# Choosing Flexcard data sources and setup properties

*Omnistudio Consultant Study Guide · Flexcards · Last updated October 27, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/omnistudio-consultant/flexcards/choosing-flexcard-data-sources-and-setup-properties*

Which Flexcard data source fits a requirement (SOQL, SOSL, Data Mapper, Integration Procedure, Apex Remote, REST, Custom JSON, autolaunched flow or Streaming API), how field-level security applies to queries, and what the setup and data source properties such as Refresh Interval, Delay, Data Node and public attributes actually do.

- Certification: Salesforce Omnistudio Consultant
- Exam section: Flexcards
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/omnistudio-consultant

**Official exam objective:**

> Recommend the selection of the most efficient data source method for a FlexCard based on performance requirements and data complexity - be able to explain the functionality of the Flexcard setup properties.

## What the exam expects

- Recommend the data source type that fits the data's origin and complexity: SOQL Query, SOSL Search, Data Mapper, Integration Procedure, Apex Remote, REST, Custom JSON, autolaunched flow or Streaming API.
- Explain why one Integration Procedure on the parent card beats many sources, and when to add useContinuation for a slow external call.
- Explain how field-level security applies to SOQL and SOSL sources.
- Pick the data source property a requirement needs (Reverse Order, Fetch Timeout, Refresh Interval, Delay, Test Parameters, Result JSON Path).
- Explain the setup properties that move data: Data Node on child Flexcards, public attributes and session variables.

Key terms: **data source** (where a card gets its JSON), **Data Node** (parent data passed to a child card in place of its own source), **public attribute** (a card property a page builder sets), **EnableQueryWithFLS** (the setting that hides fields a user can't view).

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Integration Procedure source | Several actions in one server call | [Data source setup](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_configure_a_data_source_on_a_flexcard_35864.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| SOSL Search | Text, email and phone fields of several objects in one query | [Data source setup](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_configure_a_data_source_on_a_flexcard_35864.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| EnableQueryWithFLS | Hides unviewable fields on SOQL and SOSL sources; Help says default from the week of February 2, 2026 | [Data source setup](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_configure_a_data_source_on_a_flexcard_35864.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Streaming API source | Managed package designer only | [Data source setup](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_configure_a_data_source_on_a_flexcard_35864.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Autolaunched Flow source | Standard designers; Enhanced Runtime Performance on; active version | [Data source setup](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_configure_a_data_source_on_a_flexcard_35864.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Slow external call | useContinuation = true in the options map | [Data source setup](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_configure_a_data_source_on_a_flexcard_35864.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Refresh Interval(ms) | Card and children reload if records changed | [Data source properties](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_flexcards_data_source_properties_36016.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Delay(ms) | Unbundles the call and sets its priority | [Data source properties](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_flexcards_data_source_properties_36016.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Child Data Node | Child's own data source ignored | [Embed Flexcard](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_embed_flexcard_inside_another_flexcard_29030.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Card custom permissions | Visibility only; blank means all users see the card | [Flexcard settings](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_set_up_a_flexcard_in_the_flexcard_designer_37646.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |

## Check yourself

- Why does Help favour an Integration Procedure over several data sources on one card?
- When should a consultant pick SOSL Search over SOQL Query on a Standard Runtime card?
- When does a Streaming API source not fit a Flexcard?
- What happens at each Refresh Interval(ms) when records changed on a Standard Runtime card?
- Why must a public attribute use the lightningCommunity__Default target?

## Sources

- [Set Up a Data Source on a Flexcard](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_configure_a_data_source_on_a_flexcard_35864.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Flexcards Data Source Common Properties](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_flexcards_data_source_properties_36016.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Configure Flexcard Settings](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_set_up_a_flexcard_in_the_flexcard_designer_37646.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Configure Your Flexcard](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/omnistudio-flexcard-fundamentals/configure-your-flexcard)
- [Test and Activate Flexcards](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/omnistudio-flexcard-fundamentals/test-and-activate-flexcards)
- [Embed Flexcard in a Flexcard](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_embed_flexcard_inside_another_flexcard_29030.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Flexcards Context Variables](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_flexcards_context_variables_42922.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Test Data Source Settings on a Flexcard](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=sf.os_test_data_source_settings_on_a_flexcard_37522.htm&language=en_US&type=5)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 10 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Omnistudio Consultant pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams