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What is Automated Test Framework (ATF)?
ATF is a ServiceNow application purpose-built for automating functional testing of ServiceNow applications to ensure they work as expected when changes are introduced. It is available at no extra license cost and is active by default in the platform.
Why should you use ATF?
Without ATF
Manual testing consumes roughly 50% of time and resources on upgrades, and most customers typically spend 1-5 months for major upgrades. Manual tests are hard to manage and coordinate in between. Additionally, manual testing results in inconsistent test results and is error-prone, because no human tester will be able to always perform the same steps precisely the same.
With ATF
With ATF, you can leverage Quick Start Tests and reusable templates. You can automate manual test cases, therefore reducing the upgrade testing burden. ATF tests are reusable in multiple test suites, during upgrades, regression testing, etc. Automated testing helps avoid user errors and increases test transparency and confidence across the organization.
Who can use ATF?
Before starting to create ATF tests, you should have a solid understanding of the Now Platform, so we recommend you have taken the current ServiceNow Administration Fundamentals On Demand Course on Now Learning and have some experience working on and or administrating a ServiceNow instance. It is an added benefit if you have experience developing applications on the Now Platform and are familiar with the process you want to test with ATF, but not required.
While ATF is considered a low-code solution, JavaScript code may come into play when creating your own custom test step configurations.
ATF Users
Test Designer
- Developer or technical quality engineer
- Create + run tests and suites
- View test results
Test Administrator
- Manages the ATF system properties
- Creates new test step configuration
How do I get started with ATF?
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Step 1: Documentation
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Step 2: Training
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Step 3: Guidance & Best Practices |
Step 4: Further Resources
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Step 1: Documentation 
To familiarize yourself with the complete spectrum of Decision Builder features and the newest enhancements in a given release, ServiceNow Docs is the place to go.
Release Highlights
Tokyo
- New in November Store release: ATF Test Generator and Cloud Runner
San Diego
- Use breakpoints to debug an automated test
- Page Inspector shows label path of a component
- New look for Automated Test Framework
- Next Experience as a navigator option
- Automated Test Framework ATF client runner is now supported via Docker for the Microsoft Windows operating system using the Edge browser
Step 2: Training 
Now Learning Training
As recommended above, you should be familiar with administrating on the Now Platform.
ServiceNow Administration Fundamentals On Demand
Next, you can start working on the dedicated ATF path and complete the micro-certification.
Automated Test Framework (ATF) Essentials
Micro-Certification - Automated Test Framework
Knowledge
CreatorCon is a special program of sessions and training that runs every year during our Knowledge (Save the date for K23 in Las Vegas: May 14-18, 2023!). Every year, we get access to new great presentations and courses about our Now Platform Products.
Developer Program
Next, request a Personal Developer Instance (PDI) to practice what you learned.
Automated Test Framework Course
Step 3: Guidance and Best Practices 
Whether you’re a first-time implementer or an experienced developer, if you’re only just starting to use the Workflow Automation products, or are looking to migrate off your legacy tech stack, the following resources will help you understand how to best approach using Decision Builder.
Platform Academy
Recent session:
- March 21st, 2024 - What's new in ATF: Washington DC release
- November 10th, 2022 - ATF Test Generator and Cloud Runner
Previous sessions:
- June 30th, 2021 - ATF – How to leverage for upgrades and SN Use Cases/Best Practices
- July 22nd, 2021 - ATF – Best/Good practices
- August 5th, 2021 - ATF – Quick Start Tests and practical guidance
- September 30th, 2021 - Getting Started with Headless Browser Testing (ATF)
Other academy sessions:
Step 4: Further Resources 
Developer Program
In addition to PDIs and courses, the developer program publishes blogs, podcasts, and videos about our Workflow Automation products.
Blog: ATF Debugging in San Diego and Video: ATF Debugging in San Diego
Video: Creator Toolbox - ATF Custom UI Testing
Video: Creator Toolbox - ATF Creating custom test steps
LCHH: Live Coding Happy hour Headless ATF
Podcast: Break Point - Automated Test Framework in Rome with Daniel Draes
ServiceNow Content
Video: Streamline testing via Automated Test Framework headless browser support (ServiceNow Community)
Video: Getting Started with the Automated Test Framework (ServiceNow Support)
Video: Automated Test Framework | Overview (ServiceNow Support)
Article: Build with Confidence - Automating Testing of Custom Interactive Filters (Author: Adam Stout, Release: Paris)
Community Content
Our greatest asset is YOU. Our ServiceNow community has a wide array of amazing ServiceNow developers, practitioners, admins, and content creators. Thank you!
Crash Course: Automated Test Framework Crash Course | Learn ServiceNow ATF in 2.5 Hours (Author: SAASWITHSERVICENOW | Video publish date: Mar 30, 2023)
Article: Platform: Automated Test Framework (ATF) || Knowledge & Troubleshooting Resource (Author: Maik Skoddow, Release: Tokyo)
