CSA ServiceNow Certified System Administrator Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

In ServiceNow,User Criteriais the mechanism used to control and determine user access toknowledge bases (KBs) and knowledge articles. User criteria define which users, groups, or roles canread, write, and contributeto a knowledge base or specific articles within it.

How User Criteria Works:User Criteria are applied at both theknowledge baselevel and theknowledge articlelevel to manage access. They can be configured with specific conditions to allow or restrict access based on:

Users(specific users can be added directly)

Groups(access can be granted to a specific user group)

Roles(users with specific roles can be given access)

Advanced conditions(such as department, company, location, etc.)

A knowledge base can havemultiple user criteria, and a single user criterion can apply to multiple knowledge bases.

Read User Criteria– Determines who can view the knowledge base or an article.

Write User Criteria– Determines who can create, edit, or contribute knowledge articles.

Exclusions– You can exclude users or groups from accessing specific knowledge bases or articles even if they meet other conditions.

A. sn_kb_read, sn_article_read:

These are not standard ServiceNow permissions for controlling knowledge access.

In ServiceNow, permissions are managed through roles and user criteria, not direct ACL names like these.

B. Privacy Settings:

ServiceNow does not use "Privacy Settings" as an access control mechanism for knowledge bases.

Privacy settings might be relevant in other contexts, such asuser profiles or system preferences, but not for knowledge access control.

C. Read Access Flag:

There is no "Read Access Flag" in ServiceNow's knowledge management module.

Access is controlled viaUser Criteria, Roles, and Knowledge Base Settings.

Key Features of User Criteria in Knowledge Management:Why Other Options Are Incorrect?Official ServiceNow Documentation References:For more details, refer to the official ServiceNow documentation:

User Criteria for Knowledge Bases

Managing Knowledge Base Access

Knowledge Management User Criteria

To filter records in alist view, users can:

Click on thefilter icon.

Applyconditionsto refine the displayed records.

To manipulate a form in real-time while the user is viewing it (the browser session), you use a Client Script.

1. Requirement Analysis:

"When Caller field is populated...": This describes an event happening in the browser before the data is sent to the database. This requires an onChange Client Script. When the "Caller" value changes, the script executes (often using GlideAjax to fetch server data) to populate the "Location" field dynamically.

"Add notice... when record is submitted": This describes an action triggered when the user clicks "Save" or "Submit." This requires an onSubmit Client Script. The script can validate data or display a message using g_form.addInfoMessage() before the form data is finalized.

2. Why other options are incorrect:

A (UI Script): UI Scripts are typically used to create reusable libraries of JavaScript that can be called from other scripts, or for global UI modifications. They are not the standard tool for specific table-level form logic like "When Caller changes on Incident."

B (Server script): Server scripts (like Business Rules) run after the browser sends data to the database. While a Business Rule could set the location after the fact, it cannot update the screen in real-time while the user is still typing, nor can it easily show a message "at the top of the page" during the submit process in the same way.

D (JavaScript): While Client Scripts are written in JavaScript, "JavaScript" is a language, not the specific ServiceNow feature/object used to configure this behavior.

Detailed Explanation:

In ServiceNow, list views can be customized to group records by specific fields to enhance data organization. To group records by theCategorycolumn:

Option Aallows administrators to use the list context menu to group records by category, providing easy data visualization based on the selected column.

Option Dinvolves using the Group icon (usually located in the column header) and selecting the category for grouping. These grouping options simplify navigating and analyzing data by sorting records based on relevant columns, like Category. (Reference: ServiceNow Documentation - List Controls and List Context Menu)

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In ServiceNow, lists of records from a table are accessed using the .list suffix in theFilter Navigator.

The correct format is: <title_name>.list

To view all records from the sys_user table, the correct navigation path issys_user.list.

Explanation of Incorrect Options:

sys_user.view→ Invalid, .view is not a valid ServiceNow navigation path.

sys_user.display→ Not a standard navigation path in ServiceNow.

sys_user.do→ .do is used forindividual record forms, not lists.

