The answer is that the source object has sharing rules restricting access for the data transform's running user. This is correct because Data Cloud data transforms execute under a specific running user context, not the system administrator’s identity, so row-level security (RLS) settings on the source object can block that user from seeing certain rows, even when the admin holds full permissions. On the Salesforce AI Associate exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how data transform execution respects user-based access controls, often tripping candidates who assume admin rights bypass all restrictions. A common trap is confusing object-level permissions with row-level sharing rules; the error specifically flags RLS, not CRUD. Remember the mnemonic: “Run as who? Not you.” — always check the running user’s sharing rules, not your own, when troubleshooting this error.
AI Associate Data for AI Practice Question
This AI Associate practice question tests your understanding of data for ai. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A system administrator receives an error when running a Data Cloud data transform: 'Row-level security settings are preventing access to the source data.' The admin has appropriate permissions. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The source object has sharing rules that restrict access for the data transform's running user.
Option D is correct because Data Cloud data transforms run under a specific running user context, and row-level security (RLS) settings on the source object can restrict that user's access to rows, even if the admin has broad permissions. The error indicates that the running user lacks visibility to certain source data rows due to sharing rules or RLS policies, which is a common cause of this specific error message.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The target object has field-level security.
Why it's wrong here
Field-level security would not cause a row-level error.
✗
The data stream is scheduled during maintenance.
Why it's wrong here
Scheduling does not affect row-level access.
✗
The data transform is set to run as the admin's default user.
Why it's wrong here
The admin likely has access, but the error suggests otherwise.
✓
The source object has sharing rules that restrict access for the data transform's running user.
Why this is correct
Row-level security is about sharing; the running user may not see all rows.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Salesforce often tests the distinction between row-level security and field-level security, and candidates mistakenly choose field-level security (Option A) because they confuse the two concepts, not realizing the error message explicitly points to row-level restrictions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Data Cloud, data transforms execute under a designated running user (often a system or integration user) whose permissions are evaluated against source object sharing rules and row-level security policies. Even if the admin has full access, the running user may be restricted by criteria-based sharing, manual shares, or role hierarchy limitations. This is analogous to Salesforce's 'with sharing' keyword in Apex, where code runs in user mode and respects data access controls.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the AI Associate exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Data for AI — This question tests Data for AI — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The source object has sharing rules that restrict access for the data transform's running user. — Option D is correct because Data Cloud data transforms run under a specific running user context, and row-level security (RLS) settings on the source object can restrict that user's access to rows, even if the admin has broad permissions. The error indicates that the running user lacks visibility to certain source data rows due to sharing rules or RLS policies, which is a common cause of this specific error message.
What should I do if I get this AI Associate question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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