ITIL4F ITIL Guiding Principles Practice Question
A change with a low risk and pre-approved process that follows a defined procedure is classified as which type of change?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse a standard change with a service request, because both are low-risk and pre-defined, but a service request is for standard services (like password resets) while a standard change is specifically for changes to IT infrastructure or services that follow a pre-approved procedure.
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 defined in ITIL 4 as a change that is low risk, pre-authorized, and follows a defined procedure or work instruction. This classification allows for faster, repeatable changes without requiring additional approval each time, as the risk and process are already understood and documented.
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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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 requesting access to an application or a standard hardware item. Unlike a change, it does not involve modifying an existing service or product configuration item, nor does it inherently carry risk that requires change authorization. These are pre-defined, repeatable actions fulfilled through Service Request Management, not Change Enablement.
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Standard change
Why this is correct
A standard change is a low-risk, pre-authorized change that is fully documented and follows a well-understood procedure. These changes are typically frequent and have a proven track record of success, allowing them to be implemented without requiring additional authorization each time. Their pre-approval significantly streamlines the change process, making them ideal for routine operational activities.
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Emergency change
Why it's wrong here
An emergency change is implemented to resolve an incident or implement a critical security fix with extreme urgency, often to restore service or prevent significant business impact. These changes typically bypass normal assessment and authorization processes due to their critical nature, focusing on speed rather than extensive pre-approval. While they carry high inherent risk, their process is designed for rapid deployment, not for low-risk, pre-approved routine activities.
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Normal change
Why it's wrong here
A normal change is any change that is not standard or emergency, requiring a full assessment and authorization process before implementation. These changes typically involve new services, significant modifications, or complex deployments that carry varying levels of risk and impact. Each normal change must be individually evaluated and approved by a designated change authority, ensuring appropriate governance and risk management.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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