ServiceNowCertified Technical Architect (CTA) Questions and Answers
When advising on release and instance management, what should be considered as key governance factors?
Choose 3 answers
Options:
Release performance and instance usage analytics
Operating model and development approach
Platform scope and deployed applications
Day-to-day instance performance metrics
Number and purpose of instance environments
Answer:
B, C, EExplanation:
Key governance factors for release and instance management include:
B. Operating model and development approach: Define the organization's approach to development (e.g., Agile, Waterfall), release cycles, and how different teams collaborate on the platform.
C. Platform scope and deployed applications: Clearly define the scope of the ServiceNow platform within the organization and the applications that will be deployed. This helps with planning and resource allocation.
E. Number and purpose of instance environments: Establish a clear instance strategy, including the number of instances (dev, test, prod, etc.), their purpose, and how they are used to support development and deployment processes.
Why not the other options?
A. Release performance and instance usage analytics: While these are important for monitoring and optimization, they are not primary governance factors.
D. Day-to-day instance performance metrics: These are operational metrics, not directly related to governance decisions.
Which strategy is recommended for effective communication during the go-live phase?
Options:
Focus communications only on immediate supervisors.
Provide minimal updates to avoid overloading the team.
Postpone any form of communication until all issues are resolved.
Describe released functionality and provide knowledge base articles.
Answer:
DExplanation:
Effective communication during a go-live is crucial for keeping stakeholders informed and managing expectations. The best strategy is to describe released functionality and provide knowledge base articles. Here's why:
Clarity and Transparency: Clearly communicate what new features or changes are being released, so users understand what to expect.
Knowledge Base Articles: Provide detailed documentation and knowledge base articles to help users learn about the new functionality and how to use it.
Proactive Communication: Don't wait for issues to arise before communicating. Keep users informed about the progress of the go-live and any potential impacts.
Targeted Communication: Tailor communication to different audiences (e.g., end-users, IT staff, management).
Why not the other options?
A. Focus communications only on immediate supervisors: This limits information flow and can lead to confusion and frustration among other stakeholders.
B. Provide minimal updates to avoid overloading the team: Under-communication can create anxiety and uncertainty. It's better to provide regular, concise updates.
C. Postpone any form of communication until all issues are resolved: This is unrealistic and can damage trust. Communicate openly about challenges and progress towards resolution.
What are the recommended error handling strategies for ServiceNow integrations?
Choose 3 answers
Options:
Ignore minor errors to reduce system load
Establish a process to review and monitor errors
Classify errors into specific categories
Create email notifications for all integration errors
Log all errors to a centralized location
Answer:
B, C, EExplanation:
Effective error handling is crucial for maintaining the reliability and stability of ServiceNow integrations. Recommended strategies include:
B. Establish a process to review and monitor errors: Regularly review integration logs and error reports to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for improvement.
C. Classify errors into specific categories: Categorizing errors (e.g., data errors, connection errors, authorization errors) helps with troubleshooting and identifying root causes.
E. Log all errors to a centralized location: Maintain a centralized log of all integration errors for analysis and troubleshooting. This provides a comprehensive view of integration health.
Why not the other options?
A. Ignore minor errors to reduce system load: Ignoring errors can lead to data inconsistencies and integration failures. All errors should be addressed appropriately.
D. Create email notifications for all integration errors: While notifications can be useful for criticalerrors, sending emails for all errors can lead to alert fatigue and may not be the most efficient way to manage errors.
When should security be set up in the ServiceNow application build process?
Options:
Only when issues are encountered during operations
After configuring all the application workspaces
After configuring all required integrations
Before configuring interfaces or business logic
Answer:
DExplanation:
Security should be established before configuring interfaces or business logic in the ServiceNow application build process. This is known as "security by design."
Here's why:
Prevent Security Gaps: Building security into the application from the start helps prevent vulnerabilities and security gaps that can be exploited later.
Reduce Rework: Addressing security early avoids costly rework later if security issues are discovered after development is complete.
Enforce Best Practices: Starting with security ensures that security best practices are followed throughout the development process.
Why not the other options?
A. Only when issues are encountered during operations: This is a reactive approach that can lead to significant security risks.
B. After configuring all the application workspaces: Security should be integrated throughout the application, not just in specific workspaces.
C. After configuring all required integrations: Security should be considered before and during integration to ensure secure data exchange.
How are new classes of Configuration Items (CIs) and relationships created in the ServiceNow CMDB?
Options:
Importing data from external sources
Using predefined templates
Using IntegrationHub ETL
Extending other classes
Answer:
DExplanation:
The most common and recommended way to create new CI classes in ServiceNow is byextending existing classes. This leverages the existing data structure and relationships within the CMDB.
Here's why this approach is preferred:
Inheritance:Extending a class allows the new class to inherit attributes and relationships from the parent class, ensuring consistency and reducing redundancy.
