Update Setsin ServiceNow are used tocapture customizations and configurationsmade in an instance, allowing these changes to be moved between instances (e.g., from development to test or production). ServiceNow provides best practices to ensure smooth migration and avoid issues with missing or conflicting updates.
What is an Update Set?
AnUpdate Setis a collection of customizations (e.g., changes to forms, scripts, workflows, business rules) that can be moved from one instance to another.
Ittracks changesin a controlled way, preventing accidental loss of configurations.
Why Avoid Using the Default Update Set?
TheDefault Update Setis automatically used when no other update set is selected.
It captures changesbut should never be used for instance-to-instance migrationsbecause:
Itcannot be exported.
It contains system changes that arenot logically grouped.
It can causeinconsistencies and missing dependencieswhen moving updates.
Instead, administrators shouldcreate a named Update Setfor specific development work.
Understanding Update Sets in ServiceNow:
Why Answer "A" is Correct:✔️"Avoid using the Default Update Set as an Update Set for moving customizations from instance to instance."
This follows ServiceNow’sbest practicesfor managing Update Sets.
Using theDefault Update Setcan lead tomissing updates, conflicts, and untracked changes, making migrations unreliable.
Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect:B. "Before moving customizations from instance to instance with Update Sets, ensure that both instances are different versions."
Incorrectbecause ServiceNowrecommends that instances be on the same versionbefore applying Update Sets.
If instances are ondifferent versions, the Update Set may includeincompatible changes, causing failures.
C. "Use the Baseline Update Set to store the contents of items after they are changed the first time."
Incorrectbecause there is no such thing as a "Baseline Update Set" in ServiceNow.
ServiceNowdoes not automatically create a backup of original configurations—administrators should manually create an Update Set before making changes.
D. "Once an Update Set is closed as 'Complete,' change it back to 'In Progress' until it is applied to another instance."
Incorrectbecausea completed Update Set should not be reopened.
Once markedComplete, an Update Set isready for export and migration. Reopening it can causedata integrity issuesand confusion in version control.
ServiceNow CSA Study Guide – Update Sets & Configuration Management
ServiceNow Docs: Best Practices for Update Sets(ServiceNow Documentation)
ServiceNow Docs: Moving Customizations with Update Sets
References from the Certified System Administrator (CSA) Documentation:
