---
sourceDocument: Australia IT Service Management
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/it-service-management

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia IT Service Management

ft:clusterId :

    - itsm

bundleId :

    - itsm

workflow :

    - Technology


---

# Assess a problem task

# Assess a problem task {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Assess a problem task to determine the feasibility of working on the
task.

## Before you begin

Role required: problem_admin, problem_coordinator, problem_manager, problem_task_analyst, or admin

## About this task

Assessing a problem task involves analyzing the scale and extent of the task, as well as its cause and effect.

## Procedure

1. Select Assess.  
   The problem task enters the Assess state. You can confirm whether there's enough information to work on the task or if the task should be canceled.
2. After assessing the task, perform the action based on your option.

   | Option | Action to be taken |
   | When you're ready to work on the task | Select Start Work. ![start state]() The problem task enters the Work in Progress state. |
   | When you're working on the task | Select Re-asses.![re-assess state]() The state of the problem task changes from Work in Progress back to Assess. |
   | When you don't want to work on the task, for example, the problem task is a duplicate or no longer needed | Select Cancel. ![cancel state]() The problem task prompts you to complete the Canceled reason field, and the record moves to the Closed state with the Close code as Canceled. |
   |-|-|

   {#assess-a-problem-task__choicetable_yjt_n3k_wfb}
{#assess-a-problem-task__steps_a1b_j3k_wfb}

## What to do next

Complete the problem task as resolved.