fields from the import set correspond to fields in the target table.

TheTransformation Processis executed, applying the mapping rules.

The data is stored in theTarget Tablewith any specified transformations applied.

Supportsfield mapping,scripted transformations, andcoalesce fields(for avoiding duplicate records).

Allows fordata cleansing and standardizationduring the transformation process.

Can be reused for multiple data imports.

A. Transform Schema→ No such concept exists in ServiceNow.

B. Schema Map→ Provides a visual representation of table relationships but does not define field mappings for imports.

C. Dictionary Map→ Used for mapping between dictionary definitions, not for transforming import set data.

E. Field Transformer→ Not a ServiceNow tool.

F. Import Designer→ No such module in ServiceNow.

InServiceNow Flow Designer,local flow variablesare accessed in theData Panel as data pills.

Local Flow Variables:

These aretemporary variablesthat storedataduring the execution of a flow.

Can be used topass valuesbetween actions within the same flow.

Accessing Local Variables in the Data Panel:

TheData Panelcontainsdata pills, which representstored values.

Flow variables appear asblue data pillsthat can bedragged and droppedinto different actions.

Example: A variable storingUser IDcan be dragged into an"Assign Task"action to assign a task dynamically.

Why Data Pills?

Data pills act astokensrepresenting values that update dynamically during flow execution.

Ensuresreusabilityandautomationacross multiple actions.

How Flow Variables Work in Flow Designer:Why Option D (As data pills) is Correct?Flow variables appear as "data pills" in the Data Panel, which can be dragged into flow actions.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect?A. As newly generated icons→ Incorrect

No "icons" are generated; flow variables are represented asdata pills.

B. As scratchpad variables→ Incorrect

Scratchpad variablesexist inBusiness Rules, butnot in Flow Designer.

C. As new tabs→ Incorrect

Flow variables donot appear as tabs; they appear in theData Panel as data pills.

ServiceNow Docs – Flow Designer: Using Data Pillshttps://docs.servicenow.com

ServiceNow Learning – Working with Flow Variables and Data Panel

ServiceNow Developer Portal – Flow Designer Best Practices

References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

ServiceNow allowsa single Catalog Itemto be published tomultiple service catalogs, avoiding duplication while ensuring accessibility for the right users.

Instead ofcreating duplicate catalog items(which would require managing two separate items with the same functionality), we createone Catalog Itemandpublish it in both catalogs (HR and Facilities).

This approach ensurescentralized managementwhile maintaining accessibility for both departments.

It simplifies updates—any changes to the form or workflow will apply toboth catalogs automatically.

Why is Option B Correct?

Why Are the Other Options Incorrect?A. Create one Catalog Item for HR Event Room Set Up and one for Facilities Event Room Set Up; then publish each to the appropriate Catalog.

Incorrectbecause it createsduplicate catalog itemswith thesame functionality, increasing maintenance effort.

C. Create one Catalog Item for Event Room Set Up; then publish to the Parent Catalog, which is accessible to both HR and Facilities.

Incorrectbecausethere is no "Parent Catalog" conceptin ServiceNow.

ServiceNow allowspublishing a single item to multiple catalogs, but there is no need for aparent catalog.

D. Create one Catalog Item for Event Room Set Up; then use ACLs to control access.

Incorrectbecause ACLsrestrict access at a field, table, or record level, but theydo not control where a Catalog Item appears.

Thecorrect approachis topublish the item to multiple catalogsrather than using ACLs.

ServiceNow Service Catalog Management - Publishing Items to Multiple Catalogs

ServiceNow ITSM - Best Practices for Catalog Item Reusability

ServiceNow CSA Guide - Managing Service Catalogs and Items

References to Official Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation: