ITIL4F Four Dimensions of IT Service Management Practice Question
Which of the following is an example of a standard change?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse 'routine' or 'common' activities with 'standard change,' failing to recognize that a standard change must be pre-approved and low-risk, whereas an unplanned repair (like replacing a failed hard drive) is an emergency change, and a large-scale migration or new implementation is a normal change requiring CAB authorization.
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
✓
Applying a routine security patch to a server
A standard change is a pre-approved, low-risk, well-known procedure that follows a defined workflow without requiring additional authorization. Applying a routine security patch to a server fits this definition because it is a common, documented activity with a known risk profile and a pre-established change model, such as a monthly patch cycle governed by an organizational patch management policy.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Implementing a new customer relationship management system
Why it's wrong here
Implementing a new customer relationship management (CRM) system is classified as a normal change, not a standard change. This initiative involves significant planning, resource allocation, and potential impact on business processes and user workflows. It requires a thorough assessment of risks and benefits, followed by formal authorization from the change authority before execution, making it far too complex and non-routine to be pre-approved.
- ✓
Applying a routine security patch to a server
Why this is correct
Applying a routine security patch to a server exemplifies a standard change because it is a low-risk, frequently performed activity with a well-defined and documented procedure. Such changes are typically pre-authorized by the change authority, allowing them to be implemented without requiring additional approval each time. This efficiency is possible due to their predictable nature and minimal potential for adverse impact on services.
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Replacing a failed hard drive in a critical database server
Why it's wrong here
Replacing a failed hard drive in a critical database server is generally considered an emergency change, not a standard change. This action is typically reactive, triggered by an incident that severely impacts or threatens critical service availability. Due to the urgent need to restore service and mitigate business impact, it bypasses the normal change authorization process, requiring expedited approval to address the immediate crisis.
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Migrating the company's email system to a new platform
Why it's wrong here
Migrating the company's email system to a new platform constitutes a major normal change, not a standard change. This complex undertaking affects all users and involves extensive planning, rigorous testing, data migration, and comprehensive communication strategies. Its significant scope, high potential impact, and resource demands necessitate a full change assessment and formal authorization from the change authority, distinguishing it from routine, pre-approved tasks.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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