The correct answer is to configure a cascade delete rule on the relationship table. This is because the sys_cmdb_rel_ci table stores all links between Configuration Items, and without a cascade rule, deleting a CI leaves orphaned relationship records that break referential integrity. By enabling cascade delete, the platform automatically removes every relationship row tied to the deleted CI, ensuring the CMDB remains clean and consistent without manual cleanup or scripting. On the ServiceNow Certified System Administrator CSA exam, this question tests your understanding of CMDB data integrity and table configuration, often appearing as a scenario where you must choose between a business rule, a scheduled job, or the cascade delete option. A common trap is assuming a scripted solution is needed, but the platform provides this native configuration. Memory tip: think “cascade” like a waterfall—when the CI falls, all its relationships flow away with it.
SNOW-CSA Database Administration and CMDB Practice Question
This SNOW-CSA practice question tests your understanding of database administration and cmdb. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
An administrator wants to ensure that when a user deletes a CI, all its relationships are also deleted to maintain data integrity. What should the administrator configure?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A cascade delete rule on the relationship table
Option A is correct because a cascade delete rule on the relationship table (sys_cmdb_rel_ci) ensures that when a CI is deleted, all associated relationship records are automatically removed. This maintains referential integrity in the CMDB without requiring custom scripting or manual cleanup.
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.
✓
A cascade delete rule on the relationship table
Why this is correct
Cascade delete rules are designed for this purpose.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
An ACL that denies delete unless relationships are removed first
Why it's wrong here
ACLs do not handle cascading deletes.
✗
A CMDB health rule that flags orphaned relationships
Why it's wrong here
Health rules only report issues, they do not automatically delete.
✗
A business rule on the CI table that deletes relationships on delete
Why it's wrong here
Possible but not the standard approach; cascade delete is built-in.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose a business rule (Option D) because it seems logical, but ServiceNow's native cascade delete on reference fields is the correct and simpler approach, avoiding the need for custom scripting.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cascade delete rules are defined on the relationship table's 'Related CI' or 'CI' reference fields using the 'Delete related records' option in the dictionary entry. When a CI is deleted, the platform automatically runs a database-level cascade that removes all relationship records where that CI is either the parent or child, ensuring no dangling references. In real-world scenarios, failing to configure cascade delete can lead to CMDB health issues where relationship records point to deleted CIs, causing errors in CI views and reports.
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.
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: A cascade delete rule on the relationship table — Option A is correct because a cascade delete rule on the relationship table (sys_cmdb_rel_ci) ensures that when a CI is deleted, all associated relationship records are automatically removed. This maintains referential integrity in the CMDB without requiring custom scripting or manual cleanup.
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.
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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