ITIL 4 Foundation Practice Exam

What defines a standard change?

1. A low-risk, pre-authorized change that is well understood and fully documented

2. A high-risk change that requires extensive review

3. A change that is implemented without any documentation

4. A change that must go through multiple levels of approval

The correct answer is: A low-risk, pre-authorized change that is well understood and fully documented

A standard change is defined as a low-risk, pre-authorized change that is well understood and fully documented. This definition is crucial in the context of ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) because it emphasizes the established processes that reduce the risk of disruptions. Standard changes are typically routine changes that have been evaluated and agreed upon; they follow a predefined procedure that allows for quicker implementation while ensuring compliance with policies and standards. The inclusion of "pre-authorized" indicates that these changes do not require further individual approval each time they are executed, which streamlines operational processes. The fact that they are "well understood and fully documented" is also important; it means that these changes have been tested and the expected outcomes are known, reducing the need for extensive risk assessments each time they occur. This clarity and structure allow organizations to apply standard changes efficiently, ensuring continuity of services while minimizing the need for extensive oversight or review processes that would otherwise slow down operations.