Data Model Integrity:It helps maintain the integrity of the CMDB data model by building upon the established CSDM framework.
Customization:Extending classes provides flexibility to add specific attributes and relationships that are unique to the new CI class.
Why not the other options?
A:While importing data can populate the CMDB, it's not the primary method for creating new CI classes and their relationships.
B:ServiceNow does not offer predefined templates for creating new CI classes.
C:IntegrationHub ETL is a powerful tool for data integration, but it's primarily used for data transformation and loading, not for creating new CI classes.
A new project request requires quick implementation but involves portfolio realignment. As an IT leader, who should you consult to prioritize this demand?
Options:
Demand Board
Executive Steering Board
Program Steering Committee
Technical Governance Board
Answer:
BExplanation:
In this scenario, the Executive Steering Board is the most appropriate group to consult. Here's why:
Portfolio Realignment: This implies significant changes to the overall IT portfolio, which falls under the purview of the Executive Steering Board. They have the authority to make strategic decisions about the IT portfolio and prioritize initiatives based on business goals and overall impact.
Why not the other options?
A. Demand Board: The Demand Board typically focuses on evaluating and prioritizing individual demands or requests, but they may not have the authority to make decisions about portfolio realignment.
C. Program Steering Committee: This committee focuses on the governance and oversight of specific programs, not on overall portfolio strategy.
D. Technical Governance Board: This board focuses on technical standards, architecture, and security, not on strategic portfolio decisions.
What are the primary capabilities of Service Mapping in ServiceNow?
Choose 2 answers
Options:
Create a service-centric Configuration Management Database (CMDB)
Enhance cybersecurity measures across systems
Automate routine IT infrastructure updates
Oversee software licensing for various platforms
Establish links between IT infrastructure components and application services
Answer:
A, EExplanation:
Service Mapping in ServiceNow has two primary capabilities:
A. Create a service-centric Configuration Management Database (CMDB): Service Mapping helps shift the focus of the CMDB from individual components to a service-centric view. It achieves this by mapping the relationships between infrastructure components and the services they support, providing a clear understanding of how IT supports business services.
E. Establish links between IT infrastructure components and application services: This is the core function of Service Mapping. It automatically discovers and maps the dependencies between applications, infrastructure (servers, databases, network devices), and the services they deliver. This creates a visual representation of the IT landscape and how it supports business services.
Why not the other options?
B: While Service Mapping can indirectly contribute to cybersecurity by providing visibility into the IT environment, enhancing cybersecurity measures is not its primary function.
C: Automating routine IT infrastructure updates is typically handled by other ServiceNow capabilities like Orchestration, not Service Mapping.
D: Software licensing management is usually handled by Software Asset Management tools, not Service Mapping.
What is the main focus in the Foundation stage of implementing the CSDM framework?
Options:
Identifying and populating network infrastructure CIs
Preparing accurate business information for reporting
Setting up relationships between technology and business
Working on CMDB tables associated with ITSM
Answer:
CExplanation:
The Foundation stage of the CSDM framework focuses primarily on establishing the core structure of your CMDB. This involves:
Defining the scope:Determine which services and applications will be managed within the CMDB.
Building the foundation data model:Implement the core CSDM classes and their relationships. This includes key classes like Application Service, Business Application, and Technical Service Offering.
Populating foundational data:Start populating the CMDB with basic information about your core services, applications, and the technologies that support them.
Why not the other options?
A:While network infrastructure CIs are important, they are not the primary focus in the Foundation stage. The focus is on the core service and application model.
B:Accurate business information is crucial for reporting, but the Foundation stage prioritizes establishing the structural relationships within the CMDB.
D:Working with ITSM tables is part of the broader CMDB implementation, but the Foundation stage focuses on the core CSDM classes, which extend beyond ITSM.
A system administrator needs to ensure that sensitive customer data in fields is only accessible to specific roles within a ServiceNow instance. Which feature should be utilized?
Options:
PI1 Encryption
Column Level Encryption (CLE)
Cloud Encryption
Full Disk Encryption (FDE)
Answer:
BExplanation:
To control access to sensitive data at the field level, the system administrator should use Column Level Encryption (CLE).
Here's how CLE works:
Field-Level Encryption: CLE allows you to encrypt specific fields within a table, ensuring that only authorized users with the necessary decryption keys can access the data.
Granular Control: You can define different encryption keys for different fields or groups of fields, providing fine-grained control over data access.
Role-Based Access: You can grant access to decryption keys based on user roles, ensuring that only authorized personnel can view sensitive information.
Why not the other options?
A. PI1 Encryption: This is not a standard ServiceNow encryption feature.
C. Cloud Encryption: This is a broader term for encryption solutions provided by cloud providers, not a specific ServiceNow feature.
D. Full Disk Encryption (FDE): This encrypts the entire hard drive, not individual fields within the application.
What components constitute the application layer security within ServiceNow?
