Quick Answer
The answer is a standard change. This classification is correct because the ITIL 4 definition of a standard change explicitly describes it as a pre-approved, low-risk alteration that follows a defined, well-documented procedure, requiring no additional authorization before implementation. On the ITIL 4 Foundation exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between the three change types: standard, normal, and emergency. A common trap is confusing a standard change with a normal change, but remember that normal changes require formal authorization from a change authority, while standard changes are already pre-approved. Emergency changes, by contrast, are reserved for urgent issues like security patches and demand expedited authorization. To lock in the definition, use the memory tip: “Standard = Safe, Set, and Scheduled.” This reminds you that standard changes are low risk, follow a set procedure, and are often scheduled for routine tasks like password resets or server reboots.
This ITIL4F practice question tests your understanding of itil management practices. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A change that is low risk, pre-approved, and follows a defined procedure is classified as which type of change?
Standard change
Standard changes are pre-approved and low risk.
Service request
Why wrong: A service request is not a type of change; it is a different practice.
Normal change
Why wrong: Normal changes require assessment and authorization.
Emergency change
Why wrong: Emergency changes are urgent and require fast-track authorization.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Standard change
Standard changes are pre-approved, low risk, and follow a defined procedure. Option A is correct. Normal changes require authorization. Emergency changes are for urgent issues and require urgent authorization.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Standard change
Why this is correct
Standard changes are pre-approved and low risk.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Service request
Why it's wrong here
A service request is not a type of change; it is a different practice.
Normal change
Why it's wrong here
Normal changes require assessment and authorization.
Emergency change
Why it's wrong here
Emergency changes are urgent and require fast-track authorization.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related ITIL4F questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
ITIL Management Practices — This question tests ITIL Management Practices — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Standard change — Standard changes are pre-approved, low risk, and follow a defined procedure. Option A is correct. Normal changes require authorization. Emergency changes are for urgent issues and require urgent authorization.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related ITIL4F questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A change request that is low risk and follows a pre-approved procedure is classified as which type of change?
mediumWhy A: 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.
Variation 2. Which of the following is a type of change that is pre-approved and follows a defined procedure?
easyWhy A: A standard change is pre-approved and follows a defined procedure. Normal changes require authorization from a change authority. Emergency changes are for urgent fixes and have a separate process. Service requests are not changes.
Variation 3. Which type of change follows a pre-defined, low-risk procedure and is pre-approved?
easyWhy C: Standard changes are routine, pre-approved changes that follow a defined procedure and have low risk, such as password resets or adding a user to a group.
Variation 4. Which type of change is pre-approved and follows a defined procedure with minimal risk?
mediumWhy D: A standard change is pre-approved by the change authority and follows a defined, low-risk procedure. It does not require a separate change advisory board (CAB) meeting for each occurrence, as its risk is well-understood and the implementation steps are documented and repeatable.
Variation 5. Which type of change is pre-approved and follows a low-risk, well-defined procedure?
easyWhy C: Standard changes are pre-approved with a defined procedure.
Variation 6. Which type of change is pre-approved and has a defined procedure?
easyWhy A: Standard changes are low-risk, pre-approved, and follow a defined procedure.
Variation 7. Which type of change is typically pre-approved and follows a predefined procedure?
hardWhy D: Standard changes are pre-approved and follow a predefined procedure because they are low-risk, routine, and well-understood. ITIL 4 defines a standard change as one that is implemented through a documented, repeatable process, such as applying a security patch or provisioning a new user account, without requiring additional authorization each time.
Variation 8. Which type of change is typically pre-approved and follows a predefined procedure?
mediumWhy D: Standard changes are low-risk, pre-approved, and have a defined procedure. Normal changes require approval via change advisory board; emergency changes require urgent approval.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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