Free Change Request Forms and Templates

By Kate Eby | November 27, 2023

We’ve gathered the best change request form templates for documenting your project’s change requests and approvals. Use a change request template to streamline your project’s change request process. Also, learn how to create a change request form. 

Included on this page, you’ll find an IT change request template, a software change request form template, a basic change request form, and more. Plus, learn how to create a change request form.

Change Request Form Template

Change Request Form Example Template

Download a Sample Change Request Form Template for 

Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF | PowerPoint

Download a Blank Change Request Form Template for

Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF | PowerPoint


If you’re a project manager who needs a change request form that includes a risk analysis, use this template with or without sample data. Stakeholders can use this fillable template to enter change details, change impacts, and risk analysis details. This comprehensive template provides all the information a PM requires to make an educated decision about whether to approve or deny a change request. 


For additional templates to help you manage project changes, check out these free change management templates.

IT Change Request Template

IT Change Request Example Template

Download the Sample IT Change Request Template for Excel
Download the Blank IT Change Request Template for Excel


Use this IT change request template to document detailed information about a major change, including the change advisory board (CAB) or emergency change advisory board’s (ECAB) decision and comments. Documenting the CAB or ECAB’s comments helps you provide transparency about why a change is approved or denied. This tool also functions as a useful reference for future change-related decisions.  


If you need a form for initiating a specific IT project, check out these IT project request forms and templates.

Software Change Request Form Template

Software Change Request Form Template

Download a Software Change Request Form Template for 

Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF


Use this software change request form template to expedite the resolution of a software error or problem. Enter information about the reason for the change and the affected areas. Attach supplemental documentation about the error in the section concerning supporting information. This fillable template is the ideal resource for any future change requests involving project software.

Basic Change Request Form

Basic Change Request Example Form

Download a Sample Basic Change Request Form for 

Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF

Download a Blank Basic Change Request Form for 

Microsoft Word | Adobe PDF


Use this basic project management change request form to help you streamline your change request process. The form includes fillable sections for the change description, change reason, impacts of the change, and proposed action. When a stakeholder or team member wants an adjustment to products, timelines, plans, or processes, they can use this form to request a review and an approval.

How to Create a Change Request Form

Download a change request form template from this page to manage, track, and record your project changes. Use the following step-by-step guide to download, open, and complete the change request form:

  1. Download the change request form template .
     

  2. Open the downloaded template file.
     

    change request template

  3. Enter the Project Name, Requested by, Date, and Request No.
     

    change request project info

  4. Select the Priority level. 
     

    change request priority

  5. Enter the Change Description and details about the Change Reason
     

    change request change info

  6. Enter the Impact of Change for the Scope, Budget, Timeline, and Resources
     

    change request impacts

  7. Select Approved or Denied. Then enter the name of the Approved or Denied by and the Date.
     

    change request approval

Types of Change Requests

The most common terms for the different types of change requests are major, minor, standard, and emergency. It’s not uncommon for a project plan to require changes, and a change request form helps manage those changes. 


Of course, not all changes impact a project in the same way. It’s important to understand the types of change requests, so you are aware of any risk or impact to a project. 


The terminology for different types of change requests can vary. In general, these are the common terms for types of change requests:
 

  • Major: This request is high risk and high impact, and it requires the change advisory board’s approval. It affects a project’s scope, timeline, resources, and budget. A major change request is sometimes called an outside-the-scope change because it has a profound effect on a project. An example of a major change request is the need to add a new software feature. 
  • Minor: This request is low risk and low impact. It’s a small adjustment that does not significantly affect a project’s scope, timeline, or budget. A minor change request is sometimes called an inside-the-scope change. An example of a minor change request is the need to extend a task deadline by a few days.
  • Standard: A standard change request is low risk, low impact, and recurring, and it typically follows a standard procedure. Examples include the need to update contact information or replace routine supplies. 
  • Emergency: An emergency change request requires immediate attention due to an unforeseen circumstance that affects the overall progress of a project. An example is the need to resolve a critical system failure as soon as possible.

Elements in Change Requests

The elements in a change request form include the following: Project Name, Requested by, Contact Information, Date, Change Number, Change Name, Change Description, Change Reason, Date Needed, Priority, Impacts, Approval/Rejection, Reviewer Name, Reviewer Signature, and Date of Review


By including these specific elements, you help ensure that all shareholders and project managers have the information they need to make a well-informed decision about the proposed change. For example, the change in question might impact the scope, resources, timeline, and budget of your project.

Change Request-Related Templates

A change request template helps manage the request details and decision for any change throughout a project. Check out these customizable change request templates designed to simplify the process of submitting change requests.

Free Change Management Communication Plan Templates

Use a communication plan template to share all project changes with stakeholders.

Complete Collection of Free Change Order Forms and Templates

Use a change order template to request changes to the scope of work outlined in an original project contract.

Free Construction Change Order Forms

If you need a customizable change form for your construction project, use a construction change order form.

Facilitate Changes in Your Projects with Free Change Request Forms and Templates from Smartsheet

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