Which type of change is categorized as an emergency change in ITIL best practices?

Emergency changes in ITIL are specifically defined as those alterations that must be implemented immediately to restore service or to address a critical issue affecting the operation of a service. This type of change is necessary when there is an urgent situation that could escalate into a more serious impact on the business if not addressed quickly.

The process for emergency changes is streamlined in comparison to standard changes or normal changes; while they still must follow certain protocols to ensure they are appropriately managed, the emphasis is on rapid implementation to minimize disruption. This distinguishes them from planned changes, which require extensive documentation and usually involve a longer approval process.

By understanding that emergency changes are linked to urgent needs for maintaining service continuity, one can appreciate the importance of having a robust change management process in place, capable of responding to these pressing circumstances effectively.