Quick Answer
The answer is XML, because the REST message must be configured to expect the same data format that the external system returns. When an external system sends responses in XML, the developer sets the “Expected Data Format” field in the REST message record to XML so the ServiceNow instance can correctly parse and process the incoming payload. This concept tests your understanding of REST message configuration in the ServiceNow Certified Application Developer CAD exam, where a common trap is assuming the platform can auto-detect the format or defaulting to JSON. Remember, the expected format must match the external system’s response format exactly—if the system returns XML, you set it to XML; if it returns JSON, you set it to JSON. A helpful memory tip is “Match the format to the source”—the REST message expects what the external system actually sends, not what you wish it would send.
This SNOW-CAD practice question tests your understanding of integrating and managing application data. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 is configuring a REST message to retrieve data from an external system. The external system returns XML responses. Which data format should the developer set the REST message to expect?
JSON
Why wrong: JSON is incorrect because the external system returns XML.
Text
Why wrong: Text is a generic format; the specific expected format should be XML.
CSV
Why wrong: CSV is incorrect because the external system returns XML.
XML
Correct: The format should match the response from the external system, which is XML.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
XML
The REST message must be configured to expect the same data format that the external system returns. Since the external system returns XML, the developer should set the expected format to XML.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
JSON
Why it's wrong here
JSON is incorrect because the external system returns XML.
Text
Why it's wrong here
Text is a generic format; the specific expected format should be XML.
CSV
Why it's wrong here
CSV is incorrect because the external system returns XML.
XML
Why this is correct
Correct: The format should match the response from the external system, which is XML.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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.
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FAQ
Integrating and managing application data — This question tests Integrating and managing application data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: XML — The REST message must be configured to expect the same data format that the external system returns. Since the external system returns XML, the developer should set the expected format to XML.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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.
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