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Have questions about
the new ITIL?
Explore detailed FAQs covering what’s changed, what stays the same, and how learning and certification work in ITIL (Version 5).
What’s changing in ITIL?
Getting started with new ITIL
Understanding the Official Qualification Scheme
Exams, learning options, and certification information
Moving to new ITIL: your transition options

What’s changing in ITIL?

What’s changing in ITIL?

What is new in ITIL?

ITIL (Version 5) introduces major evolutions that make the framework more practical, flexible, and relevant for everyone working with digital products and services, across roles, teams, and organizations of all sizes.

Key innovations include:

A Modern, Integrated and Comprehensive Approach
ITIL (Version 5) provides guidance that works across the entire organization - from leadership and strategy through to day-to-day operations - helping teams collaborate, align priorities, and consistently create value in both stable and fast-changing environments.

AI-Native and Complexity-Ready
ITIL (Version 5) helps professionals work effectively in complex, AI-enabled environments by providing practical guidance on how to adapt, make informed decisions, and manage change as technology, business needs, and customer expectations evolve.

Integration of Products and Services
ITIL provides end-to-end lifecycle guidance for digital products and services, integrating both for holistic management and value.

Emphasis on Digital Experience
Digital experience is a core focus in ITIL (Version 5), helping professionals design, deliver, and improve digital products and services with greater visibility, better collaboration, and a clear understanding of how different stakeholders experience value.

Continuity with Previous Versions
ITIL (Version 5) incorporates proven concepts and models from ITIL 4 and earlier, including the value system and guiding principles.

Why did ITIL evolve? Why now?

A new version is needed because the digital landscape has changed dramatically. Organizations today must operate faster, smarter, and more flexibly, especially with AI transforming how work gets done.

The new ITIL arrives now to address these realities:

Digital-first, product-centric enterprises require updated guidance.
Previous versions focused mainly on services; modern organizations manage integrated products and services.

AI and automation are reshaping operations.
The new ITIL provides an AI-native approach that helps organizations adapt and innovate confidently.

Businesses need models that support agility and rapid change.
The new ITIL evolves to ensure adaptive, outcome-focused practices aligned with real-world needs.

Organizations must continually demonstrate measurable value.
The new framework strengthens the link between people, practices, and technology to drive sustainable business results.

In short: the new ITIL evolves to match today’s AI-driven, fast-changing environment, providing practical guidance that supports people across all roles and organizations in delivering and improving digital products and services.

Who is ITIL (Version 5) aimed at overall (beyond Foundation)?

Beyond Foundation, ITIL (Version 5) is aimed at professionals who are involved in designing, delivering, managing, and improving digital products and services, and who want to apply ITIL guidance in real-world, complex environments.

It is designed for practitioners working across:

- Product and service management
- IT and digital delivery
- Experience, operations, and improvement
- Strategy, transformation, and leadership roles

ITIL (Version 5) extends beyond traditional IT roles to support teams across the business, recognizing that value creation today happens through collaboration between technology, product, service, and experience-focused functions. It is relevant for professionals at different career stages, from hands-on practitioners to those leading change and transformation initiatives, and for organizations of all sizes operating in digital and AI-enabled environments.

What is the rationale for going back to “version” prior to the number? ITIL v3 > ITIL 4 > ITIL (Version 5)?

We use ITIL (Version 5) in training and certification contexts to clearly signal the evolution of the ITIL framework. Each new version represents a meaningful step forward, building on proven guidance while adapting to how digital products, services, and organizations operate today. This reinforces that ITIL evolves with the profession, rather than being replaced or reset.

What does AI-native mean?

In ITIL (Version 5), AI-native means the framework is designed with AI in mind from the outset. Its practices, value streams, roles, and ways of working are structured so AI can be integrated naturally to automate work, enhance decision-making, predict outcomes, and improve product and service performance.

ITIL (Version 5) remains technology-agnostic, enabling organizations to adopt appropriate AI technologies today and in the future. At the same time, it provides guidance to help organizations govern AI responsibly by applying oversight, accountability, risk management, and trust across AI-enabled products, services, operations, and organizational workflows.

As a result, ITIL (Version 5) supports organizations in adopting and scaling AI responsibly while ensuring AI initiatives align with business objectives, manage risk effectively, comply with relevant regulations, and deliver value.

How does ITIL work with the PRINCE2 and DEVOPS INSTITUTE frameworks and other external frameworks regarding AI governance?

AI governance does not operate in isolation. ITIL works alongside frameworks such as PRINCE2, DEVOPS INSTITUTE, and other governance, project management, and delivery frameworks to help organizations adopt and scale AI responsibly.

These frameworks complement one another by connecting AI governance to real-world activities, including prioritizing and delivering change, managing products and services, and embedding appropriate oversight, accountability, trust, and risk management across AI-enabled products, services, operations, and organizational workflows.

Getting started with new ITIL

Getting started with new ITIL

What is ITIL Foundation (Version 5) and who is it for?

ITIL Foundation (Version 5) provides the building blocks of ITIL (Version 5) and is the first step in the ITIL learning journey.
It is designed as an introduction to ITIL, enabling candidates to view digital product and service management through a complete lifecycle model for the creation, delivery, and continual improvement of digital-enabled products and services in the AI era.

ITIL Foundation (Version 5) is suitable for organizations and professionals who are starting their ITIL journey and looking to create value with digital products and services.

Can I take the ITIL Transformation module after ITIL Foundation?

Yes. There is no prescribed order for taking ITIL (Version 5) modules. After completing ITIL Foundation, you may take ITIL Transformation if it aligns with your role, interests, or career goals.

Understanding the Official Qualification Scheme

Understanding the Official Qualification Scheme

What certifications are available in ITIL (Version 5)?

The ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme begins with ITIL Foundation (Version 5) and continues with higher-level and extension modules.
The diagram below shows how the certifications and designations fit together and how you can progress through the framework.

new-itil-qualification-scheme-1920x800-borderless


The higher-level modules provide three pathways to ITIL designations:

1. ITIL Practice Manager (ITIL PM) 
2. ITIL Managing Professional (ITIL MP) 
3. ITIL Strategic Leader (ITIL SL) 

Successfully completing the required modules within each pathway leads to the respective designation. Achieving all three designations leads to ITIL Master (Version 5), the highest recognition within the ITIL qualification scheme.  

To earn the ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5) designation, you need to complete ITIL Foundation (Version 5), one of the three Practice Manager modules, and ITIL Transformation (Version 5). Each Practice Manager module includes a set of practices: 

 - Monitor, Support and Fulfil (MSF): Service Desk, Incident Management, Problem Management, Service Request Management, Monitoring & Event Management 
 - Plan, Implement and Control (PIC): Change Enablement, Deployment Management, Release Management, Service Configuration Management, IT Asset Management 
 - Collaborate, Assure and Improve (CAI): Relationship Management, Supplier Management, Service Level Management, Continual Improvement, Information Security Management 

To earn the ITIL Managing Professional (ITIL MP) designation, you need ITIL Foundation, plus ITIL Product, ITIL Service, ITIL Experience, and ITIL Transformation. 
To earn the ITIL Strategic Leader (ITIL SL) designation, you need ITIL Foundation, plus ITIL Strategy and ITIL Transformation. 

ITIL Transformation is a core component of every designation within ITIL (Version 5). You only need to complete it once, and it counts across all designations.

ITIL AI Governance is an extension module, reflecting the importance of managing AI responsibly. It is not linked to any of the ITIL designations.

ITIL Master (Version 5) is the highest designation in the ITIL qualification scheme. To earn it, you must achieve the ITIL Practice Manager, ITIL Managing Professional, and ITIL Strategic Leader designations.

Are there any extension modules in ITIL (Version 5)?

ITIL AI Governance (Version 5) is an extension module within the ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme. It helps organizations adopt and scale AI responsibly by building practical capability in oversight, accountability, risk management, and trust.

It is designed for professionals involved in AI initiatives, product management, service management, operations, and organizational governance.

There is no prerequisite required for ITIL AI Governance (Version 5). The certification builds practical capability to apply oversight, accountability, transparency, and ethical guardrails across AI-enabled products, services, operations, and organizational workflows.

The ITIL 4 extension modules are no longer part of the ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme, as their content has been absorbed into the broader ITIL guidance and will be included in future learning offerings, reflecting how the framework has evolved.

ITIL Transformation (Version 5) is a universal module. What does this mean, and will I have to take it twice?

ITIL Transformation (Version 5) is a core module forming part of the ITIL Practice Manager, ITIL Managing Professional, and ITIL Strategic Leader designations. It only needs to be taken once.

Do I have to pass all Practice Manager modules and the Transformation modules to receive the ITIL (Version 5) Practice Manager designation?

