SNOW-CSA Database Administration and CMDB Practice Question
In the CMDB, what is the purpose of the 'cmdb_ci' table?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse the 'cmdb_ci' base table with the 'cmdb_rel_ci' relationship table, assuming that the base table stores relationships rather than being the parent for all CI classes.
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
✓
It is the base table for all hardware and software CI classes.
The 'cmdb_ci' table is the base (or parent) table for all hardware and software Configuration Item (CI) classes in the ServiceNow CMDB. It defines common fields such as name, serial number, and operational status, which are inherited by all child CI tables (e.g., cmdb_ci_server, cmdb_ci_software_product). This design follows a single-table inheritance model, ensuring consistency across all CI types.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It stores the discovery schedule and probes.
Why it's wrong here
Discovery schedules are in the discovery schedule table.
- ✓
It is the base table for all hardware and software CI classes.
Why this is correct
cmdb_ci is the parent table for all CI classes.
- ✗
It contains the CMDB health rules.
Why it's wrong here
Health rules are in the cmdb_health table.
- ✗
It stores relationships between configuration items.
Why it's wrong here
Relationships are in the cmdb_rel_ci table.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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