SNOW-CSA Database Administration and CMDB Practice Question
Exhibit
Error: Target table 'u_cmdb_ci_custom' does not exist in instance.
Refer to the exhibit. An administrator is trying to import data into a custom CI table but receives this error. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
ServiceNow often tests the distinction between transform map errors (missing table) versus import set row errors (column mapping or permission issues), and the trap here is that candidates confuse a missing table error with a column mapping problem.
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
✓
The transform map is referencing a table that hasn't been created.
The error indicates that the transform map is trying to populate a custom CI table that does not yet exist in the CMDB. In ServiceNow, a transform map must reference an existing target table; if the table has not been created (e.g., via the 'Create Table' module), the import will fail with this specific error. This is the most likely cause because the error message directly points to a missing table reference.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The transform map is referencing a table that hasn't been created.
Why this is correct
The error indicates the target table is missing; the table must be created first.
- ✗
The import set has incorrect column mappings.
Why it's wrong here
Column mapping issues would cause field errors, not a missing table error.
- ✗
The user does not have permission to write to the table.
Why it's wrong here
Permission errors would show an access denied message, not 'table does not exist'.
- ✗
The CMDB is locked for maintenance.
Why it's wrong here
Maintenance locks would prevent operations but typically show a different error.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SNOW-CSA 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-CSA exam.