- A
There is another ACL with a lower order that grants read access to all users, and the evaluation never reaches the scripted ACL.
ACLs are evaluated in ascending order; the first matching ACL is applied. A lower-order granting ACL can override a higher-order restrictive one.
- B
The ACL is cached and users need to log out and back in for changes to take effect.
Why wrong: ACL changes take effect immediately; caching is not a typical issue.
- C
The condition script returns 'true' for users in the group but does not return 'false' for others, so the ACL defaults to 'no decision' and access is allowed.
Why wrong: ACLs that do not return true default to deny (no match), not allow. This would block access.
- D
The ACL is set to 'Inactive' so it does not apply, leaving access open.
Why wrong: If inactive, the ACL is not evaluated; but the question implies the scripted ACL is being considered but not working.
SNOW-CAD Core Application Development Practice Question
This SNOW-CAD practice question tests your understanding of core application development. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 developer implemented an ACL to restrict read access on the 'incident' table. The condition script checks if the user is a member of the 'incident_manager' group. However, users who are not in the group are still able to see incidents. What is the most likely reason?
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 choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
There is another ACL with a lower order that grants read access to all users, and the evaluation never reaches the scripted ACL.
Option A is correct because ACLs in ServiceNow are evaluated in order of their 'Order' field (lower numbers first). If a lower-order ACL grants read access to all users, the evaluation stops at that ACL and never reaches the scripted ACL that restricts access to the 'incident_manager' group. This is the most common reason for an ACL appearing to not work — a broader, higher-priority ACL is allowing access before the restrictive one is evaluated.
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.
- ✓
There is another ACL with a lower order that grants read access to all users, and the evaluation never reaches the scripted ACL.
Why this is correct
ACLs are evaluated in ascending order; the first matching ACL is applied. A lower-order granting ACL can override a higher-order restrictive one.
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.
- ✗
The ACL is cached and users need to log out and back in for changes to take effect.
Why it's wrong here
ACL changes take effect immediately; caching is not a typical issue.
- ✗
The condition script returns 'true' for users in the group but does not return 'false' for others, so the ACL defaults to 'no decision' and access is allowed.
Why it's wrong here
ACLs that do not return true default to deny (no match), not allow. This would block access.
- ✗
The ACL is set to 'Inactive' so it does not apply, leaving access open.
Why it's wrong here
If inactive, the ACL is not evaluated; but the question implies the scripted ACL is being considered but not working.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a condition script that only returns 'true' for allowed users will automatically deny others, but in ServiceNow, an ACL must explicitly return 'false' to deny access; otherwise, the system treats it as 'no decision' and continues evaluating subsequent ACLs.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ServiceNow ACLs are evaluated in ascending order of the 'Order' field (0, 100, 200, etc.). When an ACL returns 'no decision' (e.g., because the condition script does not explicitly return false), the system moves to the next ACL in the order. If a lower-order ACL grants access, that decision is final. This is analogous to firewall rule processing where the first match wins. In real-world scenarios, developers often forget to set a high order number for restrictive ACLs, causing them to be overridden by default 'read' ACLs that typically have order 0 or 100.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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.
- →
Core Application Development — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Core Application Development practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SNOW-CAD questions
500 questions across all exam domains
- →
ServiceNow Certified Application Developer CAD study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SNOW-CAD practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related SNOW-CAD practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Working with Data practice questions
Practise SNOW-CAD questions linked to Working with Data.
Platform Features and Integration practice questions
Practise SNOW-CAD questions linked to Platform Features and Integration.
Integrating and managing application data practice questions
Practise SNOW-CAD questions linked to Integrating and managing application data.
Automating application logic with business rules and scripts practice questions
Practise SNOW-CAD questions linked to Automating application logic with business rules and scripts.
Application development using ServiceNow Studio practice questions
Practise SNOW-CAD questions linked to Application development using ServiceNow Studio.
Creating and customizing tables and data practice questions
Practise SNOW-CAD questions linked to Creating and customizing tables and data.
Designing interfaces and user experiences practice questions
Practise SNOW-CAD questions linked to Designing interfaces and user experiences.
Core Application Development practice questions
Practise SNOW-CAD questions linked to Core Application Development.
User Interface Development practice questions
Practise SNOW-CAD questions linked to User Interface Development.
SNOW-CAD fundamentals practice questions
Practise SNOW-CAD questions linked to SNOW-CAD fundamentals.
SNOW-CAD scenario practice questions
Practise SNOW-CAD questions linked to SNOW-CAD scenario.
SNOW-CAD troubleshooting practice questions
Practise SNOW-CAD questions linked to SNOW-CAD troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free SNOW-CAD practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SNOW-CAD question test?
Core Application Development — This question tests Core Application Development — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: There is another ACL with a lower order that grants read access to all users, and the evaluation never reaches the scripted ACL. — Option A is correct because ACLs in ServiceNow are evaluated in order of their 'Order' field (lower numbers first). If a lower-order ACL grants read access to all users, the evaluation stops at that ACL and never reaches the scripted ACL that restricts access to the 'incident_manager' group. This is the most common reason for an ACL appearing to not work — a broader, higher-priority ACL is allowing access before the restrictive one is evaluated.
What should I do if I get this SNOW-CAD 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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.