The answer is a data policy with condition state = 'Resolved' and mandatory resolution_code. This is correct because a data policy is the ServiceNow mechanism specifically designed to enforce mandatory field requirements on server-side updates based on another field's state, ensuring the rule is applied regardless of how the record is submitted. On the ServiceNow Certified Application Developer CAD exam, this question tests your understanding of where server-side validation belongs versus client-side approaches; a common trap is choosing UI policy or client script, which only run in the browser and can be bypassed via web services or direct database updates. Remember the key distinction: data policies enforce field-level rules on the server for all data operations, while UI policies are purely client-side. A helpful memory tip is "Data for database, UI for user interface"—if the rule must survive direct API updates, always choose a data policy.
SNOW-CAD Working with Data Practice Question
This SNOW-CAD practice question tests your understanding of working with data. 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 company requires that when the 'state' field on an incident is set to 'Resolved', the 'resolution_code' field must be populated. Which mechanism should be used to enforce this rule?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Data policy with condition state = 'Resolved' and mandatory resolution_code.
Option B is correct because a data policy can enforce field requirements on server-side updates. Option A (business rule) could also work but data policies are specifically designed for field-level validation. Option C (client script) is client-side only. Option D (UI policy) is client-side and can be bypassed.
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.
✗
Client script that checks the state and pops up a message.
Why it's wrong here
Client scripts are client-side and can be bypassed.
✗
UI policy that sets the resolution_code field mandatory.
Why it's wrong here
UI policies are client-side and do not enforce server-side.
✗
Business rule with a condition on state change.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, data policy is more appropriate for field requirement enforcement.
✓
Data policy with condition state = 'Resolved' and mandatory resolution_code.
Why this is correct
Data policies provide server-side validation for field requirements.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 SNOW-CAD 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 SNOW-CAD exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Working with Data — This question tests Working with Data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Data policy with condition state = 'Resolved' and mandatory resolution_code. — Option B is correct because a data policy can enforce field requirements on server-side updates. Option A (business rule) could also work but data policies are specifically designed for field-level validation. Option C (client script) is client-side only. Option D (UI policy) is client-side and can be bypassed.
What should I do if I get this SNOW-CAD question wrong?
Identify which SNOW-CAD exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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This SNOW-CAD practice question is part of Courseiva's free ServiceNow certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SNOW-CAD exam.
Question Discussion
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