If you miss any content, please leave it as a comment and I will add it to this article.
| Table of Contents |
My library Knowledge Sources To Go is very popular, but it was intended mainly as a thematically grouped guide to standard sources and was provided by me as a PDF file. For certain topics, however, there is so much content that I can no longer include it in that document, as it cannot continue to grow forever.
For this reason, I have decided to handle such topics in individual community articles like this one instead.
What is the Automated Test Framework?
ServiceNow's Automated Test Framework (ATF) is a built-in tool designed to automate testing of configurations, customizations, and workflows within the ServiceNow platform. It provides an environment for creating, executing, and managing automated tests directly in ServiceNow, allowing users to simulate user actions, interactions with forms, and workflow processes. ATF helps validate that the platform functions correctly after updates or changes, reducing the need for manual testing through reusable test components and data-driven test cases. The framework adapts to user interface changes without breaking tests, includes scheduling capabilities for running tests at frequent intervals, and provides detailed reporting to identify and address issues promptly. While ATF excels at functional testing of business logic and regression testing, it should not be used in production environments or for performance testing. This free tool uses the same development language as ServiceNow, making it accessible to developers already familiar with the platform.
Entry point to the official product information pages
Entry point to the official product documentation
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
When and how should I use Automated Test Framework?
Trainings & Courses
Automated Test Framework Essentials
This learning path is designed for ServiceNow system administrators, upgrade specialists, application developers, and test administrators and enables you to create and run automated tests to confirm that your instance works after making a change.
Using the Automated Test Framework
In this module, you will use the Automated Test Framework to create and run tests and test suites. You will also interpret the results of the tests.
Articles & Blog Posts
2019-03-02 by ServiceNow Support
How to use the Client Error Inclusion list in the Automated Test Framework (KB0725054)
Newer releases of the ATF include a feature in which certain, known client-side errors can be ignored, allowing the ATF test to advance beyond a step in which such an error is encountered.
2020-01-29 by Brian Bouchard
Valdating List Columns using ATF
As part of our standard process, we try to ensure there is an ATF test for all requested configuration changes/updates to the platform to help ensure smooth transitions between patches, updates, etc... I was recently asked to make a change to the default list view of one of our custom tables. When it came time to write the test for this change, I couldn't find a good way to verify the columns I expected to be in the list were actually there. After a little bit of digging, I came up with the following simple solution I thought worth sharing...
2020-05-29 by Ankur Bawiskar
Many times there would be a use-case to test whether specific choices are available for a field and this you need to verify using ATF.
2020-07-10 by Jochen Geist
Reduce your Automated Testing maintenance with ATF Custom Steps
The more Test Cases exists in your instance, the bigger the maintenance impact of these changes becomes. In this post, we want to look into how a Custom Step could improve the situation.
2020-08-20 by @Ashley Snyder
Automated Test Framework: Testing Errors, Info Messages, and Field Messages
There's not a lot of information out there regarding how to test messages that appear to users in ATF so I decided to write an article on what I've found.
2020-09-07 by Ben Knight
ATF: Selecting a Random Record
When working with the Automated Test Framework, it is often the case that you want to work with existing data from a clone of production by you do not know the exact records that will match what you need. ServiceNow even recommends this as best practice in their ATF Fundamentals on demand training. My problem with this is they expect you to write a script any time you need to select a randomised record. Instead of this I believe there should be a test step enabling randomized selections, and as it doesn't exist out of the box I have made one.
2020-10-21 by Adam Stout
Build with Confidence - Automating Testing of Custom Interactive Filters
In this post, I’m going to walk through the basic steps needed to test a Custom Interactive Filter in the Automated Test Framework.
2020-11-16 by @Dan Spada
Automated Test Framework (ATF) - Test Strategy considerations for your organization
If I can write automated tests, this will negate the manual effort required to test as part of an upgrade. However, it’s not quite as clear-cut as that, and this blog will go on to explain the influencing factors that you should consider as part of coming up with your ATF Strategy.
2021-07-09 by @Daniel Draes
How to test integrations (spokes) with ATF
ATF cannot test Flows, Subflows or Actions directly. But… there are solutions to this … I want to highlight one options for you in this blog article.
2021-12-08 by @Brian Lancaster
[How To] ATF Server Side Script Step for Change Risk Assessment
I asked a question on the community which eventually got to support case. I decided to put my resolution here and how I configured the test step.
2022-02-28 by @DineshS
Building ATF tests for outbound REST APIs
Being new to ATF myself, I was able to get the inbound ReST integrations configured on ATF. It wasn't hard given the tutorials and docs. However, I couldn't find anything on how to use ATF for outbound integrations.
2022-03-08 by Maik Skoddow
JUnit-like tests for Script Includes
This article describes an approach to define and execute so-called developer tests quickly and easily, even in larger numbers.
2022-05-29 by @Giles Lewis
Often, when we are planning our testing strategy, we will use a tool such as Excel to design our tests. In this simple example, the Test Matrix is a spreadsheet, and we wish to repeat the same test for each row in the sheet.
2022-11-15 by @Lisa Holenstein
Getting Started with Automated Test Framework
Often, when we are planning our testing strategy, we will use a tool such as Excel to design our tests. In this simple example, the Test Matrix is a spreadsheet, and we wish to repeat the same test for each row in the sheet.
2023-10-04 by @Chuck Tomasi
Building with ATF up front with Harshdeep Garg and Raghuveer Moorthy
There's a lot to consider when you first start building an app or configuring a process on the platform, not least of which is how you are going to test those changes. In this episode, we have two returning guests to help us understand how to navigate those thoughts.
2024-02-22 by SN-Nerd
Exploring ATF Support for Configurable Workspaces in Washington DC Release
In this article, you will learn how ATF support for configurable workspace support stacks up, and how I used my automated testing tool Regress to validate this in patch 0.
2024-02-22 by @Earl Duque
Performance Profiling has arrived to Automated Test Framework in the Washington DC Release
Hey everyone! Here to highlight one of the new features in the Washington DC release (which just went into General Availability this week) and it's Performance Testing within the Automated Test Framework, so it's platform wide and available to all upon upgrading to the new release!
Videos & Podcasts
2020-05-20, by ServiceNow Now Community
Community MVP Paul Morris - Automated testing and the role of community as a guide
Join Community MVP Paul Morris as he shares his journey with Automated Testing on the ServiceNow Platform and the role of Community in leading him down that path.
2020-07-01, by ServiceNow Now Community
Automated Testing of Dashboards sounds great, but how do I get started? In today's Performance Analytics & Reporting Office Hours, we discuss the ServiceNow Automated Test Framework and test a Custom Interactive Filter with ATF.
2021-07-01, by ServiceNow Now Community
How to leverage for upgrades and SN Use Cases Best Practices
This week's session will be an Introduction into Automated Test Framework (ATF), what, when, and why to use it and some initial guidance.
2021-07-06, by ServiceNow Dev Program
On this episode, join Brad. Chuck, and guest Daniel Draes as they dive in to ATF and create some custom test steps.
2021-07-13, by ServiceNow Dev Program
On this episode, join Brad Tilton and Lisa Holenstein as they dive into ATF and use the Page Inspector to create some custom UI tests.
2021-07-26, by ServiceNow Now Community
This week's session is a deep dive on Automated Test Framework (ATF) good and best practices.
2021-07-29, by ServiceNow Dev Program
2021-08-09, by ServiceNow Now Community
Quick Start Tests and practical guidance
This week's session will be an Introduction into Quick Start Tests. What are they, how to use them and how they jump start your use of automated testing.
2021-08-18, by Chuck Tomasi
Breakpoint: Automated Test Framework in Rome
Automated Test Framework is your key to reducing the time it takes to do major upgrades and deployments. But what do you REALLY know about ATF? I’ve got Daniel Draes to help.
2021-08-05 by GlideFast Consulting
Introduction to Automated Testing Framework
In this ServiceNow Tutorial, Jessie Lissenden gives an introduction to Automated Testing Framework (ATF) in ServiceNow.
2021-10-08, by ServiceNow Now Community
Getting Started with Headless Browser Testing
This week's session was all about getting started with ATF Headless browser testing.
2021-10-21 by ServiceNow Support
Streamline testing via Automated Test Framework headless browser support
Headless browser support for ATF can improve the reliability and autonomy of your test suites and simplify the effort involved in executing tests.
2021-12-21 by ServiceNow Support
Getting Started with the Automated Test Framework
Series of small videos to introduce the main aspects of the Automated Test Framework.
2022-03-15 by ServiceNow Dev Program
Join us as we check out the new debugging features in ATF. We'll explore breakpoints and pause before rollback to make creating and debugging your ATF tests even easier than ever!
2022-11-15 by ServiceNow Community
ATF Test Generator and Cloud Runner
In this session, you'll learn more about two brand-new features for Automated Test Framework (ATF), now available on the ServiceNow Store. Product Manager Dinesh Kakumani will lead us through ATF Test Generator and Cloud Runner.
