The answer is that the data policy makes the short_description field mandatory when the state field equals '1' (New). This is correct because a ServiceNow data policy enforces field-level rules based on a condition defined on another field; here, the condition is set on the state field, and when that condition evaluates to true—state being '1'—the mandatory attribute is applied to short_description. On the ServiceNow Certified Application Developer CAD exam, this concept tests your understanding of how data policies differ from business rules and ACLs, specifically that the condition is evaluated on the source field, not the target field. A common trap is reversing the logic or misreading which field triggers the condition versus which field becomes mandatory. Remember the mnemonic: "Condition on the trigger, mandatory on the target"—the state field triggers the rule, and short_description is the field that gets the mandatory enforcement.
SNOW-CAD Working with Data Practice Question
This SNOW-CAD practice question tests your understanding of working with data. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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
{"name":"Mandatory short description","table":"incident","field":"short_description","mandatory":true,"conditions":{"op":"and","conditions":[{"field":"state","op":"=","value":"1"}]}}
Refer to the exhibit. What does this data policy do?
{"name":"Mandatory short description","table":"incident","field":"short_description","mandatory":true,"conditions":{"op":"and","conditions":[{"field":"state","op":"=","value":"1"}]}}
A
Makes 'short_description' mandatory for all incidents regardless of state.
Why wrong: The condition restricts to state = '1'.
B
Makes 'short_description' mandatory when state is '1' (New).
The condition checks if state equals '1', then makes short_description mandatory.
C
Makes 'state' mandatory when 'short_description' is empty.
Why wrong: The policy applies to 'short_description', not 'state'.
D
Makes 'short_description' read-only when state is '1'.
Why wrong: The 'mandatory' attribute is set to true, not read-only.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Makes 'short_description' mandatory when state is '1' (New).
The correct answer is B. The data policy sets the 'short_description' field as mandatory when the 'state' field equals '1' (New). Option A is wrong because it says mandatory when state is New, but the condition is on state, not on short description. Option C is wrong because it reverses the condition. Option D is wrong because it ignores the condition.
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.
✗
Makes 'short_description' mandatory for all incidents regardless of state.
Why it's wrong here
The condition restricts to state = '1'.
✓
Makes 'short_description' mandatory when state is '1' (New).
Why this is correct
The condition checks if state equals '1', then makes short_description mandatory.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Makes 'state' mandatory when 'short_description' is empty.
Why it's wrong here
The policy applies to 'short_description', not 'state'.
✗
Makes 'short_description' read-only when state is '1'.
Why it's wrong here
The 'mandatory' attribute is set to true, not read-only.
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.
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: Makes 'short_description' mandatory when state is '1' (New). — The correct answer is B. The data policy sets the 'short_description' field as mandatory when the 'state' field equals '1' (New). Option A is wrong because it says mandatory when state is New, but the condition is on state, not on short description. Option C is wrong because it reverses the condition. Option D is wrong because it ignores the condition.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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