The folloing are the benefits of building flows using Flow Designer:

C. Provides natural-language descriptions of flow logic: This allows users without programming experience to understand and modify flows, making them more accessible to a wider range of users.

D. Supports No-Code application development: Flow Designer provides a visual interface and pre-built actions that allow users to automate processes without writing code. This can significantly reduce development time and effort.

A. Supports easy integration with 3rd party systems: Flow Designer integrates with a variety of 3rd party systems through the Integration Hub, making it easy to connect your ServiceNow instance to external applications.

Flow Designer offers a low-code/no-code approach to building automation, simplifies complex logic with natural language descriptions, and integrates seamlessly with external systems.

InServiceNow,Flows (Flow Designer)is the recommended way tomanage multi-level approvals and notificationsfor catalog items like ordering a new iPhone.

Why Flows?

✔Automates Approval Processes– Flows allowsequential and parallel approval stepsto ensure that the request goes through multiple levels of approval.

✔Built-in Notifications– Automatically sendsemail or system notificationsto requesters andapprovers at each step.

✔Low-Code Solution– Eliminates the need for complex scripting by using agraphical interfaceto configure approvals and actions.

A user submits a request for anew iPhonethrough theService Catalog.

TheFlow Designer workflowstarts and routes the request to thefirst-level approver.

If approved, it moves to thesecond-level approver.

Notificationsare sent to the requestor and approvers at each step.

A. Parent-Child Approvers

No such built-in feature exists in ServiceNow. Approvals are handled viaFlow DesignerorWorkflow Engine.

B. Approval Chains

Approval Chains are not an officialServiceNow feature. The correct term isFlow Designer Approval Actions.

D. Approval Criteria

ServiceNow usesconditionsto define approval requirements, butApproval Criteriais not a standalone feature.

E. Approver Delegates

Delegates allow users toassign approvals to others, but theydo not manage multi-level approvals.

Detailed Explanation:

To assign a task to themselves, users in ServiceNow can:

Option A:Use the check box to select the record, then click the Person icon to assign it.

Option B:Select the Task number and use theAssign to meUI action available on the form. These methods provide quick ways for users to take ownership of tasks directly from the list view. (Reference: ServiceNow Documentation - Task Assignment and List Actions)

InServiceNow, thepersonal_listrole allows users toadd or remove fields from a list viewwithout requiring full administrator privileges.

Modify List Layout (Columns & Fields)

Users canadd, remove, or rearrange columnsin list views.

Save Personal List Preferences

Customizations applyonly to the user, unless they have additional permissions to modify system-wide settings.

Does NOT Allow System-Wide Changes

Unlike theadminrole,personal_listonly affectspersonal viewsof lists, not global configurations.

A. personalize.control(Incorrect)

No such role exists in ServiceNow.

C. ui_page_admin(Incorrect)

This role allows users tomanage UI Pages, but it does not provide list customization permissions.

D. ui_action_admin(Incorrect)

This role is used tomanage UI Actions(buttons, links, and client-side scripts), not list view configurations.

Key Capabilities of thepersonal_listRole:Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

Role-Based List Customization

ServiceNow List Personalization

User Roles and Permissions

ServiceNow User Roles

References from ServiceNow CSA Documentation:

In ServiceNow, asys_idis aunique 32-character identifier(UUID - Universally Unique Identifier) that is automatically assigned to every record in the system.

It isa unique 32-character alphanumeric string(e.g.,5137153cc611227c000bbd1bd8cd2005).

Every record in every table in ServiceNow has asys_idfield.

Thesys_id remains the same across instances if the record is transferred via an Update Set.

It helpsuniquely identifyrecords and is used in scripting, APIs, and database relationships.

In theIncident [incident]table, an incident record might have:

Number:INC0012345

sys_id:9d72f6141b122200d37a85e15b2d6fe6

Key Characteristics of sys_id:Example:

Thesys_id is always 32 characters long.

