- A
The developer used addAggregate('COUNT', 'category') instead of addAggregate('COUNT').
Why wrong: Option A is false. The correct way to count incidents per category is to use addAggregate('COUNT', 'category'), which groups by the 'category' field and counts records in each group. Using addAggregate('COUNT') without a field would count all records without grouping, not per category. Therefore, using the two-argument form is not a mistake; it is the correct approach.
- B
The developer must use addQuery('active', true) to include only active incidents.
Why wrong: Option B is false. There is no requirement to filter only active incidents. The unexpected zero counts are not related to an added query for active incidents. The issue is likely that the query() method was not called, causing no results to be returned.
- C
The developer forgot to call the query() method after grouping.
Without query(), no records are processed.
- D
The GlideAggregate cannot handle null values in the grouped field.
Why wrong: Option D is false. GlideAggregate can handle null values in the grouped field; they are grouped together and counted as a separate group. The unexpected zero counts are not due to null handling but rather due to forgetting to call the query() method.
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 developer runs a GlideAggregate to count the number of incidents per category. The query returns unexpected results: some categories show zero counts but should have incidents. 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 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 developer forgot to call the query() method after grouping.
Option C is correct because in GlideAggregate, after adding aggregates and grouping, the query() method must be called to execute the query. If it is omitted, no results are returned, which can explain why some categories show zero counts. Option A is incorrect because addAggregate('COUNT', 'category') is not a valid method signature; the correct approach is to use addAggregate('COUNT') and then groupBy('category'). Option B is incorrect because the issue is not related to filtering by active incidents; the query should return all incidents regardless of active status unless specified. Option D is incorrect because GlideAggregate can handle null values in grouped fields; they would typically appear as a separate group or be ignored.
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 developer used addAggregate('COUNT', 'category') instead of addAggregate('COUNT').
Why it's wrong here
Option A is false. The correct way to count incidents per category is to use addAggregate('COUNT', 'category'), which groups by the 'category' field and counts records in each group. Using addAggregate('COUNT') without a field would count all records without grouping, not per category. Therefore, using the two-argument form is not a mistake; it is the correct approach.
- ✗
The developer must use addQuery('active', true) to include only active incidents.
Why it's wrong here
Option B is false. There is no requirement to filter only active incidents. The unexpected zero counts are not related to an added query for active incidents. The issue is likely that the query() method was not called, causing no results to be returned.
- ✓
The developer forgot to call the query() method after grouping.
Why this is correct
Without query(), no records are processed.
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 GlideAggregate cannot handle null values in the grouped field.
Why it's wrong here
Option D is false. GlideAggregate can handle null values in the grouped field; they are grouped together and counted as a separate group. The unexpected zero counts are not due to null handling but rather due to forgetting to call the query() method.
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.
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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 developer forgot to call the query() method after grouping. — Option C is correct because in GlideAggregate, after adding aggregates and grouping, the query() method must be called to execute the query. If it is omitted, no results are returned, which can explain why some categories show zero counts. Option A is incorrect because addAggregate('COUNT', 'category') is not a valid method signature; the correct approach is to use addAggregate('COUNT') and then groupBy('category'). Option B is incorrect because the issue is not related to filtering by active incidents; the query should return all incidents regardless of active status unless specified. Option D is incorrect because GlideAggregate can handle null values in grouped fields; they would typically appear as a separate group or be ignored.
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.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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