Hi Jonathan,
To filter a reference field in ServiceNow and restrict specific accounts (e.g., inactive users and test accounts), you typically have a few options depending on how the field is set up:
1. Using the "Advanced Reference Qualifier" in the Dictionary
If this is a reference field on a form, you can add a filter by doing the following:
- Navigate to System Definition → Dictionary
- Find the field where you want to apply the filter
- In the Reference Specification section, locate the Reference Qualifier field
- Use an Encoded Query to restrict the results. For example:
active=true^user_nameDOES NOT CONTAIN test
- This filters out inactive users (active=false)
- Excludes accounts where the user_name contains "test"
2. Using a Reference Qualifier Script (Dynamic Filtering)
If you need more complex logic, use Dynamic Filters:
- In the field’s Dictionary entry, set the Reference Qualifier type to Dynamic
- Create a Scripted Reference Qualifier in System Definition → Script Includes
- Example Script Include:
var CustomUserFilter = Class.create();
CustomUserFilter.prototype = {
initialize: function() {},
getUserList: function() {
var users = [];
var gr = new GlideRecord('sys_user');
gr.addQuery('active', true); // Only active users
gr.addQuery('user_name', 'DOES NOT CONTAIN', 'test'); // Exclude test accounts
gr.query();
while (gr.next()) {
users.push(gr.sys_id.toString());
}
return users;
}
};
- In the Reference Qualifier of your field, use:
javascript:CustomUserFilter.getUserList()
3. Showing User ID Beside the Name
If you want the User ID to appear next to the Name in the selection list:
- Go to System UI → Dictionary
- Find the field and modify the "Display Value"
- Change the "Display Field" in sys_user to show user_name + sys_id (or use a Display Business Rule)
Example Display Business Rule:
(function executeRule(current, gForm, gSNC) {
current.name = current.name + " (" + current.user_name + ")";
})(current, gForm, gSNC);
Conclusion
- Use a Reference Qualifier for a basic filter (active=true^user_nameDOES NOT CONTAIN test)
- Use a Scripted Reference Qualifier if you need dynamic conditions
- Modify the Display Field or add a Business Rule if you want User ID beside the name
If this answer was helpful, please like and mark it as useful—this helps me and the community! 🚀
Let me know if you need help implementing it!
