The answer is that the ACL condition script requires an else statement that sets answer = false to function correctly. This is because ServiceNow ACL scripts must explicitly set the answer variable to either true or false for every possible path; without an else statement, when the condition fails, the script returns undefined, which ServiceNow treats as true, inadvertently granting read access to unauthorized users. On the ServiceNow Certified Application Developer CAD exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how ACL condition scripts evaluate access, often appearing as a common trap where a script only contains an if block granting access but omits the else block to deny it. The key memory tip is "if grants, else denies" — always pair your if(true) with an else(false) to avoid undefined being treated as a grant.
SNOW-CAD Core Application Development Practice Question
This SNOW-CAD practice question tests your understanding of core application development. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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
Refer to the exhibit.
ACL configuration:
Name: Incident - Read - Custom
Type: record
Operation: read
Table: incident
Condition: gs.getUser().getManagerID() == current.assigned_to
Script:
answer = true;
The ACL is meant to allow users to read an incident only if they are the manager of the assigned user. However, users who are not managers can also read the incident. What is the flaw?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The script should include an else statement that sets answer = false
Option D is correct because when an ACL condition script runs, it must explicitly set the answer variable to true or false. If the script lacks an else statement that sets answer = false, the script returns undefined (or the last evaluated expression) for non-matching conditions, which ServiceNow treats as true, inadvertently granting read access to unauthorized users. Adding an else statement that sets answer = false ensures that only users who satisfy the manager condition are granted read access.
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 operation should be 'write' not 'read'
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; the requirement is about reading.
✗
The table should be 'sys_user'
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; table is correct.
✗
The condition in the ACL condition field should be removed and replaced with the script
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; the condition is redundant with the script, but the main issue is the script.
✓
The script should include an else statement that sets answer = false
Why this is correct
Correct; the script currently always sets answer = true, so it grants access unconditionally.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume a script that returns true for the intended condition automatically denies access for others, but ServiceNow requires an explicit else statement to set answer = false; otherwise, the script's return value is undefined, which is often treated as true.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In ServiceNow, ACL scripts are evaluated in a sandboxed environment where the answer variable must be explicitly set to true or false. If answer is not set, the script returns undefined, which is coerced to false in some contexts but often treated as true due to JavaScript's loose typing and ServiceNow's legacy behavior. This subtlety is critical when writing conditional ACLs that rely on script logic, as forgetting to set answer = false for non-matching conditions can silently grant unintended access.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Core Application Development — This question tests Core Application Development — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The script should include an else statement that sets answer = false — Option D is correct because when an ACL condition script runs, it must explicitly set the answer variable to true or false. If the script lacks an else statement that sets answer = false, the script returns undefined (or the last evaluated expression) for non-matching conditions, which ServiceNow treats as true, inadvertently granting read access to unauthorized users. Adding an else statement that sets answer = false ensures that only users who satisfy the manager condition are granted read access.
What should I do if I get this SNOW-CAD question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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