ITIL 4 Foundation Practice Exam

Which statement is true regarding configuration items (CIs)?

1. They are only software components

2. They include any managed components for IT service delivery

3. They must be physical devices only

4. They are irrelevant to service management

The correct answer is: They include any managed components for IT service delivery

Configuration items (CIs) are critical elements within the ITIL framework, specifically in service management. The correct statement is that CIs include any managed components for IT service delivery. This encompasses a wide range of items, both tangible and intangible, that are essential for delivering IT services. CIs can be hardware, software, documentation, and even services that are managed and controlled in the configuration management system. They represent all the components necessary for delivering and supporting IT services, ensuring that they are accurately tracked, monitored, and maintained throughout their lifecycle. This comprehensive view of CIs supports effective change management, incident management, and service continuity, among other practices. In contrast, the other statements are more restrictive or inaccurate. For instance, stating that CIs are only software components would dismiss the importance of hardware and other elements integral to service delivery. Similarly, asserting that CIs must be physical devices ignores the presence of virtual and intangible components, which are vital in modern IT environments. Lastly, claiming that CIs are irrelevant to service management overlooks their fundamental role in achieving effective service delivery and management practices.