The correct answer is to update a timestamp field on the parent CI whenever a child CI is updated. This Business Rule, configured as an 'After' update on the cmdb_ci table, uses a setValue call on current.parent to refresh the parent’s sys_updated_on field, ensuring the CMDB hierarchy maintains an accurate audit trail of changes. On the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator exam, this concept tests your understanding of how 'After' business rules can propagate updates across related records, often appearing in questions about CMDB data integrity or cascading timestamps. A common trap is confusing this with a 'Before' rule that modifies the current record, but the key is recognizing the parent reference and the system field being targeted. Memory tip: think "child kicks parent" — when a child CI changes, the parent’s timestamp gets a kick to stay current.
SNOW-CSA Database Administration and CMDB Practice Question
This SNOW-CSA practice question tests your understanding of database administration and cmdb. 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.
Exhibit: Excerpt from a Business Rule script on the cmdb_ci table:
(function executeRule(current, previous /*null when async*/ ) {
var gr = new GlideRecord('cmdb_ci');
gr.addQuery('sys_id', current.parent.sys_id);
gr.query();
if (gr.next()) {
gr.setValue('u_last_child_update', new GlideDateTime());
gr.update();
}
})(current, previous);
Refer to the exhibit. What is the primary purpose of this Business Rule?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Refer to the exhibit.
Exhibit: Excerpt from a Business Rule script on the cmdb_ci table:
(function executeRule(current, previous /*null when async*/ ) {
var gr = new GlideRecord('cmdb_ci');
gr.addQuery('sys_id', current.parent.sys_id);
gr.query();
if (gr.next()) {
gr.setValue('u_last_child_update', new GlideDateTime());
gr.update();
}
})(current, previous);
A
To update a timestamp field on the parent CI whenever a child CI is updated.
The script retrieves the parent and sets a timestamp field.
B
To prevent updates to child CIs if the parent CI has not been updated recently.
Why wrong: No condition prevents updates; it always updates the parent.
C
To log all changes made to a CI in a custom table.
Why wrong: No logging is performed; only a timestamp field is set.
D
To delete child CIs when the parent CI is deleted.
Why wrong: The script does not handle deletion; it runs on update of the child.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To update a timestamp field on the parent CI whenever a child CI is updated.
The Business Rule shown is an 'After' update rule that triggers on the 'cmdb_ci' table. It uses a 'setValue' call on the parent record (via 'current.parent') to update the 'sys_updated_on' field, which is the system timestamp. This ensures that whenever a child CI is updated, the parent CI's timestamp is refreshed, maintaining an accurate audit trail of changes in the CMDB hierarchy.
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.
✓
To update a timestamp field on the parent CI whenever a child CI is updated.
Why this is correct
The script retrieves the parent and sets a timestamp field.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
To prevent updates to child CIs if the parent CI has not been updated recently.
Why it's wrong here
No condition prevents updates; it always updates the parent.
✗
To log all changes made to a CI in a custom table.
Why it's wrong here
No logging is performed; only a timestamp field is set.
✗
To delete child CIs when the parent CI is deleted.
Why it's wrong here
The script does not handle deletion; it runs on update of the child.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ServiceNow often tests the misconception that a Business Rule updating a related record's timestamp is for logging or deletion, when in fact it is purely for maintaining a freshness indicator in a parent-child CI relationship.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This pattern leverages the 'current.parent' reference field common in CMDB CI tables, which points to the parent CI in a hierarchy. The 'setValue' method updates the 'sys_updated_on' field directly, which is a system field automatically maintained by the platform; by explicitly setting it, the rule forces a timestamp change even if no other fields on the parent are modified. In real-world scenarios, this is critical for CMDB health dashboards that rely on 'sys_updated_on' to detect stale or orphaned CI records.
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 practitioner preparing for the SNOW-CSA 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Database Administration and CMDB — This question tests Database Administration and CMDB — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: To update a timestamp field on the parent CI whenever a child CI is updated. — The Business Rule shown is an 'After' update rule that triggers on the 'cmdb_ci' table. It uses a 'setValue' call on the parent record (via 'current.parent') to update the 'sys_updated_on' field, which is the system timestamp. This ensures that whenever a child CI is updated, the parent CI's timestamp is refreshed, maintaining an accurate audit trail of changes in the CMDB hierarchy.
What should I do if I get this SNOW-CSA question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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