ServiceNow Updated CSA Exam Questions and Answers by dean

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.

When importing data intoServiceNow, anImport Setis created, and aTransform Mapis used to map data from the Import Set table to a target table (such asincident,cmdb_ci, oruser).

ATransform Mapdefineshow data from an Import Set is transferred to the target table. One of its key characteristics is that it can beused multiple times on the same import setto reprocess data or correct mapping errors.

Import Set Table:

Temporary storage for incoming data.

Data remains in the Import Set table until transformed.

Transform Map:

Areusable mappingthat determines how fields in the Import Set correspond to fields in the target table.

Can be runmultiple timeson the same Import Set data.

Coalesce Fields:

Usedbefore transformationto determine whether toupdate existing records or create new ones.

Key Characteristics of Importing Data in ServiceNow:

You import a CSV file into anImport Set Table.

You apply aTransform Mapto map data to theUser (sys_user) table.

If an issue occurs, you canrerun the Transform Map on the same Import Setinstead of reimporting the file.

Example Scenario:

A. An existing Transform Map can be used one time on the same import set– Incorrect.

Transform Maps can be reusedmultiple times on the same Import Set data.

B. Coalesce fields are used only after running Transform– Incorrect.

Coalesce fields are used before transformationto determine if a record should be updated or inserted.

C. Any user can manage and set up import sets– Incorrect.

Onlyusers with the appropriate roles(such asimport_adminoradmin) can manage Import Sets.

Explanation of Incorrect Answers:

ServiceNow Product Documentation → Import Sets and Transform Maps

ServiceNow CSA Study Guide → Data Import and Management

ServiceNow Knowledge Base → Understanding Coalesce Fields in Import Sets

References from Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:

In ServiceNow, access to applications is controlled byroles. Most applications, such asIncident, Change, and Facilities, require specific roles to access them. However, theSelf-Serviceapplication is available to all users, including those with the base"ess" (Employee Self-Service)role, which is assigned to every user by default.

Why "D. Self-Service" is the correct answer?TheSelf-Serviceapplication is designed for general users (end users, employees, customers) who do not have elevated permissions. It provides access to:

TheService Catalog(to request IT services, software, and hardware).

TheKnowledge Base(to search for articles and solutions).

Viewing and tracking submitted requests and incidents.

Submitting new incidents or requests.

Since it is meant forall users, it does not require any additional roles beyond the default ones given to employees or customers.

A. Change– Incorrect. TheChange Managementapplication is typically restricted toITIL users(users with theitilrole) and change managers. End users do not have access to this module.

B. Incident– Incorrect. While end users can create and view their own incidents viaSelf-Service, theIncident Managementmodule itself is restricted to IT support staff (users with theitilrole or higher).

C. Facilities– Incorrect. TheFacilitiesapplication, which includes asset tracking and work orders, is typically restricted to users managing physical assets or facility-related tasks. It is not available to all users by default.

ServiceNow Product Documentation - Self-Service Application Overview

ServiceNow CSA Study Guide - User Roles and Permissions

ServiceNow Docs: Access Control and Application Scope

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

ARecord ProducerinServiceNowis atype of Catalog Itemthat allows users to create records intables(such as Incidents, Change Requests, or HR Cases) from theService Catalog. It provides asimplified and user-friendly interfacefor users to submit structured data without needing direct access to the actual form or database tables.

Key Features of a Record Producer:✔Creates task-based recordsin the appropriate table (e.g.,incident,sc_task,problem).

✔Uses a simplified forminstead of the standard form view of a record.

✔Can trigger workflows and business ruleswhen submitted.

✔Maps user inputs to table fieldsviaVariable Mappings.

An employee wants toreport a broken laptopbut does not need to see the fullIncident form.

The IT team creates aRecord Producernamed "Report an IT Issue" in theService Catalog.

The Record Producercollects user input(e.g., issue description, urgency, contact information).

Upon submission, itcreates an Incident record (incidenttable)in ServiceNow.

Example Use Case:

Why the Correct Answer is D:D. A Record Producer is a type of a Catalog Item that allows users to create task-based records from the Service Catalog(Correct)

This is the most accurate description of aRecord Producer.

It allows users tocreate recordsin a specifiedtask table (Incident, Change, Request, etc.)through theService Catalog.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:A. A Record Producer is a type of Catalog Item that is used for Requests, not Services (Incorrect)

Record Producers are not limited to Requests.

They can create various types of records, including Incidents, Change Requests, and HR Cases.

B. A Record Producer creates user records (Incorrect)

A Record Producerdoes not create user records(users are managed in thesys_usertable).

Instead, itcreates task-based recordsin other tables likeincidentorsc_task.

C. A Record Producer is a type of Catalog Item that provides easy ordering by bundling requests (Incorrect)

Order Guides, not Record Producers, handlebundling multiple Catalog Items into a single request.

ARecord Producer creates a single recordin a defined table.

Comparison: Record Producer vs. Other Catalog ItemsFeature

Record Producer

Standard Catalog Item

Order Guide

Creates a record in a ServiceNow table

Yes

No

No

Used to order physical/digital goods

No

Yes

Yes

Can bundle multiple requests

No

No

Yes

Uses a form-based submission

Yes

Yes

Yes