ITIL4F ITIL Management Practices Practice Question
A change request that is low risk and follows a pre-approved procedure is classified as which type of change?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse a Standard change with a Service request, but ITIL 4 distinguishes them by the fact that a Service request is for something pre-defined and not a change to a service (e.g., 'reset password'), whereas a Standard change is a pre-approved change to a service (e.g., 'apply patch').
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
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Standard change
A Standard change is the correct classification because it is pre-approved, low-risk, and follows a documented, repeatable procedure. ITIL 4 defines a Standard change as one that is fully authorized in advance, requires no additional approval, and is executed through a defined workflow, such as a routine server patch or password reset.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Standard change
Why this is correct
A standard change is a low-risk, pre-authorized change that is well-understood, fully documented, and often implemented as a service request. These changes follow a defined procedure, do not require additional authorization each time they are implemented, and are typically initiated to deliver a new or changed service feature or to resolve a common issue. Their pre-approval streamlines the change process for routine activities, ensuring efficiency while maintaining control and predictability within the service environment.
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Emergency change
Why it's wrong here
An emergency change is specifically designed to address an urgent issue, such as resolving a critical incident or implementing a vital security patch, where immediate action is required to restore service or prevent significant business impact. While they are high-priority, they are not pre-approved in the same manner as standard changes; instead, they undergo an expedited assessment and authorization process, often by an Emergency Change Advisory Board (ECAB), due to their critical nature and potential for high risk. This option is incorrect because the question specifies a change that is "low risk" and "pre-approved," which directly contradicts the characteristics of an emergency change.
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Normal change
Why it's wrong here
A normal change is any change that is not standard or emergency, requiring full assessment, authorization, and scheduling according to the organization's change policy. These changes typically involve new services, significant modifications, or complex infrastructure updates, necessitating a thorough evaluation of risks, benefits, and resource implications by a Change Authority or Change Advisory Board (CAB). The question describes a change that is "pre-approved" and "low risk," which directly contrasts with the comprehensive assessment and individualized approval process inherent to normal changes.
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Service request
Why it's wrong here
A service request is a formal request from a user for something that is part of normal service delivery, such as providing information, access to a service, or a standard IT component. While a service request can sometimes trigger a standard change (e.g., provisioning a new laptop or software installation), the service request itself is a request for a pre-defined offering, not the change management process for modifying a service or IT component. The question specifically asks about a "change request," which is distinct from a user's request for a standard service offering or access.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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