2023-02-23 by @The SN Nerd
How to build regression tests quickly and cheaply for ServiceNow
With another major upgrade around the corner (it isn’t always there), it is time to get ready to roll out the latest new features ServiceNow offers. To minimise disruption to end users, we need to test the system after upgrading it in a sub-production environment to mitigate any risk of upgrading the production environment. Your boss might ask you to “run your regression tests”, – but what are they and why do you need them?
2023-03-30 by SAASWITHSERVICENOW
ServiceNow Automated Test Framework Crash Course | Learn ServiceNow ATF in 2.5 Hours
Welcome to ServiceNow Automated Test Framework Crash Course. After this course, you will be able to create tests in ATF and perform automated testing for various applications in ServiceNow Platform.
2024-04-04 by ServiceNow Community
Getting started with Automated Test Framework
Initial episode to a series of dedicated to demystifying the Automated Test Framework (ATF) and empowering ServiceNow Platform owners, testers and developers with advanced testing strategies.
2024-04-05 by ServiceNow Community
Best Practices guide for ATF Test Generator & Cloud Runner
In this episode, we explore best practices and strategies for leveraging ATF's Test Generator & Cloud runner to enhance test generation efficiency and streamline test execution. We talked about practices such as query-based filtering, pre-modification of test suite and so on. We also talked about how regularly updating your Test Generator and Cloud runner from ServiceNow store can help resolve some issues you might be facing.
2024-04-09 by ServiceNow Community
Working with Test suites in ATF
In this episode, we delve into the essential aspect of test organization via working with test suites in the Automated Test Framework (ATF). In this episode, we'll guide you through the best practices and strategies for structuring and managing test suites effectively.
2024-04-09 by ServiceNow Community
Creating and Scheduling Test in ATF
In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of creating and scheduling tests using the Automated Test Framework (ATF). Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your testing capabilities or a seasoned tester aiming to streamline your testing process, this episode is tailored to help you master ATF's test creation and scheduling features.
2024-05-17 by ServiceNow Community
Working with Parameterized tests
In this episode, we explore the power of parameterized tests and test results management within the Automated Test Framework (ATF). Whether you're seeking to enhance test flexibility, optimize test coverage, or improve result analysis, this episode is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to leverage ATF's advanced testing capabilities.
2025-04-02 by ServiceNow Dev Program
Speed Up Your ATF Tests with Now Assist for Test Creation!
Are you tired of manually creating ATF tests? Meet Now Assist for Test Creation, the AI-powered feature that transforms natural language prompts into fully automated test cases. In this episode of Creator Toolbox, host Earl Duque is joined by Oluyinka Oginni (Outbound PM), Ravi Mantrala (Inbound PM for ATF), and Lucas Hsu(Engineering Manager for ATF) to break down everything you need to know about this game-changing tool.
2025-04-02 by ServiceNow Dev Program
Boost Your ATF Testing with Reusable Tests in ServiceNow Yokohama!
ServiceNow developers, get ready for a game-changer in the Yokohama release! One of the most requested Automated Test Framework (ATF) features—Reusable Tests—is finally here. This new capability allows you to modularize and reuse test components across multiple test cases, making your testing process more efficient, easier to maintain, and more consistent.
Troubleshooting
Known Error Portal
Pre-configured filter for the respective topic. Remove the query string or modify the filters on the left side if you want to narrow down the search results in a different way.
Selected Articles
How to increase the default timeout duration for ATF tests (KB0695425)
Automated Test Framework (ATF) tests do not rollback the records which have been created / deleted /... (KB0714767)
When opening and ordering pages, forms, record producers in Service Portal through ATF steps, the er... (KB0716457)
How to use the Client Error Inclusion list in the Automated Test Framework (KB0725054 🔒)
ATF tests are overwritten after clone (KB0724947)
Components are not getting retrieved correctly using Custom UI in ATF (KB0755252)
ATF tests can time out if they produce an excessively large volume of result data (e.g. 2MB+ of cons... (KB0789203)
ATF: Rollback can fail due to the sys_rollback_context record being in the wrong state (KB0859738 🔒)
ATF tests get stuck when multiple threads try to acquire lock to update same rollback context record (KB0860847 🔒)
ATF: Incorrect step result status when UI batch times out and then completes successfully (KB0867123 🔒)
ATF Message: The response code is '401 Unauthorized' for 'Send REST Request - Inbound' test step (KB0959056)
