- A
Remove SCCM as a data source for these servers.
Why wrong: This would stop all updates from SCCM, not just os_version.
- B
Disable reconciliation for the Windows Server CI class.
Why wrong: This would prevent conflict resolution entirely, leading to undefined behavior.
- C
Set the 'Preserve manual changes' flag on the CI class.
Why wrong: This would prevent Discovery from updating if a manual change was made, but the issue is between automated sources.
- D
Create a reconciliation rule that gives Discovery higher priority than SCCM for the os_version attribute on the Windows Server CI class.
This targets the specific attribute and source priority.
Question 456 of 520
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.
Your organization has implemented ServiceNow CMDB with multiple data sources including ServiceNow Discovery, SCCM, and manual imports. You notice that for a critical group of Windows servers, the 'os_version' attribute is being overwritten frequently. Upon investigation, you find that Discovery reports the correct version, but SCCM imports an older version that overwrites it. The Discovery source runs daily at 2 AM, and SCCM imports run at 4 AM. Currently, all data sources have equal priority. You need to ensure that the Discovery value is the authoritative source for os_version on these servers, but you do not want to block SCCM from updating other attributes. What is the best course of action?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a reconciliation rule that gives Discovery higher priority than SCCM for the os_version attribute on the Windows Server CI class.
Option D is correct because reconciliation rules allow you to define attribute-level priority between data sources without blocking SCCM from updating other attributes. By creating a rule that gives Discovery higher priority than SCCM specifically for the os_version attribute on the Windows Server CI class, Discovery's value will be authoritative for that attribute while SCCM can still update other attributes. This approach preserves the multi-source CMDB integrity without disabling reconciliation or removing SCCM entirely.
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.
- ✗
Remove SCCM as a data source for these servers.
Why it's wrong here
This would stop all updates from SCCM, not just os_version.
- ✗
Disable reconciliation for the Windows Server CI class.
Why it's wrong here
This would prevent conflict resolution entirely, leading to undefined behavior.
- ✗
Set the 'Preserve manual changes' flag on the CI class.
Why it's wrong here
This would prevent Discovery from updating if a manual change was made, but the issue is between automated sources.
- ✓
Create a reconciliation rule that gives Discovery higher priority than SCCM for the os_version attribute on the Windows Server CI class.
Why this is correct
This targets the specific attribute and source priority.
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 may confuse reconciliation rules with disabling reconciliation entirely or assume that removing a data source is the only way to prevent overwrites, missing the attribute-level granularity that reconciliation rules provide.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Reconciliation rules in ServiceNow operate at the attribute level within a CI class, using a priority system (lower number = higher priority) to determine which data source's value is authoritative when conflicts occur. When a reconciliation rule is defined, the system evaluates the rule during the identification and reconciliation process, applying the priority to the specified attributes before the CI is updated. This allows granular control, such as giving Discovery priority for os_version while letting SCCM retain priority for other attributes like installed software or patch level.
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.
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Database Administration and CMDB — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SNOW-CSA question test?
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: Create a reconciliation rule that gives Discovery higher priority than SCCM for the os_version attribute on the Windows Server CI class. — Option D is correct because reconciliation rules allow you to define attribute-level priority between data sources without blocking SCCM from updating other attributes. By creating a rule that gives Discovery higher priority than SCCM specifically for the os_version attribute on the Windows Server CI class, Discovery's value will be authoritative for that attribute while SCCM can still update other attributes. This approach preserves the multi-source CMDB integrity without disabling reconciliation or removing SCCM entirely.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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