It is acritical part of the ServiceNow database structure.

Used forrelationships, APIs, scripting, and querying records.

Why "A. Unique 32-character identifier that is assigned to every record" is Correct?

B. A client-side Business Rule – Incorrect

Business Rulesdo not generate sys_ids; they control logic execution.

C. A server-side Business Rule – Incorrect

Business Rules are used for automation, but sys_id is a system-generated field.

D. Unique 64-character identifier that is assigned to every record – Incorrect

The correct length of sys_id is32 characters, not 64.

Explanation of Incorrect Options:

ServiceNow Docs: Understanding sys_id

ServiceNow CSA Study Guide – Database Architecture

ServiceNow Product Documentation: Unique Identifiers in ServiceNow

References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

TheCommon Services Data Model (CSDM)is a standardized framework within ServiceNow that provides a shared set of service-related definitions across ServiceNow products and the platform. It ensures consistency inservice reporting, CMDB structure, and configuration strategies, enabling organizations to achieve awell-structured, scalable, and maintainable Configuration Management Database (CMDB).

Why is the Answer A. Common Services Data Model (CSDM)?The statements in the question directly align with the objectives of CSDM:

"A standard and shared set of service-related definitions across ServiceNow products and platform that will enable and support true service level reporting."

CSDM provides a structured framework toalign services, applications, and infrastructurein a way that supports consistent reporting and governance.

It enablesaccurate service reportingby defining standardized relationships between services, applications, and technical components in the CMDB.

"A CMDB framework across our products and platform that will enable and support multiple configuration strategies."

CSDM provides astructured CMDB frameworkthat definesbest practices for data organization and relationships within the CMDB.

It supports multiple configuration strategies, such asapplication-centric, service-centric, and infrastructure-centric approaches.

B. Information Technology Service Management (ITSM):

ITSM refers toprocesses for managing IT services, such as Incident, Problem, Change, and Service Request Management.

While ITSM benefits from CSDM, itdoes not define a structured CMDB frameworklike CSDM does.

C. Configuration Management Database (CMDB):

CMDB is a database that stores configuration items (CIs) and their relationships.

CSDMprovides structure and best practicesfor CMDB but is not the same as CMDB itself.

D. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL):

ITIL is aset of best practicesfor IT service management.

It provides general guidance onservice management and CMDB usage, butit is not a ServiceNow-specific frameworklike CSDM.

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

CSDM and CMDB Best Practices Guide(ServiceNow Community and Knowledge Base)

CMDB and ServiceNow Data Model Best Practices

Why Not the Other Options?References from the Certified System Administrator (CSA) Official Documentation:CSDM is critical forensuring a structured and governed CMDB, enabling service visibility, and supporting ITSM and ITOM processes effectively.

In ServiceNow,Tagsare used tocategorize, flag, and quickly locate recordswithin the system. Tags help users organize records for easy retrieval and filtering.

User-created or system-defined tagsallow for custom categorization of records.

Tags can beapplied to any record, such asincidents, changes, knowledge articles, or tasks.

Users canfilter records based on tagsfor quick access.

Tags arepersonal(for individual users) orglobal(shared across users).

Incident Management:

A user can tag"High Priority"incidents for quick reference.

Knowledge Base Articles:

Articles related topassword resetcan be tagged as"Password Issues"for easier searchability.

Service Catalog Requests:

Users can tag frequently used catalog items as"Common Requests".

Key Features of Tags in ServiceNow:Example Use Cases of Tags:

Tags categorize and organize records, making them easy to find.

They act ascustom labelsthat help users filter and retrieve records efficiently.

They arebuilt-in featuresin ServiceNow and can be managed from theTag Management module.

Why "C. Tags" is the Correct Answer?

A. Search – Incorrect

TheSearch functionhelps users find records but does not categorize or flag them.

