Question 85 of 500

Working with Data →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is that the import set table lacks a unique index on the 'asset_tag' field. For ServiceNow’s duplicate detection to function correctly during an import, the import set table must have a unique index on the same field used in the coalesce mapping; without it, the system cannot identify duplicate rows within the same batch, so each incoming record is treated as new and inserted into the target table. This scenario tests your understanding of how import set tables and transform maps interact—a common trap on the CAD exam is assuming that checking "Enable Duplicate Detection" alone is sufficient, when in fact the unique index on the import set table is the critical missing piece. Remember the mnemonic: "Coalesce needs a unique index on the import set table, not just the target."

SNOW-CAD Working with Data Practice Question

This SNOW-CAD practice question tests your understanding of working with data. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 large enterprise is importing 500,000 asset records from an external inventory system using a scheduled data import into the alm_asset table. The transform map uses a coalesce on the 'asset_tag' field to match existing records. The 'asset_tag' field in the target table is a string field with a unique index. The import set table has no unique index on any field. The transform map has 'Enable Duplicate Detection' checked. After the first import, the team notices that many duplicate records were created instead of updating existing ones. There are no errors in the import log. The source data contains only unique asset_tag values. What is the most likely cause of the duplicates?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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.

Question 1hardmultiple choice

Full question →

A
The source data contains multiple records with the same 'asset_tag' but different case.
Why wrong: Incorrect: The source data is stated to have unique asset_tag values, so case variation is not the cause.
B
The 'Enable Duplicate Detection' checkbox is not properly configured.
Why wrong: Incorrect: The scenario states it is checked, and the feature is correctly enabled.
C
The import set table lacks a unique index on the 'asset_tag' field.
Correct: A unique index on the import set table is required for the duplicate detection mechanism to work within the import set; without it, duplicates can be created.
D
The coalesce field mapping is incorrectly mapped to the 'asset_tag' field.
Why wrong: Incorrect: If the mapping were incorrect, the import would likely fail or not update, but duplicates would not be created in such large numbers.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

The import set table lacks a unique index on the 'asset_tag' field.

Option B is correct because for duplicate detection to work properly, the import set table must have a unique index on the coalesce field. Without it, the system cannot detect duplicates within the same import set, leading to multiple rows being inserted into the target. Option A is incorrect because the mapping is likely correct if coalesce is set. Option C is incorrect because the checkbox is checked. Option D is incorrect because the source data has unique asset_tag values, so case mismatch is not the issue.

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 source data contains multiple records with the same 'asset_tag' but different case.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: The source data is stated to have unique asset_tag values, so case variation is not the cause.
✗
The 'Enable Duplicate Detection' checkbox is not properly configured.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: The scenario states it is checked, and the feature is correctly enabled.
✓
The import set table lacks a unique index on the 'asset_tag' field.
Why this is correct
Correct: A unique index on the import set table is required for the duplicate detection mechanism to work within the import set; without it, duplicates can be created.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "first", "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The coalesce field mapping is incorrectly mapped to the 'asset_tag' field.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: If the mapping were incorrect, the import would likely fail or not update, but duplicates would not be created in such large numbers.

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.

Trap categories for this question

Scenario analysis trap
Incorrect: The scenario states it is checked, and the feature is correctly enabled.

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.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this SNOW-CAD question test?

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: The import set table lacks a unique index on the 'asset_tag' field. — Option B is correct because for duplicate detection to work properly, the import set table must have a unique index on the coalesce field. Without it, the system cannot detect duplicates within the same import set, leading to multiple rows being inserted into the target. Option A is incorrect because the mapping is likely correct if coalesce is set. Option C is incorrect because the checkbox is checked. Option D is incorrect because the source data has unique asset_tag values, so case mismatch is not the issue.

What should I do if I get this SNOW-CAD question wrong?

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "first", "most likely". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

About these practice questions

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Same concept, more angles

2 more ways this is tested on SNOW-CAD

These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.

Variation 1. Which TWO conditions must be met for a transform map to automatically ignore duplicate records during an import?

medium

A.The source table has a unique index on the coalesce field.
✓ B.The target table has a unique index on the coalesce field.
C.The coalesce field mapping uses the 'Ignore if Empty' checkbox.
D.The import set table has a unique index on the coalesce field.
✓ E.The transform map has 'Enable Duplicate Detection' set to true.

Why B: For duplicate detection to work, the transform map must have 'Enable Duplicate Detection' checked (A) and the target table must have a unique index on the coalesce field (D). A unique index on the import set table is required for detecting duplicates within the same import set, but the question asks about ignoring duplicates already in the target. Options B and C are incorrect because the source table and import set table indices are not required for target duplicate detection. Option E is unrelated to duplicate detection.

Variation 2. An import set is failing because some records have duplicate values in a unique field. The requirement is to skip duplicates and import only new records. Which transform map option should be used?

easy

A.Enable 'Import set update only' in the transform map.
B.Enable 'Update existing records' in the transform map.
C.Enable 'Reject duplicates' in the data source options.
✓ D.Enable 'Coalesce' on the unique field and set 'Action' to 'Insert' in the transform map.

Why D: Option A is correct because enabling 'Coalesce' on the unique field allows the system to identify existing records and skip duplicates. Option B (Import set update only) would update existing records, not skip. Option C (Reject duplicates) is not a standard option. Option D (Update existing records) would update duplicates.

Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026

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