The answer is a MID Server that can reach the target devices, along with valid credentials and network connectivity. ServiceNow Discovery relies on a MID Server to execute probes and sensors that scan the network; without a MID Server that can reach the target devices, no communication can occur, making it impossible to gather configuration data. Valid credentials are equally essential because Discovery uses protocols like SNMP, SSH, or WMI to authenticate and read CI attributes from devices. On the CSA exam, this question tests your understanding of the Discovery pipeline—specifically that the MID Server acts as the bridge between the instance and the infrastructure, while credentials unlock device access. A common trap is assuming Discovery can run without a MID Server or that IP addresses alone suffice; remember, the MID Server must have network line of sight and the right credentials to populate the CMDB. Memory tip: think of the MID Server as the “messenger” that needs both a path (reachability) and a key (credentials) to open the door.
SNOW-CSA Database Administration and CMDB Practice Question
This SNOW-CSA practice question tests your understanding of database administration and cmdb. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Which THREE of the following are required for ServiceNow Discovery to successfully populate the CMDB?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Valid credentials for the target devices
Valid credentials (Option B) are required because ServiceNow Discovery uses SNMP, SSH, WMI, or REST to probe target devices. Without correct credentials, the MID Server cannot authenticate to the device, so it cannot read configuration data or populate CI attributes in the CMDB.
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.
✗
The CMDB CI tables with open ACLs
Why it's wrong here
ACLs do not block discovery; discovery uses internal system access.
✓
Valid credentials for the target devices
Why this is correct
Credentials are necessary for authentication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
A discovery schedule configured for the IP range
Why this is correct
A schedule defines when and what to discover.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
A MID Server that can reach the target devices
Why this is correct
The MID server performs the actual discovery probes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The Identification and Reconciliation Engine (IRE) enabled
Why it's wrong here
IRE is optional for discovery; it can write directly to CMDB.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ServiceNow often tests that candidates confuse the IRE as a hard requirement for Discovery, when in fact Discovery can function with the legacy identification engine, making Option E a tempting but incorrect choice.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Discovery uses a multi-phase process: horizontal (shallow) probes to identify devices, then vertical (deep) probes to gather detailed CI attributes. The MID Server executes these probes using protocols like SNMP (port 161), SSH (port 22), or WMI (port 135/445), and each requires valid credentials stored in the Discovery Credentials module. Without credentials, the probe fails at the authentication step, and no CI record is created or updated.
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: Valid credentials for the target devices — Valid credentials (Option B) are required because ServiceNow Discovery uses SNMP, SSH, WMI, or REST to probe target devices. Without correct credentials, the MID Server cannot authenticate to the device, so it cannot read configuration data or populate CI attributes in the CMDB.
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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