ServiceNow  CIS-Discovery Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following best describes the role of a MID Server in the ServiceNow Discovery process?

A. It stores discovered configuration items directly in the CMDB
B. It translates XML responses into records for the ServiceNow platform
C. It acts as a secure communication proxy between the ServiceNow instance and target devices
D. It runs scheduled jobs and workflow tasks in the ServiceNow cloud environment

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The MID Server (Management, Instrumentation, and Discovery Server) is a core component of the ServiceNow Discovery architecture. It serves as a bridge between the ServiceNow instance and devices in your enterprise network, especially those behind firewalls or in private data centers.

Why C is correct:
The MID Server allows the ServiceNow cloud instance to execute discovery activities on devices located within a local network without directly exposing those devices to the internet. It initiates probes and sensors that gather data on infrastructure components like servers, routers, switches, databases, and applications. The MID Server then sends the collected data back to the ServiceNow instance for processing and population into the CMDB.

Why other options are incorrect:

• A. The MID Server doesn’t store data in the CMDB; it transmits raw discovery data (via probes/sensors) back to the instance where Identification and Reconciliation Engine (IRE) and data source rules handle the actual updates to the CMDB.

• B. Translating XML responses into database records is part of the sensor logic handled in the ServiceNow instance—not the MID Server’s job.

• D. Scheduled jobs and workflow activities are managed by the ServiceNow platform itself, not by the MID Server.
  
  

Overall, the MID Server is essential for secure, agentless discovery in environments where direct access from the cloud instance is restricted. Its ability to handle network scanning, credentialed access, and protocol-specific communication makes it a foundational piece in distributed and hybrid discovery deployments.

Question 2:

What happens during the Identification phase of the ServiceNow Discovery process?

A. The Discovery Pattern determines which services are running
B. Data from sensors is used to compare against existing CI records to match or create CIs
C. The MID Server attempts SSH or WMI logins to gather device data
D. Probes are launched based on selected discovery schedules

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The Discovery process in ServiceNow follows a lifecycle that includes launching probes, executing sensors, identification, and population of data into the CMDB. Among these, the Identification phase is crucial for determining whether the system has already discovered a particular device—or if it must create a new Configuration Item (CI).

Why B is correct:
During the Identification phase, sensor data (such as IP address, FQDN, serial number, etc.) collected by probes is evaluated using the Identification and Reconciliation Engine (IRE). The system compares this data with existing records in the CMDB based on Identification Rules and CI Class Models (CICMs). If the data matches an existing CI, the system updates it; if not, a new CI is created.

Why other options are incorrect:

• A. Discovery Patterns are used during the exploration phase to detect applications and services, not for identifying CIs.

• C. Protocol-based login attempts (SSH for Linux, WMI for Windows) are part of the probe execution phase, not the Identification phase.

• D. Discovery schedules determine when a Discovery run starts, and launch the MID Server and probes, but this is before identification occurs.

The Identification phase is vital to maintaining CMDB integrity by preventing duplicate entries and ensuring that updates are made to the correct records. It ensures data accuracy, which is foundational for reliable asset management, impact analysis, and change management.

Let me know if you'd like more questions on patterns, sensors, or identification rules!

Question 3:

For the Parse Variable pattern operation, what is required to have two different parsing methods to populate variables?

A. Two different Debug Mode sessions
B. A tabular and a scalar variable
C. Two different steps
D. Two different Define Parsing selections on the same step

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The Parse Variable operation in ServiceNow Discovery Patterns allows pattern authors to extract values from command output or structured response data during a Discovery process. The output can be parsed using methods like Regular Expressions, Delimiters, JSONPath, or XPath to populate Discovery variables.

If you're dealing with command output or API data where multiple pieces of information need to be extracted using different parsing methods, ServiceNow allows you to configure multiple parsing methods within a single Parse Variable step by defining multiple “Define Parsing” configurations. Each of these configurations can use a different technique and extract data into different variables.

Let’s analyze the options:

• A. Two different Debug Mode sessions: Debug Mode is a tool to test Discovery Patterns but has nothing to do with how parsing is configured. The number of Debug Mode sessions has no impact on the parsing methods used.

• B. A tabular and a scalar variable: The type of variable (scalar vs. tabular) refers to the data structure of the output, not to the parsing method used. A scalar variable holds a single value; a tabular variable holds rows and columns. However, this does not dictate parsing logic.

• C. Two different steps: It is not necessary to create two different Parse Variable steps to apply different parsing methods. While this could technically work, it is inefficient and unnecessary. The platform allows you to configure multiple parsing methods within the same step using multiple “Define Parsing” blocks.
  D. Two different Define Parsing selections on the same step: This is correct. In a single Parse Variable step, you can add multiple Define Parsing entries. Each entry can use a different parsing approach (e.g., regex and delimiter-based parsing), and each can target different variables. This allows for more compact and efficient patterns that handle complex or diverse outputs gracefully.

This capability is crucial for real-world discovery where systems may return output in mixed formats or when extracting several unrelated data points from the same output.

Question 4:

Which best describes Discovery schedule of type Configuration Item?

A. Verifies Configuration Item data from the scanned IP ranges against the data in the CMDB
B. Creates only a list of discovered IPs in both IPv4 and IPv6 formats
C. Collects complete information from the scanned IP ranges and sends it to the CMDB
D. Directly populates records in the assets table

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

ServiceNow Discovery helps organizations populate their Configuration Management Database (CMDB) with accurate and up-to-date data about infrastructure and applications. When creating a Discovery Schedule, the administrator selects the type of schedule, which determines the depth and purpose of the scan.

When the schedule is of type Configuration Item (CI), its objective is to collect detailed information about the devices and applications in the specified IP range and store it as CI records in the CMDB. The process involves scanning the network, probing devices, classifying them, and then creating or updating CI records.

Here’s how each option holds up:

• A. Verifies Configuration Item data from the scanned IP ranges against the data in the CMDB: This implies a read-only comparison or validation process, which is misleading. Discovery does more than just verification; it actively populates and updates data.

• B. Creates only a list of discovered IPs in both IPv4 and IPv6 formats: This refers to an IP Range Scan, which is a lightweight scan to identify live IP addresses. It doesn’t gather deep device or application details or populate the CMDB.

• C. Collects complete information from the scanned IP ranges and sends it to the CMDB: This is correct. A CI schedule performs comprehensive Discovery using protocols like SNMP, SSH, WMI, and others to gather hardware specs, installed software, operating system details, and other configuration data. This information is classified and used to populate CMDB records.

• D. Directly populates records in the assets table: This is inaccurate. The Asset table and CMDB are related but serve different purposes. Discovery populates the CMDB with CIs. Asset records may later be created or linked based on CMDB data via reconciliation processes, but Discovery does not directly write to the asset table.

Therefore, the CI Discovery Schedule is the backbone of ServiceNow Discovery operations and is the correct answer when referring to comprehensive infrastructure scanning and CMDB population.

Question 5:

When installing a MID Server on a Windows platform, what permission must be assigned to the service account?

A. Root
B. Domain Admin
C. MID Server User Role
D. Log on as service

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

When setting up a ServiceNow MID Server on a Windows platform, it is essential to run the application under a designated Windows service account. For the MID Server to function properly, this service account must be granted the "Log on as a service" right in the Windows local security policy. This permission allows the system to launch the MID Server as a Windows service, which is critical for its operation. Without this right, the Windows operating system will prevent the service from starting, leading to runtime errors.

Now, let's evaluate each of the options:

• A. Root:
  This is a Unix/Linux-specific user with administrative privileges. It is irrelevant in a Windows environment and thus cannot be applied to the Windows installation of a MID Server.

• B. Domain Admin:
  While this role has broad administrative privileges across an Active Directory domain, assigning it to a MID Server service account violates the principle of least privilege. It is neither required nor recommended for security reasons.

• C. MID Server User Role:
  This is a ServiceNow-specific user role that governs access within the ServiceNow platform itself. It is unrelated to Windows system permissions and would not enable the account to run a Windows service.

• D. Log on as service:
  This is the correct answer. It's a Windows local security setting that grants the necessary privilege for a user account to be used in launching and operating services like the MID Server.

In conclusion, to allow a service account to run the MID Server on Windows, you must explicitly grant it the "Log on as a service" right through Group Policy or Local Security Policy settings.

Question 6:

Which two components are required to perform a Quick Discovery in ServiceNow?

