Quick Answer
The answer is a standard change. This is correct because in ITIL 4, a standard change is defined as a pre-approved, low-risk change that follows a predefined procedure, such as updating firewall rules according to an established script. The key distinction is that it requires no additional authorization from the Change Advisory Board (CAB) because its risk is well-understood and the procedure has been vetted in advance. On the ITIL 4 Foundation exam, this concept tests your ability to differentiate change types by their authorization path and risk level—a common trap is confusing a standard change with a service request, but remember that a service request is for a predefined service, not a change to an existing service. Another trap is assuming all pre-authorized changes are standard; they must also be low-risk and repeatable. To lock it in, use the mnemonic “SPR” for Standard: Safe, Pre-approved, Repeatable.
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.
An organization has implemented a change to update the firewall rules. The change was pre-authorized and followed a predefined procedure. What type of change is this?
Standard change
A pre-authorized, low-risk change with a defined procedure is a standard change.
Normal change
Why wrong: Normal changes require assessment and authorization, not pre-approved.
Service request
Why wrong: Service requests are not changes; they are pre-defined requests for service.
Emergency change
Why wrong: Emergency changes are for urgent situations and have a separate process.
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
In ITIL 4, a standard change is a pre-approved, low-risk change that follows a defined procedure. Option A is correct. Option B (normal change) requires authorization through the change advisory board. Option C (emergency change) is for urgent issues. Option D (service request) is for routine service requests, not changes.
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
A pre-authorized, low-risk change with a defined procedure is a standard change.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Normal change
Why it's wrong here
Normal changes require assessment and authorization, not pre-approved.
Service request
Why it's wrong here
Service requests are not changes; they are pre-defined requests for service.
Emergency change
Why it's wrong here
Emergency changes are for urgent situations and have a separate process.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Emergency changes are for urgent situations and have a separate process.
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 — In ITIL 4, a standard change is a pre-approved, low-risk change that follows a defined procedure. Option A is correct. Option B (normal change) requires authorization through the change advisory board. Option C (emergency change) is for urgent issues. Option D (service request) is for routine service requests, not changes.
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. Which change type is pre-authorized and follows a defined procedure?
mediumWhy D: Standard changes are pre-authorized and follow a defined, low-risk procedure, such as applying a routine security patch or provisioning a new user account. They do not require additional approval because the risk is well-understood and the implementation steps are documented in a standard operating procedure (SOP). This aligns with ITIL 4's definition of a standard change as a change that is fully documented, low risk, and can be implemented without a formal change advisory board (CAB) meeting.
Variation 2. What type of change is pre-authorized and has a defined procedure?
easyWhy D: Standard changes are pre-approved and follow a defined procedure. Option A is correct. Option B requires authorization via a change advisory board. Option C is for urgent changes. Option D is not a change type.
Variation 3. What type of change is pre-authorized and follows a low-risk, standardized procedure?
easyWhy D: D is correct because a Standard change is pre-authorized by default and follows a low-risk, standardized procedure, such as applying a routine security patch or provisioning a new user account. This aligns with ITIL 4's definition of a Standard change as one that is well-understood, fully documented, and can be implemented without requiring additional approval each time.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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