ITIL4F ITIL Management Practices Practice Question
Which change type is pre-authorized and follows a defined procedure?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse 'pre-authorized' with 'no change record needed'—standard changes still require a change record for tracking, but they skip the approval step because the procedure is already approved.
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
✓
Standard change
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.
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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Emergency change
Why it's wrong here
Emergency changes are implemented to resolve critical incidents or apply urgent security fixes, bypassing standard assessment for speed. They require rapid, often out-of-band, authorization due to their immediate impact and high urgency, rather than being pre-approved through a defined, routine process. This makes them distinct from changes that are pre-authorized and follow a standard procedure.
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Service change
Why it's wrong here
The term 'Service change' is not one of the three distinct change types defined within the ITIL 4 framework for managing changes to services or products. ITIL 4 categorizes changes as Standard, Normal, or Emergency, each with specific authorization and process requirements. Therefore, this option does not represent a recognized ITIL change classification.
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Normal change
Why it's wrong here
Normal changes follow a comprehensive, defined process that includes assessment, prioritization, and authorization by a designated change authority, such as a Change Advisory Board (CAB). Unlike pre-authorized changes, each normal change requires individual evaluation of its risks and impact before approval. This structured approach ensures proper governance for significant or non-routine modifications.
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Standard change
Why this is correct
Standard changes are pre-authorized, low-risk changes that are frequently implemented and follow a well-documented, repeatable procedure. Because their risks are understood and managed, they do not require individual assessment and approval each time they are performed. This pre-authorization allows for efficient execution, aligning perfectly with the description of a change that is pre-authorized and follows a defined process.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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