Quick Answer
The answer is new GlideRecord('table').query(). This is the correct choice because in ServiceNow, a business rule must first instantiate a GlideRecord object using the new keyword to target a specific table, then call the query() method on that instance to retrieve records from the database. The syntax new GlideRecord('table').query() properly chains these two steps, creating the object and executing the query in a single line, which is the standard pattern for querying the database in a business rule. On the ServiceNow Certified Application Developer CAD exam, this question tests your understanding of server-side scripting fundamentals, often appearing as a multiple-choice item where distractors might omit the new keyword or use get() instead of query(). A common trap is confusing query() with get(), but remember: query() fetches a set of records, while get() retrieves a single record by sys_id. For a quick memory tip, think "new it, then query it" — you must always create a new GlideRecord before you can query the database.
This SNOW-CAD practice question tests your understanding of automating application logic with business rules and scripts. 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.
Which script function is used to query the database in a business rule?
GlideRecord.query();
Why wrong: Incorrect; query() must be called on an instance.
new GlideRecord('table').query();
Correct; this creates a GlideRecord object and queries the table.
gs.query();
Why wrong: Incorrect; gs.query() is not a valid function.
GlideRecord.newQuery();
Why wrong: Incorrect; newQuery() is not a method.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
new GlideRecord('table').query();
Option B is correct because in ServiceNow, a business rule must instantiate a new GlideRecord object using the 'new' keyword and then call the query() method on that instance to retrieve records from the database. The syntax 'new GlideRecord('table').query()' properly creates a GlideRecord object for the specified table and executes the query to fetch matching records.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
GlideRecord.query();
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; query() must be called on an instance.
new GlideRecord('table').query();
Why this is correct
Correct; this creates a GlideRecord object and queries the table.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
gs.query();
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; gs.query() is not a valid function.
GlideRecord.newQuery();
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; newQuery() is not a method.
Common exam traps
ServiceNow often tests the distinction between static class references and instance methods, so the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think 'GlideRecord.query()' is valid because they confuse it with other static utility classes like 'GlideSystem' or 'GlideAggregate', forgetting that GlideRecord requires instantiation with 'new'.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, GlideRecord uses the ServiceNow database abstraction layer to generate and execute SQL queries against the platform's underlying database (MySQL/MariaDB). The query() method triggers the actual database call, and the results are stored in the GlideRecord object's internal result set, which can then be iterated using next() or getRowCount(). A subtle behavior is that if you call query() without first setting conditions via addQuery() or addEncodedQuery(), it will return all records from the table, which can cause performance issues in large tables.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Automating application logic with business rules and scripts — This question tests Automating application logic with business rules and scripts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: new GlideRecord('table').query(); — Option B is correct because in ServiceNow, a business rule must instantiate a new GlideRecord object using the 'new' keyword and then call the query() method on that instance to retrieve records from the database. The syntax 'new GlideRecord('table').query()' properly creates a GlideRecord object for the specified table and executes the query to fetch matching records.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This SNOW-CAD practice question is part of Courseiva's free ServiceNow certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SNOW-CAD exam.
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