No. To earn the ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5) designation, you only need to pass one of the three Practice Manager modules, choosing the one that suits you best, plus the ITIL Transformation (Version 5) module.

Are the single day Practice courses included in the ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme?

No, only the three bundled Practice modules are available in the ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme.

Exams, learning options, and certification information

Exams, learning options, and certification information

What do the exams within the ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme look like?

The ITIL Foundation (Version 5) certification will remain a closed-book, multiple-choice examination.
For the ITIL Product, ITIL Service, ITIL Experience, ITIL Strategy, and ITIL Transformation certifications, examinations are open-book. This approach is intended to support a stronger focus on understanding, applying concepts, and making informed decisions, rather than memorization.

For the three ITIL Practice Manager bundled modules (Version 5), the examination format is also being finalized, with open-book examinations currently planned. Final details will be confirmed in line with the launch of each module.

The ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) examination is open-book. This certification comprises two exams. The first exam will cover content from the ITIL Product, ITIL Service, and ITIL Experience modules, while the second exam will focus on content from the ITIL Transformation module.

The ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5) certification is a closed-book, multiple-choice examination.

In which languages will ITIL (Version 5) be available, and what is the localization schedule?

ITIL (Version 5) is currently available in English. ITIL Foundation (Version 5) and ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5) are now available in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Polish, Italian, and Japanese.

Further localization schedules for other ITIL (Version 5) modules will be confirmed and shared as they are finalized.

Is ITIL (Version 5) training mandatory for candidates or can they self-study?

Training is not mandatory for ITIL Foundation (Version 5) or ITIL AI Governance (Version 5). You can self-study or, for additional guidance on the content and its practical application, take training through an Accredited Training Organization or οfficial eLearning, where available.

For all other ITIL (Version 5) modules, training is required through either an Accredited Training Organization or, as it becomes available for each module, official eLearning.

How are the ITIL Practices accessed and where are they published?

All 34 ITIL practices are available exclusively via PeopleCert Plus membership. In addition, the 15 practices that are part of the ITIL 4 Practice Manager modules are available as accompanying training materials together with the corresponding training courses.

What has changed in the ITIL management practices?

For ITIL (Version 5), the 34 ITIL management practices will remain largely the same, with some adjustments to ensure alignment with new ITIL content.

The 34 ITIL management practices are now organized into two groups:
1. Product and Service management practices
2. General management practices

Will ITIL (Version 5) certificates require renewal?

Yes. ITIL (Version 5) certificates will be issued with a three-year renewal date.

If you hold ITIL 4 certifications, these will also be renewed by taking and passing any ITIL (Version 5) certification, as all ITIL certificates sit within the same product suite.

The renewal routes for ITIL (Version 5) remain consistent with ITIL 4, as well as with our PRINCE2 and DevOps Institute DEVOPS INSTITUTE portfolios.

The available renewal options are:

- Become a PeopleCert Plus member and participate in the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme by logging 20 CPD points per year for three consecutive years, based on everyday professional activities.

- Take another certification from the same product suite. For ITIL (Version 5), the product suite includes all ITIL certifications.

- Retake the same certification.

What is the ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5) module?

The ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5) module is a fast, low-cost way to update Foundation-level knowledge to ITIL (Version 5). It is designed for professionals holding ITIL 4 Foundation (or any ITIL 4 qualification, except Cloud and Sustainability) who require an updated certification without progressing to higher-level modules.

The one-day Bridge course includes an assessment and leads to ITIL Foundation (Version 5) certification and a digital badge. It is an optional route, as ITIL 4 certifications remain valid prerequisites for ITIL (Version 5) higher levels.

How does the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module work, and what’s included?

The ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module is a fast-track, structured learning journey designed for certified ITIL 4 Managing Professionals, ITIL 4 Masters, ITIL v3 Experts, and ITIL v3 Masters. It enables a seamless upgrade to ITIL (Version 5) while building on existing expertise.

The recommended training duration is as little as five days, compared to 8–12 days via the regular route. The module introduces key updates across ITIL Foundation, ITIL Product, ITIL Service, and ITIL Experience, and provides new adoption guidance through ITIL Transformation.

The module includes official training materials and eBooks, along with two required exams.
Exams:
- ITIL Managing Professional Transition – Product, Service, Experience (Version 5)
- ITIL Transformation (Version 5)

You must successfully pass both exams to achieve the ITIL Managing Professional (Version 5) designation.

