The answer is that the script used setWorkflow(false), which bypasses the auto-update mechanism for the 'Updated' field. When a scheduled job runs a GlideRecord update with setWorkflow(false), it suppresses business rules, database triggers, and the system’s automatic timestamping of the 'Updated' field, leaving it unchanged even though the record is modified. On the ServiceNow Certified Application Developer exam, this question tests your understanding of how the platform handles system fields versus direct database operations—a common trap is assuming a successful job run guarantees all fields are updated. Remember that the 'Updated' field relies on the workflow flag being true; if you see an "updated field not updating in scheduled job" scenario, immediately suspect setWorkflow(false) or a direct database update bypassing the auto-update. Memory tip: “No workflow, no timestamp”—if you turn off the workflow, you turn off the automatic update.
SNOW-CAD Creating and customizing tables and data Practice Question
This SNOW-CAD practice question tests your understanding of creating and customizing tables and data. 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.
A developer creates a scheduled job that updates a custom table's records. The job runs successfully but the table's 'Updated' field does not reflect the correct time. What could be the reason?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The script used 'setWorkflow(false)' which bypasses the auto-update of the 'Updated' field.
Option B is correct because the 'Updated' field is set automatically when a record is updated through the UI, but if the update is done via direct database update (e.g., using GlideRecord without setWorkflow(true)), the system might not update the field. Also, conditional or dirty flag may not set. However, the most likely is that the update script used setWorkflow(false) or bypassed the auto-update mechanism. Option A is wrong because performance of the job is not related. Option C is wrong because Access controls do not affect system fields like 'Updated'. Option D is wrong because the job's schedule time is irrelevant.
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 scheduled job's schedule interval is longer than the update frequency.
Why it's wrong here
Schedule time does not prevent timestamp updates.
✓
The script used 'setWorkflow(false)' which bypasses the auto-update of the 'Updated' field.
Why this is correct
setWorkflow(false) disables business rules and field updates like 'Updated'.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The table does not have the appropriate record-level ACLs.
Why it's wrong here
ACLs control access, not system field updates.
✗
The scheduled job runs too fast for the system to record the update.
Why it's wrong here
Speed does not affect timestamp recording.
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.
Creating and customizing tables and data — This question tests Creating and customizing tables and data — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The script used 'setWorkflow(false)' which bypasses the auto-update of the 'Updated' field. — Option B is correct because the 'Updated' field is set automatically when a record is updated through the UI, but if the update is done via direct database update (e.g., using GlideRecord without setWorkflow(true)), the system might not update the field. Also, conditional or dirty flag may not set. However, the most likely is that the update script used setWorkflow(false) or bypassed the auto-update mechanism. Option A is wrong because performance of the job is not related. Option C is wrong because Access controls do not affect system fields like 'Updated'. Option D is wrong because the job's schedule time is irrelevant.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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