What is the first step in the change management process?

• A. Implementing the change
• B. Identifying a change request
• C. Approving the change
• D. Communicating the change to stakeholders

Answer: (B)

The first step in change management is identifying a change request. This initial step provides the formal trigger for the process by capturing what needs to change, why it’s needed, the expected scope, and who is affected. Once a change request is identified, it can be evaluated for impact, approved, planned, communicated to stakeholders, and finally implemented. If you skip this step, there’s no defined basis for why any change should be considered, analyzed, or acted upon. Implementing, approving, and communicating all come after the change request has been identified.