nerdexam
ServiceNow

CSA · Question #131

On a Business Rule, the When setting determines at what point the rule executes. What are the options for specifying that timing?

The correct answer is A. Before, After, Async, Display. This question identifies the four execution timing options for 'When' a Business Rule runs in ServiceNow.

Submitted by yuriko_h· Apr 18, 2026Introduction to Development

Question

On a Business Rule, the When setting determines at what point the rule executes. What are the options for specifying that timing?

Options

  • ABefore, After, Async, Display
  • BPrior to, Synchronous, on Update
  • CInsert, Update, Delete, Query
  • DBefore, Synchronous, Scheduled Job, View

How the community answered

(40 responses)
  • A
    85% (34)
  • B
    5% (2)
  • C
    8% (3)
  • D
    3% (1)

Why each option

This question identifies the four execution timing options for 'When' a Business Rule runs in ServiceNow.

ABefore, After, Async, DisplayCorrect

The 'When' field on a ServiceNow Business Rule specifies the timing of its execution relative to a database operation, with the four primary options being: 'Before' (before the database operation), 'After' (after the database operation), 'Async' (after the database operation, in a separate transaction), and 'Display' (before a record is displayed/loaded on a form).

BPrior to, Synchronous, on Update

These are not the exact, complete set of standard 'When' options; 'Prior to' is similar to 'Before', 'Synchronous' describes execution type, and 'on Update' is an operation, not a timing.

CInsert, Update, Delete, Query

Insert, Update, Delete, and Query are the database operations (actions) that trigger a Business Rule, not the timing ('When') of its execution relative to those operations.

DBefore, Synchronous, Scheduled Job, View

While 'Before' is correct, 'Synchronous' is a characteristic, not a distinct 'When' option, and 'Scheduled Job' and 'View' are not standard 'When' options for Business Rules.

Concept tested: ServiceNow Business Rule execution timing

Source: https://docs.servicenow.com/bundle/utah-now-platform/page/administer/business-rules/concept/c_WhenToRunABusinessRule.html

Topics

#Business Rules#Server-side Scripting#Automation Timing#Platform Configuration

Community Discussion

No community discussion yet for this question.

Full CSA Practice