Choose 3 answers
Options:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Platform Encryption (PE)
Access Control Lists (ACLs)
Full Disk Encryption (FDE)
IP address access control
Answer:
A, C, EExplanation:
Application layer security in ServiceNow focuses on protecting data and functionality within the ServiceNow application itself. The following components contribute to this:
A. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of authentication (e.g., password, security token, biometric verification) to access the application.
C. Access Control Lists (ACLs): ACLs define which users or roles have permission to access, modify, or delete specific data and functionality within the application.
E. IP address access control: While technically a network layer control, IP address access control is often implemented and managed within the ServiceNow application. It restricts access to the instance based on IP address ranges.
Why not the other options?
B. Platform Encryption (PE): This is a broader encryption solution that protects data at rest across the platform, not specifically at the application layer.
D. Full Disk Encryption (FDE): This encrypts the entire hard drive of the server where the ServiceNow instance is hosted, providing protection at the infrastructure level, not the application layer.
Which type of testing is best suited for scenarios requiring repeated execution of tasks over a long period of time?
Options:
Automated testing
Usability testing
Ad hoc testing
Manual testing
Answer:
AExplanation:
Automated testing is ideal for scenarios involving repetitive tasks over extended periods. Here's why:
Efficiency: Automated tests can execute tasks much faster than humans.
Consistency: Automated tests perform the same steps precisely every time, eliminating human error.
Endurance: Automated tests can run continuously for long durations without fatigue.
Regression Testing: Automated tests are excellent for regression testing, repeatedly checking that existing functionality hasn't been broken by new changes.
Why not the other options?
B. Usability testing: Focuses on user experience and requires human observation.
C. Ad hoc testing: Informal, unplanned testing without specific test cases.
D. Manual testing: Performed by humans, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors for repetitive tasks.
What is the primary purpose of having a go-live plan?
Options:
To facilitate a seamless and smooth transition process.
To record root causes for problems arising out of the transition.
To establish a backup system for data recovery.
To conduct a comprehensive review of all project documents.
Answer:
AExplanation:
The primary purpose of a go-live plan is to facilitate a seamless and smooth transition process when deploying new software or changes to a production environment. It acts as a roadmap for the go-live event, outlining the steps involved, roles and responsibilities, and timelines.
A go-live plan typically includes:
Pre-Go-Live Activities: Data migration, system checks, communication to users.
Go-Live Activities: Deployment steps, rollback procedures, monitoring.
Post-Go-Live Activities: Support procedures, user training, issue resolution.
Why not the other options?
B. To record root causes for problems arising out of the transition: While problem resolution isimportant, it's not the primary purpose of the go-live plan.
C. To establish a backup system for data recovery: Backups are essential, but they are a separate consideration from the go-live plan.
D. To conduct a comprehensive review of all project documents: This review should happen earlier in the project lifecycle.
What benefits does effective testing provide?
Choose 3 answers
Options:
Ensures compliance with industry standards
Conforms to specifications as defined in stories
Enhances overall system performance
Validates new functionality without introducing regressions
Identifies defects early in the development process
Answer:
B, D, EExplanation:
Effective testing provides several key benefits:
B. Conforms to specifications as defined in stories: Testing ensures that the developed software meets the requirements and acceptance criteria outlined in user stories or other requirement documents.
D. Validates new functionality without introducing regressions: Testing verifies that new features or changes work as expected and do not negatively impact existing functionality (regressions).
E. Identifies defects early in the development process: The earlier defects are found, the cheaper and easier they are to fix. Testing helps identify issues early in the development lifecycle.
Why not the other options?
A. Ensures compliance with industry standards: While testing can help with compliance, it's not the primary goal. Compliance often involves specific audits and assessments.
C. Enhances overall system performance: Performance testing is a specific type of testing that focuses on system performance, but it's not a general benefit of all testing.
Which methods can be used to populate the CMDB with data from third-party sources? Choose 2 answers
Options:
Identification and Reconciliation Engine (IRE)
Discovery
IntegrationHub ETL
Service Graph Connectors
Service Mapping
Answer:
C, DExplanation:
The two primary methods for populating the CMDB with data from third-party sources are:
C. IntegrationHub ETL:IntegrationHub ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) allows you to connect to various data sources, extract data, transform it to match the CMDB structure, and load it into the CMDB. This is a very flexible and powerful tool for integrating with a wide range of third-party systems.
D. Service Graph Connectors:Service Graph Connectors are pre-built integrations that connect ServiceNow to specific third-party applications and services. They provide a streamlined way to import data from these sources into the CMDB.
Why not the other options?
A:The I&R engine primarily focuses on identifying and reconciling CIs, not on the initial population of data from external sources.
B:Discovery is used to automatically discover and populate information about devices and applications within your own network, not primarily from third-party sources.
E:Service Mapping focuses on discovering and mapping the relationships between applications and infrastructure components, not on importing data from external sources.