B. Favorites – Incorrect

Favoritesallow users tobookmark frequently accessed modules and reports, but they do not categorize records.

D. Bookmarks – Incorrect

Bookmarksare not a native ServiceNow feature for categorizing records;Favoritesserve this function instead.

Explanation of Incorrect Options:

ServiceNow Docs: Using Tags to Organize Records

ServiceNow CSA Study Guide – Navigating and Searching in ServiceNow

ServiceNow Product Documentation: Managing and Filtering Tagged Records

References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

Access Control Rules (ACLs) are a fundamental security feature in ServiceNow that protect applications by identifying and restricting access to files and data. ACLs define which users or roles have permissions to create, read, write, or delete data within an application.

Understanding Access Control Rules (ACLs)ACLs in ServiceNow operate based on three key elements:

Object Type– Defines what is being secured (table-level or field-level access).

Operation– Specifies the type of access (Create, Read, Write, Delete, Execute, etc.).

Condition & Script– Determines when access is granted (role-based permissions or specific conditions).

Data Security:Ensures that only authorized users can access specific data.

Granular Access:Controls permissions at the table and field level.

Regulatory Compliance:Helps organizations maintain security standards and data protection laws.

ServiceNow applies ACLs from the most specific to the most general (Field-level → Table-level → Global-level).

If no ACL explicitly allows access, the system denies it by default (Deny by Default Policy).

ACLs can be role-based, condition-based, or script-based for advanced security configurations.

A. Application Configuration– This refers to application settings but does not control access to data.

B. Verbose Log– Logging helps in debugging but does not secure applications or restrict access.

D. Application Scope– Defines application boundaries but does not control data access permissions.

ServiceNow CSA Documentation: Access Control Rules (ACLs)

ServiceNow Security Best Practices: Security and Access Control

Why Access Control Rules are Important?How ACLs Work in ServiceNow?Incorrect Answer Choices Explanation:Official CSA Documentation Reference:

In ServiceNow, users can quickly generate a report from a list view without needing to navigate to the Reports module. The two main ways to do this are:

Steps:

Open any list view (e.g., Incident, Change, or any table-based list).

Click thethree-line (hamburger) context menuon the top-left of the list.

SelectCreate Reportto generate a basic report based on the current list view.

Modify report settings (e.g., visualization type, filters, groupings).

Save the report for future reference.

Steps:

Apply the necessary filters to refine the list view.

Right-click on acolumn header(e.g., Priority, State, Category).

SelectCreate Reportfrom the context menu.

Configure the report visualization and save it if needed.

1. Using the Context Menu (Option C)2. Right-click on a Column Header (Option E)

Incorrect Answer Choices Explanation:A. Click on filter breadcrumb, drag and drop on the Report > Create New module

There is no such drag-and-drop functionality for report creation in ServiceNow.

B. Click Funnel, define filter conditions, click Create Report

TheFunnel iconis used to filter list views but does not directly generate reports.

D. Apply filter, right-click on column header, select Bar Chart

There is no direct "Bar Chart" option available when right-clicking on a column header.

Creating Reports from List Views

ServiceNow KB Article: KB0014148

Official CSA Documentation Reference:

Afilter conditionin ServiceNow consists of three essential components that define how data is filtered in lists, reports, and queries. These components determine which records meet specific criteria.

Column (D)– Represents thefieldin the table that is being filtered (e.g., "Priority" in theincidenttable).

Operator (A)– Defines the comparison method, such asis, contains, starts with, greater than, etc.

Value (C)– Specifies thecriteriaused for filtering (e.g., "High" for Priority).

Components of a Filter Condition:Example of a Filter Condition in an Incident Table:PriorityisHigh

Column:Priority

Operator:is

Value:High

B. Match Criteria→ Not a defined component; filtering is based on column, operator, and value.

E. Field→ While "Field" is a general term,ServiceNow officially uses "Column"in filter conditions.

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: