Top 30 Most Common Servicenow Developer Interview Questions You Should Prepare For

Landing a role as a ServiceNow developer requires demonstrating not just your technical skills but also your understanding of the platform's architecture, best practices, and how it's used to solve real-world business problems. Interviewers want to see that you can configure, customize, and extend the platform effectively and efficiently. Preparing for common servicenow developer interview questions is crucial for success. This guide provides a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions covering core concepts, scripting, configuration, and development methodologies. By understanding the intent behind each question and preparing clear, concise answers, you can significantly boost your confidence and performance in your next ServiceNow developer interview. Let's dive into the essential topics that are likely to come up. Mastering these fundamental servicenow developer interview questions will set you apart from other candidates.

What Are ServiceNow Developer Interview Questions?

Servicenow developer interview questions are designed to evaluate a candidate's proficiency with the ServiceNow platform from a technical perspective. These questions cover a wide range of topics, including core platform functionality, data modeling, scripting (Client Scripts, Business Rules, Script Includes), workflow and flow designer, integrations, security (ACLs), development best practices, and experience with common modules like Incident Management, Change Management, and the Service Catalog. They assess your ability to develop, customize, and maintain applications and configurations within the ServiceNow ecosystem. Preparing for servicenow developer interview questions involves reviewing technical concepts, practicing coding examples, and being ready to discuss your experience with specific ServiceNow features and challenges.

Why Do Interviewers Ask ServiceNow Developer Interview Questions?

Interviewers ask servicenow developer interview questions to gauge a candidate's practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities within the ServiceNow environment. They want to ensure you possess the necessary skills to contribute effectively to their team and projects. These questions help identify candidates who understand how to leverage the platform's capabilities, write efficient and secure code, troubleshoot issues, and follow established development standards. Asking about specific scenarios and technical concepts allows interviewers to assess your depth of understanding and how you approach development challenges. Success in answering servicenow developer interview questions demonstrates your readiness for the technical demands of the role.

1. What is ServiceNow? What is it used for?

2. Explain how you would approach a ServiceNow implementation project.

3. How do you handle troubleshooting in ServiceNow?

4. What are the different types of Client Scripts in ServiceNow?

5. What is a Record Producer?

6. What searching technique does ServiceNow use?

7. What is HTML Sanitizer in ServiceNow?

8. Explain Business Service Management (BSM) Map.

9. Difference between Business Rule and Client Script?

10. How do you create a new table in ServiceNow?

11. What is GlideRecord? Provide an example.

12. Explain Update Sets in ServiceNow.

13. What is Scoped Application?

14. Explain Access Control in ServiceNow.

15. What is Impersonation and why is it useful?

16. Explain Data Lookup and Record Matching.

17. What is a Service Catalog?

18. Difference between Scheduled Job and Business Rule?

19. What are Notifications in ServiceNow?

20. Write a Business Rule to set incident priority to ‘High’ if impact is ‘1 - Critical.’

21. How do you write a script to create a new incident record?

22. How do you update the shortdescription field of an incident using sysid?

23. How do you count incidents in a specific state?

24. What is the purpose of CMDB?

25. What is a Script Include?

26. Differences between Script Include and Business Rule?

27. How do you check if a user has a specific role before allowing record updates?

28. What are best practices for writing scripts in ServiceNow?

29. Explain the difference between Client Script and UI Policy.

30. How do you send an email notification when a new incident is created?

31. Preview List

1. What is ServiceNow? What is it used for?

Why you might get asked this:

Tests fundamental understanding of the platform's purpose and core function. It's a basic screening question for servicenow developer interview questions.

How to answer:

Define ServiceNow and its primary use case (ITSM, digital workflows). Mention its cloud-based nature and automation capabilities.

Example answer:

ServiceNow is a cloud platform primarily used for automating and managing enterprise IT Service Management (ITSM) processes. It provides a single system of record to streamline workflows across various departments, such as IT, HR, and Customer Service.

2. Explain how you would approach a ServiceNow implementation project.

Why you might get asked this:

Evaluates understanding of the project lifecycle, requirements gathering, configuration, and deployment in a ServiceNow context.

How to answer:

Outline key phases: planning, requirements gathering, design, development/configuration, testing, deployment, and post-go-live support. Emphasize understanding client needs.

Example answer:

I'd start with discovery and requirements gathering, align configurations with business needs, configure the platform (forms, workflows, integrations), perform rigorous testing (UAT), manage deployment via Update Sets/CICD, and provide ongoing support.

3. How do you handle troubleshooting in ServiceNow?

Why you might get asked this:

Assesses problem-solving skills and familiarity with debugging tools and techniques within the platform. Key for servicenow developer interview questions.

How to answer:

Describe a systematic approach: gather details, check logs (System Logs, Business Rule debug), reproduce the issue, isolate the cause (scripts, ACLs, configurations), and implement/test a solution.

Example answer:

I start by gathering details and reproducing the issue. I check system logs, debug business rules/client scripts, verify ACLs, and inspect configurations. I isolate the root cause—whether code, config, or data—then apply a fix and test thoroughly.

4. What are the different types of Client Scripts in ServiceNow?

Why you might get asked this:

Tests knowledge of client-side scripting capabilities and when to use each type.

How to answer:

List and briefly explain the four main types: OnLoad, OnChange, OnSubmit, and OnCellEdit.

Example answer:

The main types are: OnLoad (runs when a form loads), OnChange (runs when a field value changes), OnSubmit (runs when a form is submitted), and OnCellEdit (runs when a cell in a list is edited).

5. What is a Record Producer?

Why you might get asked this:

Checks understanding of Service Catalog features used for creating records from user requests.

How to answer:

Define it as a Service Catalog item that creates a task-based record (e.g., incident, change) upon submission, mapping catalog variables to table fields.

Example answer:

A Record Producer is a type of catalog item in the Service Catalog. It allows users to create records on any table (like Incident or Problem) directly from the catalog interface, mapping variables to target table fields.

6. What searching technique does ServiceNow use?

Why you might get asked this:

Tests specific technical knowledge about the platform's underlying search technology.

How to answer:

State that ServiceNow uses the Zing search engine for its full-text search capabilities.

Example answer:

ServiceNow uses the Zing search engine. This technology powers the platform's full-text search functionality, allowing users to quickly find records across various tables based on keywords.

7. What is HTML Sanitizer in ServiceNow?

Why you might get asked this:

Assesses awareness of platform security features related to user input.

How to answer:

Explain that it's a feature that cleans HTML markup in text fields to remove potentially malicious code (like JavaScript), enhancing security.

Example answer:

HTML Sanitizer is a security feature that automatically cleans HTML input in fields, removing unwanted or potentially harmful code (like script tags) to prevent cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. It helps maintain data integrity and security.

8. Explain Business Service Management (BSM) Map.

Why you might get asked this:

Tests understanding of how ServiceNow visualizes relationships between IT infrastructure and business services.

How to answer:

Describe it as a graphical representation showing Configuration Items (CIs) that support a business service and their dependencies, helping visualize impact.

Example answer:

The BSM Map is a graphical tool that visualizes the relationships and dependencies between Configuration Items (CIs) and the business services they support. It helps in understanding the impact of CI outages on business processes.

9. Difference between Business Rule and Client Script?

Why you might get asked this:

Fundamental scripting concept comparison. Essential for servicenow developer interview questions.

How to answer:

Highlight the execution location: Business Rules run server-side (database operations), Client Scripts run client-side (browser UI actions). Explain their typical use cases.

Example answer:

Business Rules run on the server when records are queried, inserted, updated, or deleted. Client Scripts run in the user's browser and are used for form manipulation, validation, and enhancing the user interface.

10. How do you create a new table in ServiceNow?

Why you might get asked this:

Tests basic data modeling and configuration skills.

How to answer:

Describe navigating to 'Tables', creating a new record, defining name, label, and optionally extending an existing table.

Example answer:

You navigate to System Definition > Tables, click 'New'. You provide a label, name, and specify if it extends another table (like Task). Then you add columns (fields) as needed and save.

11. What is GlideRecord? Provide an example.

Why you might get asked this:

Core server-side scripting API knowledge. Critical for servicenow developer interview questions.

How to answer:

Define it as the API used to query, insert, update, and delete records. Provide a simple query example.

Example answer:

var gr = new GlideRecord('incident');
gr.addQuery('state', 1); // Active
gr.query();
while (gr.next()) { gs.info(gr.number); }

GlideRecord is the API used in server-side scripts to interact with the database.

12. Explain Update Sets in ServiceNow.

Why you might get asked this:

Evaluates understanding of how customizations are migrated between instances.

How to answer:

Explain they are containers for configuration changes and customizations, allowing movement between development, test, and production instances. Mention what they track.

Example answer:

Update Sets are used to group configuration changes and customizations, enabling them to be moved between ServiceNow instances (e.g., Dev to Test to Prod). They track changes to forms, fields, scripts, and other configurations.

13. What is Scoped Application?

Why you might get asked this:

Tests knowledge of modern application development practices within ServiceNow.

How to answer:

Define it as a custom application with its own private scope, preventing interference with other applications or the global scope, improving modularity and security.

Example answer:

A Scoped Application is an application developed within its own designated private scope. This isolates it from the global scope and other applications, providing better security, manageability, and preventing naming conflicts.

14. Explain Access Control in ServiceNow.

Why you might get asked this:

Assesses understanding of the platform's security framework. Key for servicenow developer interview questions.

How to answer:

Describe Access Control Rules (ACLs) as records that define permissions (read, write, create, delete, execute) for roles and conditions on tables and fields.

Example answer:

Access Controls (ACLs) define what data users can access and modify. They are records that specify permissions based on roles, conditions, and script, applied at the row (record) and column (field) level for specific operations like read or write.

15. What is Impersonation and why is it useful?

Why you might get asked this:

Checks knowledge of administrative testing and debugging features.

How to answer:

Define it as the ability for administrators to assume the identity of another user. Explain its utility for testing permissions, UI, and troubleshooting issues from that user's perspective.

Example answer:

Impersonation allows administrators to temporarily become another user. It's useful for testing functionality, workflows, and user interfaces exactly as that specific user would see them, helping debug access or configuration issues.

16. Explain Data Lookup and Record Matching.

Why you might get asked this:

Tests knowledge of declarative ways to populate field values based on conditions.

How to answer:

Describe them as features allowing automated field value setting based on matching conditions defined in lookup tables, reducing the need for scripting.

Example answer:

These features allow ServiceNow to automatically set field values based on conditions matching records in a lookup table. Data Lookup uses simple matches, while Record Matching can use more complex criteria to populate fields without scripting.

17. What is a Service Catalog?

Why you might get asked this:

Evaluates familiarity with a major end-user facing component of the platform.

How to answer:

Define it as a portal where end users can request predefined services or items, typically triggering automated workflows upon submission.

Example answer:

The Service Catalog provides a user-friendly interface where end users can browse and order IT services and items. Submitting a catalog item request typically initiates a predefined workflow for fulfillment.

18. Difference between Scheduled Job and Business Rule?

Why you might get asked this:

Compares timing and trigger mechanisms of server-side processes.

How to answer:

Explain Scheduled Jobs run automatically at predetermined times/intervals, while Business Rules run in response to database operations (insert, update, delete, query) on records.

Example answer:

Scheduled Jobs execute server-side scripts or processes automatically based on a defined schedule (e.g., daily, hourly). Business Rules execute server-side logic triggered by specific database actions on a record (e.g., before insert, after update).

19. What are Notifications in ServiceNow?

Why you might get asked this:

Checks understanding of the platform's communication features.

How to answer:

Describe them as mechanisms to inform users about events or updates, typically via email, SMS, or push notifications, configured with conditions and templates.

Example answer:

Notifications are configured to send communications (usually emails) to users based on specific events or record changes. They use templates and conditions to determine when, what, and to whom a notification is sent.

20. Write a Business Rule to set incident priority to ‘High’ if impact is ‘1 - Critical.’

Why you might get asked this:

Tests ability to translate a simple requirement into server-side script logic. Practical for servicenow developer interview questions.

How to answer:

Explain it's an after or before update/insert Business Rule. Provide the conditional script.

Example answer:

current.priority = '1'; // '1' is typically High

This would be a Business Rule running 'before' Insert or Update.
Condition: current.impact == '1'
Script:

21. How do you write a script to create a new incident record?

Why you might get asked this:

Tests basic GlideRecord insert operation.

How to answer:

Show how to instantiate GlideRecord, initialize, set mandatory fields, and insert.

Example answer:

var gr = new GlideRecord('incident');
gr.initialize(); // Start a new record
gr.short_description = 'Created via script';
// Set other fields as needed
gr.insert(); // Save the record
gs.info("Incident created: " + gr.number);

22. How do you update the shortdescription field of an incident using sysid?

Why you might get asked this:

Tests GlideRecord update operation using a specific record identifier.

How to answer:

Show how to instantiate GlideRecord, use get(sys_id) to retrieve the record, set the field value, and call update().

Example answer:

var incidentSysId = 'sys_id_here'; // Replace with actual sys_id
var gr = new GlideRecord('incident');
if (gr.get(incidentSysId)) {
  gr.short_description = 'Updated short description';
  gr.update(); // Save changes
  gs.info("Incident " + gr.number + " updated.");
} else {
  gs.info("Incident not found.");
}

23. How do you count incidents in a specific state?

Why you might get asked this:

Tests GlideRecord query and aggregation knowledge.

How to answer:

Show using addQuery and getRowCount.

Example answer:

var stateValue = 1; // Example state value (e.g., Active)
var gr = new GlideRecord('incident');
gr.addQuery('state', stateValue);
gr.query();
var count = gr.getRowCount();
gs.info("Number of incidents in state " + stateValue + ": " + count);

24. What is the purpose of CMDB?

Why you might get asked this:

Evaluates understanding of a core ITSM data component.

How to answer:

Define CMDB as a repository for Configuration Items (CIs) and their relationships, used to understand IT infrastructure, support services, and analyze impact.

Example answer:

The Configuration Management Database (CMDB) is used to store information about Configuration Items (CIs)—IT assets and services—and manage their relationships. Its purpose is to provide visibility into the IT environment to support service management processes and impact analysis.

25. What is a Script Include?

Why you might get asked this:

Tests knowledge of server-side code reusability mechanisms.

How to answer:

Define it as a script record storing server-side JavaScript functions or classes that can be called from other server-side scripts or client scripts (via GlideAjax).

Example answer:

A Script Include is a server-side script that contains reusable functions or classes. It promotes code reusability and can be called from Business Rules, Scheduled Jobs, or even client-side scripts via GlideAjax.

26. Differences between Script Include and Business Rule?

Why you might get asked this:

Compares reusability and trigger mechanisms for server-side code.

How to answer:

Highlight that Script Includes are callable libraries for reusable functions, while Business Rules are event-driven scripts tied to database operations.

Example answer:

A Script Include is a library of reusable server-side code that must be explicitly called. A Business Rule is a script that automatically runs when a database operation occurs on a record, triggered by platform events.

27. How do you check if a user has a specific role before allowing record updates?

Why you might get asked this:

Tests understanding of role-based access control scripting. Common for servicenow developer interview questions.

How to answer:

Explain using an Access Control Rule or checking gs.hasRole() within a Business Rule or script.

Example answer:

You can use an 'Execute' type Access Control Rule on the table/fields with a script checking gs.hasRole('requiredrolename'). Alternatively, check gs.hasRole() within a 'before' update Business Rule.

28. What are best practices for writing scripts in ServiceNow?

Why you might get asked this:

Evaluates understanding of maintainability, performance, and security coding standards.

How to answer:

Mention using Glide APIs correctly, minimizing database calls in loops, commenting code, using meaningful variable names, preferring declarative over scripting where possible, and testing thoroughly.

Example answer:

Use GlideRecord efficiently (avoiding while loops for single gets), prefer addQuery over addEncodedQuery when possible, avoid client-side GlideRecord, use Script Includes for reusable code, comment scripts, and follow naming conventions.

29. Explain the difference between Client Script and UI Policy.

Why you might get asked this:

Compares scripted vs. declarative client-side behavior control.

How to answer:

Explain Client Scripts use JavaScript for complex logic/manipulation, while UI Policies use a declarative interface for simpler actions (making fields visible, mandatory, read-only) based on conditions.

Example answer:

Client Scripts use JavaScript for client-side logic and form manipulation, allowing complex interactions. UI Policies provide a non-scripted way to control form field behavior (visibility, mandatory, read-only) based on simple conditions. UI Policies are preferred when they meet the requirement.

30. How do you send an email notification when a new incident is created?

Why you might get asked this:

Tests knowledge of notification configuration.

How to answer:

Describe configuring a Notification record on the Incident table triggered by 'Record inserted' and setting conditions, recipients, and using an email template.

Example answer:

You configure a Notification record on the Incident table. Set the trigger to 'Record inserted'. Define the conditions (e.g., active=true). Specify recipients (users, groups, dot-walking). Use an email template to format the content with incident details.

Other Tips to Prepare for a ServiceNow Developer Interview Questions

Preparing for servicenow developer interview questions involves more than just memorizing answers. It requires a deep understanding of the platform and practical experience. Ensure you can discuss past projects, challenges you faced, and how you solved them using ServiceNow capabilities. Practice writing common script types (Business Rules, Client Scripts, Script Includes) and familiarizing yourself with GlideRecord queries. As tech expert Sarah Johnson says, "Understanding the 'why' behind a platform feature is as crucial as knowing the 'how'." Review the ServiceNow documentation for key concepts and updates. Consider using tools designed to help you practice. The Verve AI Interview Copilot is an excellent resource for simulating interview scenarios and getting feedback on your responses to servicenow developer interview questions. Practice articulating your thought process when approaching a technical problem. Verve AI Interview Copilot can provide a realistic practice environment, helping you refine your answers and build confidence for your servicenow developer interview questions. Remember, "Practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanent," so use resources like Verve AI Interview Copilot (https://vervecopilot.com) to make confident, well-structured answers permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the most important skill for a ServiceNow developer?
A1: Strong scripting skills (JavaScript) coupled with a solid understanding of the ServiceNow platform architecture and data model are essential.

Q2: How can I improve my ServiceNow scripting skills?
A2: Practice regularly in a personal developer instance (PDI), work through use cases, and study the ServiceNow API documentation.

Q3: Should I focus on ITBM, ITSM, or CSM for interviews?
A3: Focus on your experience. ITSM is foundational, but highlight expertise in modules relevant to the job description.

Q4: How do I explain complex customizations?
A4: Describe the business problem, your technical solution (scripts, config), challenges overcome, and the positive impact.

Q5: Are certifications important for ServiceNow developer roles?
A5: Yes, certifications like Certified Application Developer (CAD) or Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS) validate your skills and knowledge.