what is difference between change type and chage model in service now?

ayushup · yesterday

pavani_paluri · yesterday

In ServiceNow, a Change Type defines the category of change (Standard, Normal, Emergency), while a Change Model is a reusable template that pre‑defines the workflow, approvals, and tasks for a specific kind of change request. In short: type = classification, model = blueprint/template

For more details, Please check below:

Solved: Change Types vs. Change Models - ServiceNow Community

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Kind Regards,

Pavani P

tiagomacul · yesterday

This is a fundamental question. In my experience, understanding the difference between Change Type and Change Model is what separates a platform administrator from a true Service Architect.

Think of it this way:

Change Type (The Traditional Path): This is the legacy core of ServiceNow. It’s built around the three classic ITIL buckets: Standard, Normal, and Emergency. While it works, it’s quite rigid. Many organizations get stuck trying to force complex, modern business needs into these three narrow doors.
Change Model (The Strategic Path): This is the evolution. Instead of a 'one-size-fits-all' bucket, a Model is a specific blueprint for a lifecycle. You can design unique states and transitions for specific scenarios—like a 'Cloud Infrastructure Change' or an 'Automated DevOps Deployment'—without being tied to the legacy logic of the three types.

The Architectural Shift:

Feature	Change Type (Concrete)	Change Model (Abstract)
Logic	Driven by rigid, legacy workflows.	Driven by flexible state transitions.
Focus	Solving a specific 'concrete' form.	Designing a reproducible 'abstract' structure.
Value	Basic record keeping.	Value-oriented implementation.

My advice: Don't just look at 'what the tool can do.' Ask yourself: 'What structure of management do we want to sustain?' ⁷⁷ If you are starting a new journey or a re-implementation, focus on Change Models. It allows you to tailor the platform to your company's unique context rather than just digitizing old, manual processes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe0BBgYrR2c&t=830s

https://youtu.be/UV_Tac-AVDw

As we say in the Now Create methodology, always aim to simplify and optimize before you automate. If you want to dive deeper into this 'Consultant Mindset,' I’ve put together some practical insights here:

ServiceNow Now Create: Practical Methodology.

Dr Atul G- LNG · yesterday

Hi @ayushup

A very valid question and asked multiple times during workshops as well.

Change type as per ITIL types means which define the nature of change like it can go via full states based on type like normal a full journey, emergency which needs quick so type tell you what is nature of change from state side.

Change model

A newly introduced by SN a few years back which follows fit for use and fit for purpose.

Earlier a change either a application or network need to follow same approval and state irrespective if type but model give a flexibility where a network change can have set of approval which is not required for applications changes or vice versa.

Change model is game changer where it's only even based on ci CI class as well you can create model.

https://youtu.be/UV_Tac-AVDw

This video I created long back which covers a lot about change model.

A model can have any type

Like Application change model can be normal only

Where server reboot can be emergency

So explore more and use it.

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Aditya40 · yesterday

Change Type

Definition:

Change Type defines the risk and approval path of a change. It categorizes a change based on its urgency, impact, and standardization.

Key Points:

Determines the process and workflow a change will follow.

Helps in identifying how a change should be handled in terms of approval and CAB review.

Standard Change Types in ServiceNow:

Change Type Description

Standard Change Pre-approved, low-risk, repeatable change (e.g., software update, password reset).

Normal Change Requires approval and CAB review. Follows normal workflow.

Emergency Change High urgency, critical impact. Can bypass normal approvals to restore service quickly.

Example:

Restarting a server automatically every Monday → Standard Change

Upgrading the database → Normal Change

Production server crashed, immediate fix → Emergency Change

2️⃣ Change Model

Definition:

Change Model defines how a particular type of change is executed in ServiceNow. It is essentially a predefined workflow for a change.

Key Points:

Can be linked to any change type.

Defines steps, approvals, notifications for that change.

Helps standardize changes, especially if many changes follow the same process.

Standard Change Models in ServiceNow:

Change Model Description

ITIL Standard Model For changes that require CAB approval, multiple tasks, or scheduled steps.

Emergency Model For urgent changes, bypassing normal approvals.

Standard Model For routine pre-approved changes with minimal steps.

Example:

Change Type: Normal

Change Model: ITIL Standard Change Model

Steps: Review → CAB Approval → Implement → Test → Close

Change Type: Standard

Change Model: Standard Change Model

Steps: Implement → Close (No approval required)