---
title: MCP server approval playbook workflow
description: After you register and manage an MCP server, the AI steward moves it through the onboarding lifecycle before agents can use it.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/intelligent-experiences/aict-mcp-server-approval-playbook-workflow.html
release: australia
topic_type: concept
last_updated: "2026-09-03"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [Working with MCP server records, Discover and manage AI assets, AI Control Tower, Enable AI experiences]
---

# MCP server approval playbook workflow

After you register and manage an MCP server, the AI steward moves it through the onboarding lifecycle before agents can use it.

Role required: sn\_ai\_governance.ai\_steward

This process has two outcomes that unlock different capabilities:

-   Managed: activates AI Gateway functionality.
-   Approved: makes the MCP server available for use in AI Agent Studio. Achieved by completing all phases of the Onboard playbook.