ITIL 4 Foundation Practice Exam

What typically triggers a standard change?

1. A well-understood process that is fully documented

2. A critical incident that requires immediate action

3. A random decision made by the support team

4. A stakeholder complaint

The correct answer is: A well-understood process that is fully documented

A standard change is typically triggered by a well-understood process that is fully documented. This type of change is predefined, meaning that there is an established procedure that has been assessed for risk and impact. Because it follows a consistent and reproducible approach, organizations can implement standard changes with minimal oversight. In practice, standard changes often involve routine updates or upgrades that have been repeated in the past without causing disruptions. This structured approach allows teams to feel confident in executing these changes quickly and efficiently, as they are based on clear guidelines that have been thoroughly vetted. Other potential triggers, such as critical incidents, random decisions, or stakeholder complaints, do not align with the definition of standard changes. Critical incidents often require urgent actions that may lead to emergency changes rather than the more methodical approach of standard changes. Random decisions lack the documentation and understanding required for standard change, while stakeholder complaints typically involve a more nuanced response rather than a predefined change process.