ServiceNow Updated CSA Exam Questions and Answers by marcel

In ServiceNow,Import Setsallow administrators toimport and transform datafrom external sources into ServiceNow tables. The platform supports multiple file formats for importing data, includingXML, CSV, and Excel.

XML (Extensible Markup Language)

Used for structured data exchange between systems.

ServiceNow canimport XML filescontaining records formatted according to its schema.

CSV (Comma-Separated Values)

One of the most common formats for bulk data imports.

ServiceNow can processCSV filesand map them to target tables.

Excel (XLS/XLSX)

ServiceNow allows direct imports fromMicrosoft Excel spreadsheets.

Users can upload Excel files via the Import Set UI.

Supported Data Formats for Import Sets:

Import Data:The user uploads a supported file (XML, CSV, or Excel) into an Import Set table.

Mapping:The imported data is mapped to target tables using aTransform Map.

Transformation & Processing:Data is transformed, validated, and inserted into the correct destination tables.

How Import Sets Work in ServiceNow:

A. CSS, SOAP, and Excel→CSS is a styling language, and SOAP is a protocol, not a data format.

C. SOAP, REST, and XML→SOAP and REST areweb service protocols, not file formats used for import sets. XML is valid but alone is insufficient.

D. XML, SOAP, and CSS→SOAP and CSS are incorrect as they are not standard import file formats.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

ServiceNow Documentation:Importing Data into ServiceNow

CSA Exam Guide:Coverssupported data formats for Import Sets (XML, CSV, and Excel).

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:

TheApplication Integration and Plugin Delivery (A1PD) SpokeBatch Installplugin inServiceNowallows users to installmultiple applications, customizations, and pluginsat once.

Batch Installation

Enables administrators to install multiple applications or pluginssimultaneously, reducing manual effort.

Automated Delivery

Facilitatesautomated deploymentof related applications and customizations.

Improved Instance Management

Ensures consistent configurations across multiple instances (e.g.,Dev → Test → Prod).

B. Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CICD) SpokeBatch Install

Incorrect: CICD is used forversion control and automated deployments, not plugin installation.

C. Multiple Integration and Process Delivery (MIPD) SpokeBatch Install

Incorrect: No such ServiceNow plugin exists.

D. Quick Integration and Multiple Delivery (QIMD) SpokeBatch Install

Incorrect: No such ServiceNow feature exists.

Key Features of A1PD SpokeBatch Install:Why Other Options Are Incorrect?

A1PD Plugin Overview

ServiceNow Plugin Installation

Application Integration Best Practices

Managing Installed Applications

References from ServiceNow CSA Documentation:Final Verification:Answer is 100% correct and aligned with official ServiceNow 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: