Quick Answer
The answer is the risk of technology obsolescence of the underlying hardware. This is correct because ITIL 4 defines a key outcome of the service relationship as the transfer of specific risks from the consumer to the provider; when a consumer uses a service, the provider assumes responsibility for managing and updating the infrastructure, thereby removing the consumer’s exposure to hardware becoming outdated. On the ITIL 4 Foundation exam, this concept tests your understanding of the utility and warranty components of service value, and a common trap is confusing costs with risks—remember that costs like staff salaries are not risks, while the burden of maintaining technology is. A useful memory tip is to think of “hardware handoff”: the provider takes the hardware risk so the consumer can focus on their core business.
This ITIL4F practice question tests your understanding of key concepts of itil 4. 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.
In ITIL 4, which of the following is an example of a risk removed from the service consumer by using a service?
Risk of technology obsolescence of the underlying hardware
The provider manages the technology lifecycle, reducing this risk for the consumer.
Risk of regulatory fines for data protection
Why wrong: Compliance risk is often retained by the consumer.
Cost of training staff to use the service
Why wrong: This is a cost, not a risk.
Risk of employee error in operating the service
Why wrong: This risk is retained by the consumer.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Risk of technology obsolescence of the underlying hardware
Option B is correct. The risk of managing IT infrastructure is transferred to the provider. Option A is a risk retained by the consumer. Option C is a risk that may be shared but not removed. Option D is a cost, not a risk.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Risk of technology obsolescence of the underlying hardware
Why this is correct
The provider manages the technology lifecycle, reducing this risk for the consumer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Risk of regulatory fines for data protection
Why it's wrong here
Compliance risk is often retained by the consumer.
Cost of training staff to use the service
Why it's wrong here
This is a cost, not a risk.
Risk of employee error in operating the service
Why it's wrong here
This risk is retained by the consumer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the ITIL4F exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which ITIL4F exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Key Concepts of ITIL 4 — This question tests Key Concepts of ITIL 4 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Risk of technology obsolescence of the underlying hardware — Option B is correct. The risk of managing IT infrastructure is transferred to the provider. Option A is a risk retained by the consumer. Option C is a risk that may be shared but not removed. Option D is a cost, not a risk.
Identify which ITIL4F exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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 TWO of the following are examples of risks that can be removed or reduced by a service provider according to ITIL 4?
hardWhy B: Service providers can remove or reduce risks related to service delivery (e.g., server failure) and security (e.g., data loss). Regulatory compliance is typically the consumer's responsibility, and market competition is not a risk removed by the provider.
Variation 2. Which THREE of the following are examples of risks that can be transferred or removed by using a service?
hardWhy A: By using a service, a consumer transfers certain risks to the provider. Hardware failure (A) and security breach (C) can be transferred if the provider manages infrastructure and security. Compliance risk (D) can also be transferred if the provider ensures compliance. Data loss (B) and user error (E) are often still consumer risks, though some may be mitigated.
Variation 3. Which THREE of the following are typical risks that can be transferred from a service consumer to a service provider when using a cloud-based email service?
hardWhy B: Hardware failure, software licensing, and security breaches are risks transferred. User training and internet connectivity remain the consumer's responsibility.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This ITIL4F practice question is part of Courseiva's free PeopleCert certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the ITIL4F exam.
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