A. MID Server
B. Discovery Schedule
C. PID
D. Target IP

Correct Answers: A and D

Explanation:

Quick Discovery is a simplified, on-demand approach within ServiceNow Discovery that allows administrators to rapidly test the functionality of a MID Server or confirm that basic connectivity exists to a particular target device. It avoids the overhead of setting up full schedules or complex configurations, making it useful for validation or troubleshooting purposes.

The two essential components for Quick Discovery are:

• A. MID Server:
  A functioning MID Server is the bridge between your ServiceNow instance and the internal infrastructure. It executes probes and sensors on behalf of ServiceNow to interact with network devices and systems. Without it, Discovery—Quick or full—cannot occur.

• D. Target IP:
  You must provide the IP address of the system you wish to discover. Quick Discovery uses this IP to send probes and gather essential information like hostname, OS, and open ports. This input is mandatory for directing the probe to the correct target.

Now, let’s consider the incorrect options:

• B. Discovery Schedule:
  While a Discovery Schedule is crucial for automating full discovery processes at set intervals, it is not necessary for Quick Discovery. Quick Discovery runs on-demand and bypasses the scheduling mechanism.

• C. PID (Process ID):
  A PID is sometimes collected during a discovery session to understand running processes, but it is not a prerequisite to launching a Quick Discovery. You do not input a PID to initiate it.

Therefore, the two required inputs for a successful Quick Discovery are a MID Server and a Target IP address. These allow you to immediately initiate communication with a device and collect basic identification data.

Question 7:

To successfully use the Debug feature within the Pattern Designer in ServiceNow, what prerequisite must be met?

A. a proxy server
B. a discoverable CI
C. the admin role
D. Service Mapping installed

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

In ServiceNow, the Pattern Designer provides a visual interface for developing and testing Discovery and Service Mapping patterns. One powerful feature within this interface is Debug mode, which allows pattern developers to test how each step in their pattern executes against a real device or Configuration Item (CI). Debug mode helps confirm whether probes, sensors, and processing steps work as expected in identifying infrastructure elements like servers or applications.

To activate Debug mode, the system must target a specific CI instance. For this reason, the most critical requirement is that a discoverable Configuration Item (CI) is available. The term "discoverable" means that the selected CI must be reachable from a MID Server, have valid credentials set, and be capable of responding to probe requests. Without this live connection, Debug cannot simulate real behavior or validate steps in the pattern because there is no context or environment to run the pattern against.

Let’s now assess the incorrect options:

• A. a proxy server is not inherently required for Debug mode. While some environments may route traffic through a proxy for security or routing purposes, Debug mode doesn’t depend on the presence of a proxy server. It’s not a technical prerequisite in the Pattern Designer.

• C. the admin role is also not essential. Access to Pattern Designer and its debugging tools can be granted through specific roles such as pattern_designer or discovery_admin. Although administrators naturally have broad access, users without admin rights can still use Debug if appropriately permissioned.

• D. Service Mapping installed is not a requirement to use the Pattern Designer’s Debug function. While Service Mapping also uses patterns, the Pattern Designer tool itself exists independently within Discovery. Many patterns are tested and executed solely for infrastructure Discovery, without any Service Mapping feature being enabled.

Ultimately, without a discoverable CI, Debug has no environment to operate in. Therefore, the answer is B, as having a valid CI that can be discovered is the core requirement to initiate and use the Debug functionality effectively.

Question 8:

During Discovery, the system first identifies a Windows Server with the name "WindowsSN1" and serial number "12321". Later, it finds a different server named "WindowsSN2" but with the same serial number "12321". 

What action will ServiceNow take, based solely on the default CI Identifier rules?

A. A Windows Server CI is created, then updated with WindowsSN2 as the name.
B. Two Windows Server CIs are created, with WindowsSN1 AND WindowsSN2 for names.
C. Two Windows Server CIs are created, without serial_number values.
D. A Windows Server CI is created, then updated with WindowsSN1 as the name.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

In ServiceNow Discovery, Configuration Items (CIs) are identified and reconciled using predefined CI Identifiers—a set of attributes used to determine whether a newly discovered resource is an update to an existing CI or a new one. The default identifier set for Windows Servers includes several key fields, such as:

• serial_number

• name

• FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name)

• IP address

Among these, serial_number is a highly reliable and prioritized identifier, particularly for physical devices. In this scenario, the first discovery identifies a server named "WindowsSN1" with serial number "12321". Because no matching record exists at this point, ServiceNow creates a new CI using these attributes.

