Difference between Standard, Normal, Emergency Changes in ServiceNow

In the IT service management (ITSM), changes are inevitable. But how they are managed is what makes a significant difference. Whether you're working with ServiceNow or implementing ITIL best practices, it’s essential to understand the distinctions between standard, normal, and emergency changes.

Understanding different change management types is essential for anyone working in IT service management, especially with platforms like ServiceNow. Whether you’re starting out or seeking advanced expertise, this article explains the definitions, workflows, and career benefits of standard, normal, and emergency changes. With Visualpath, world-class ServiceNow online training is available globally, helping professionals excel with real-time projects and 100% placement assistance.

What Are ITIL Changes?

In ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), a change is defined as the addition, modification, or removal of anything that could have an effect on IT services. Changes are necessary to meet business objectives, but they must be executed without causing disruption.

There are three primary types of changes that any IT organization will encounter: standard, normal, and emergency. Each type follows a distinct process and has specific characteristics, and understanding these differences will help you navigate the complexities of IT change management.

What is a Standard Change?

A standard change is a pre-approved, low-risk change performed regularly in IT environments. Such changes follow a set process and have little to no impact on everyday operations. Examples include updating user passwords, applying security patches, or routine maintenance tasks.

• Predictable Outcomes: Standard changes are highly repeatable and have a documented record of success.
• Pre-Approval: They don’t need ad hoc approvals, making them fast and efficient.
• Low Risk: There is minimal likelihood of service disruption.

Visualpath teaches how to automate and manage standard changes using ServiceNow, giving trainees hands-on experience with proven best practices.

What is a Normal Change?

Normal changes are any changes that are neither standard nor emergencies. They involve more risk, complexity, or uncertainty, so they require a formal assessment before approval.

• Assessment Required: Each normal change starts with a request outlining risks and business impact.
• CAB Review: Normal changes often need approval by a Change Advisory Board (CAB) to safeguard services.
• Multi-Step Workflow: These changes may require custom procedures, testing, and stakeholder collaboration.

With Visualpath, working professionals learn to design and oversee normal change workflows through real-time labs and simulated projects designed for ServiceNow mastery.

What is an Emergency Change?

Emergency changes are carried out swiftly in response to urgent needs, such as restoring a failed application or fixing a security breach.

• Rapid Execution: Speed is key; typical approval steps may be bypassed but are documented afterwards.
• Heightened Risk: Because these changes solve critical issues, they are closely reviewed post-implementation.
• Controlled Urgency: Emergency changes always follow an organization’s emergency change protocol to maintain accountability even under pressure.

Visual path’s ServiceNow online courses include realistic emergency change scenarios so learners are prepared for high-pressure situations and confident in critical decision-making.

Why Change Management is Important in ITIL?

Effective change management is critical in ensuring minimal disruption, improved service quality, and enhanced business continuity. By distinguishing between standard, normal, and emergency changes, organizations can better prioritize their resources and streamline the approval processes.

A well-structured change management process helps teams avoid costly downtime, mitigate risks, and stay agile in a fast-moving IT environment.

Why Choose Visualpath?

Visualpath stands out for ServiceNow online training worldwide, with these key advantages:

• In-Online Training Depth: Comprehensive modules covering every aspect of change management types.
• Real-Time Projects & Hands-On Learning: Simulated environments for practical experience.
• 100% Placement Assistance: Dedicated career support, interview preparation, and job placement help.

Visualpath covers every ServiceNow career path, including ITSM, administration, catalog management, automation, and reporting—all with flexible online access.

Related Online Courses from Visualpath

Choose from a wide range of ServiceNow courses available online through Visualpath, such as:

• ServiceNow ITSM: Incident, Change, Problem Management
• Service Catalog & Knowledge Management
• ServiceNow Administration & Development
• Automation including Flow Designer and Orchestration
• Performance Analytics and Reporting

All courses feature hands-on assignments and career-focused teaching to help professionals achieve their goals.

FAQs about Change Management Types

1. What is the main difference between standard and normal changes?
A standard change is pre-approved and low risk, while a normal change requires a formal review and unique approval each time.

2. When is an emergency change needed?
An emergency change is required to quickly resolve critical incidents or prevent service outages that need immediate attention.

3. Who approves normal and emergency changes?
Normal changes are typically reviewed by the Change Advisory Board (CAB), while emergency changes may be approved urgently and reviewed afterward.

4. Can a normal change become standard?
Yes, if it is performed repeatedly with low risk and proven success, a normal change can be reclassified as standard.

5. Why are change management types important for ServiceNow careers?
Knowing change management types helps professionals ensure reliable service delivery and positions them for top ITSM and ServiceNow roles.

Conclusion: Mastering Change Management

Understanding the difference between standard, normal, and emergency changes is crucial for IT professionals who want to excel in change management. By mastering these concepts and implementing them effectively, you’ll contribute to more efficient, stable, and secure IT operations.

Visualpath offers top-notch ServiceNow online training worldwide, helping you gain the skills needed to handle various types of changes with confidence. With hands-on learning, expert instructors, and career support, Visualpath is your gateway to advancing your career in IT service management.

Visualpath is a leading software training institute with over 16 years of experience, offering expert-led online IT courses and hands-on learning worldwide. It provides career-focused programs in ServiceNow, DevOps, Cloud, and more to help professionals master in-demand skills and achieve their placement goals.

Contact Call/WhatsApp: +91-7032290546