ITIL 4 Foundation Practice Exam

When speaking about IT services, what is a 'configuration item'?

1. Any software application used in the service

2. Any component that needs to be managed to deliver a service

3. A completed project documentation

4. A financial resource used for service support

The correct answer is: Any component that needs to be managed to deliver a service

A 'configuration item' is defined as any component that needs to be managed in order to deliver a service. This definition encompasses various elements within an IT environment, including hardware, software applications, documentation, and even people, that contribute to the delivery of IT services. Each configuration item is recorded in the configuration management system, facilitating change management, incident management, and overall service quality. By managing configuration items effectively, organizations can ensure that they have a clear understanding of what comprises their IT services, which aids in maintaining service availability and performance. Configuration items play a critical role in the ITIL framework as they help track and maintain the relationships between different components, which is essential for both operational management and strategic IT planning. The other options do not fully capture the broad concept of what a configuration item includes. For instance, while a software application is indeed a configuration item, it does not encompass all the other elements that may be necessary for delivering a service. Similarly, project documentation and financial resources have specific roles but do not represent the whole range of components that could be considered configuration items. This comprehensive understanding is vital for effective IT service management and aligns with ITIL principles.