Later, a second discovery detects another server named "WindowsSN2", but it also reports the same serial number "12321". Since serial_number is used as a primary key in the identifier logic, ServiceNow concludes that this is not a new machine—it must be the same CI already stored, even though the name is different. Therefore, rather than creating a new CI, the platform updates the existing one by changing the name to the new value, WindowsSN2.

Let’s now explore the incorrect choices:

• B. Two Windows Server CIs are created, with WindowsSN1 AND WindowsSN2 for names is false because the shared serial number prevents the creation of a second CI.

• C. Two Windows Server CIs are created, without serial_number values is incorrect because both discovery runs include serial numbers, and those values are essential for CI identification.

• D. A Windows Server CI is created, then updated with WindowsSN1 as the name is inaccurate since the latest discovery result (with "WindowsSN2") overwrites the previous name.

This behavior aligns with how the CI Identification and Reconciliation Engine in ServiceNow ensures data consistency and avoids duplicate CIs. Since the serial number remains constant across both discovery runs, the system maintains one CI record and simply updates its attributes, including the name, resulting in the correct answer: A.

Question 9:

Which of the following are the three most effective ways to extend Discovery in ServiceNow?

A. Orchestration, Classifiers, Discovery Patterns
B. Fingerprinting, Classifiers, Discovery Patterns
C. Orchestration, Classifiers, Probes & Sensors
D. Classifiers, Probes & Sensors, Discovery Patterns
E. Classifiers, Fingerprinting, Probes & Sensors

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Extending Discovery in ServiceNow means enhancing its capability to recognize, classify, and collect data on infrastructure components beyond what is handled by default. The three most important and versatile mechanisms for extending Discovery are:

1. Classifiers – These are responsible for identifying the type of Configuration Item (CI) during the initial stages of Discovery. By customizing or adding classifiers, administrators can ensure that previously unknown or custom devices and applications are correctly identified and brought into the CMDB (Configuration Management Database).

2. Probes & Sensors – Probes are scripts or code snippets that collect data from the target system. Sensors interpret the probe results and map them into structured CMDB entries. Creating or extending probes and sensors allows ServiceNow to gather more specific or complex data than it does out of the box.

3. Discovery Patterns – Patterns are graphical workflows used in pattern-based discovery (especially for software and complex devices). They define how to traverse and map relationships among components. Patterns allow highly customizable and scalable Discovery workflows for environments such as clustered databases, application servers, or cloud services.
   Why the other options are incorrect:

• A. Orchestration, Classifiers, Discovery Patterns: Orchestration is used for automating IT tasks (like restarting services), not directly for extending Discovery functionality.

• B. Fingerprinting, Classifiers, Discovery Patterns: Fingerprinting is useful in OS identification but is less flexible and detailed than Probes & Sensors when it comes to extending Discovery.

• C. Orchestration, Classifiers, Probes & Sensors: Again, Orchestration doesn’t enhance Discovery directly; it’s more about workflow automation post-discovery.

• E. Classifiers, Fingerprinting, Probes & Sensors: This option omits Discovery Patterns, which are crucial for handling complex infrastructures.

Thus, D is the most comprehensive and effective combination.

Question 10:

What is the essential credential needed when configuring SNMP access in ServiceNow Discovery?

A. write community strings
B. usernames
C. read community strings
D. port 135 access

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is widely used for device monitoring and management. In the context of ServiceNow Discovery, SNMP allows ServiceNow to query devices like routers, switches, and printers for configuration and status data.

For SNMP versions 1 and 2c, read community strings act as the key credential that enables ServiceNow to retrieve data from SNMP-enabled devices.

• A read community string is like a password used by SNMP clients to access the data on a managed device in a read-only mode. The default string is often "public", but this should be changed for security reasons.

• Write community strings (A) are used for modifying device configurations, which is not typically required or advised for Discovery purposes.

• Usernames (B) are only relevant to SNMP version 3, which supports more secure communication (including authentication and encryption), but the vast majority of Discovery implementations use SNMP v1 or v2c where usernames are not applicable.

• Port 135 access (D) is entirely unrelated to SNMP. Port 135 is associated with Microsoft RPC services and has no role in SNMP communications, which use UDP ports 161 (for queries) and 162 (for traps).

Therefore, the correct and essential credential needed for SNMP Discovery is the read community string, making C the correct answer.