The correct answer is that the database instance name or service name is incorrect in the MID Server configuration. Error ORA-12514 specifically means the Oracle listener received the connection request but does not recognize the service name provided in the connect descriptor, so the listener refuses the connection. This tests your understanding of how a MID Server resolves database endpoints during external integration, a common scenario on the ServiceNow Certified Application Developer CAD exam where you must distinguish between listener-level errors (like ORA-12514) and authentication or network issues. A frequent trap is confusing this with a wrong username or password, which would produce a different Oracle error. Remember the mnemonic: “12514 means the service name is unseen.”
SNOW-CAD Integrating and managing application data Practice Question
This SNOW-CAD practice question tests your understanding of integrating and managing application 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.
Exhibit
2023-01-15 10:23:45 ERROR com.glide.mid.MIDServerException: Connection to database failed: ORA-12514: TNS listener not currently aware of service requested in connect descriptor
at com.glide.mid.oracle.OracleConnection.checkConnection(OracleConnection.java:56)
Refer to the exhibit. A MID Server is failing to connect to an external Oracle database. The error log shows the above message. Which 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.
2023-01-15 10:23:45 ERROR com.glide.mid.MIDServerException: Connection to database failed: ORA-12514: TNS listener not currently aware of service requested in connect descriptor
at com.glide.mid.oracle.OracleConnection.checkConnection(OracleConnection.java:56)
A
The firewall is blocking port 1521.
Why wrong: A firewall block would result in a timeout or connection refused, not ORA-12514.
B
The Oracle client is not installed.
Why wrong: If the Oracle client were missing, there would be a different error about missing driver or classes.
C
The MID Server is not running.
Why wrong: The MID Server is running, as it is able to attempt the connection and produce the error.
D
The database instance name (service name) is incorrect in the configuration.
Correct: The error indicates the listener does not recognize the service requested.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The database instance name (service name) is incorrect in the configuration.
Error ORA-12514 indicates that the listener received a connection request but the service name (in the connect descriptor) is not known to the listener. This usually means the database service name is incorrect or the listener is not configured for that service.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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 firewall is blocking port 1521.
Why it's wrong here
A firewall block would result in a timeout or connection refused, not ORA-12514.
✗
The Oracle client is not installed.
Why it's wrong here
If the Oracle client were missing, there would be a different error about missing driver or classes.
✗
The MID Server is not running.
Why it's wrong here
The MID Server is running, as it is able to attempt the connection and produce the error.
✓
The database instance name (service name) is incorrect in the configuration.
Why this is correct
Correct: The error indicates the listener does not recognize the service requested.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SNOW-CAD ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Integrating and managing application data — This question tests Integrating and managing application data — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The database instance name (service name) is incorrect in the configuration. — Error ORA-12514 indicates that the listener received a connection request but the service name (in the connect descriptor) is not known to the listener. This usually means the database service name is incorrect or the listener is not configured for that service.
What should I do if I get this SNOW-CAD question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SNOW-CAD ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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