Each exam includes one attempt. An optional Take2 add-on is available which covers both exams, giving you one resit per exam.
Candidates must successfully pass both exams to achieve the ITIL Managing Professional (Version 5) designation.

Training materials:
- ITIL Product (Version 5) Official eBook
- ITIL Service (Version 5) Official eBook
- ITIL Experience (Version 5) Official eBook
- ITIL Transformation (Version 5) Official eBook
- ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) Official Training Materials

When will ITIL 4 modules be sunsetted?

The current plan is to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on 31 December 2027. Exam voucher validity dates for ITIL 4 will be announced in due course.

When will the ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5) module be sunset?

The final retirement date for the ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5) module is scheduled on 31 December 2027. Exam voucher validity dates for ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5) will be announced in due course.

When will the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module be sunset?

There are currently no plans to sunset or limit the availability of the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module. Learners can continue to use this transition route as part of their ITIL (Version 5) journey.

Is the ITIL AI Governance white paper still available to access?

Yes. The ITIL AI Governance white paper is still available to access and download for free.

How does the AI Unlocked course, which is available via PeopleCert Plus compare to the ITIL AI Governance (Version 5) extension module?

The AI Unlocked course on PeopleCert Plus introduces the concepts presented in the ITIL AI Governance white paper. ITIL AI Governance (Version 5) builds on these foundations by providing practical guidance, models, and approaches to help organizations adopt and scale AI responsibly. It focuses on applying governance through oversight, accountability, transparency, and ethical safeguards across AI use.

Moving to new ITIL: your transition options

Moving to new ITIL: your transition options

I have an ITIL 4 Foundation certification. How should I transition to ITIL (Version 5)?

If you hold an ITIL 4 Foundation certification, you do not need to re-take the new Foundation module in order to progress to higher-level ITIL (Version 5) modules. ITIL (Version 5) represents an evolution rather than a revolution, and ITIL 4 qualifications are fully recognized as prerequisites for all higher-level ITIL (Version 5) certifications.

If you would like a quick and straightforward way to update your knowledge, you may choose to take the ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5). This one-day course focuses on the key changes introduced at Foundation level and includes a short exam. Successful candidates will be awarded the ITIL Foundation (Version 5) certificate.

I have a single ITIL 4 certificate, but no ITIL 4 designation. What is the best way to continue my ITIL journey?

With any ITIL 4 certificate, you already have a strong starting point for progressing into ITIL (Version 5). ITIL 4 certificates are recognized as valid prerequisites for ITIL (Version 5) upper-level certifications.

The best way to continue your journey is to choose an ITIL (Version 5) path that aligns with your career goals and role aspirations. Your ITIL 4 experience is not lost, it provides valuable context that will make learning ITIL (Version 5) easier and help you connect established best practices with the latest guidance in digital product and service management.

I have the ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy certification, what is the best way to achieve the ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5) designation?

For holders of the ITIL 4 Leader: Digital and IT Strategy certification, the recommended path is to take the ITIL Strategy (Version 5) and the ITIL Transformation (Version 5) modules to achieve the ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5) designation.

I have the ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve certification, what is the best way to achieve the ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5) designation?

For holders of the ITIL 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve certification, the recommended path is to take the ITIL Strategy (Version 5) and the ITIL Transformation (Version 5) modules to achieve the ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5) designation.

I am one certificate away from the ITIL 4 Managing Professional designation. What is the best way to continue my ITIL journey?

You have made excellent progress in your ITIL journey. If you are close to achieving the ITIL 4 Managing Professional designation, the recommended path is to complete your final ITIL 4 module and achieve the designation.

Once you have achieved ITIL 4 Managing Professional, you can then take the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module, which enables you to transition your designation to ITIL (Version 5).

This approach allows you to complete what you have already started, recognize the progress you have made, and move smoothly into the new ITIL qualification scheme. ITIL 4 and ITIL (Version 5) will run in parallel for a period to support a smooth transition for professionals and organizations.

I have the ITIL 4 Managing Professional designation. How can I transition to ITIL (Version 5)?

Holders of the ITIL 4 Managing Professional designation can advance to ITIL (Version 5) through the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module.

This transition module is designed to introduce the core foundational concepts of ITIL (Version 5) and then build on them with key guidance from the ITIL Experience, ITIL Product, ITIL Service, and ITIL Transformation areas. It enables experienced professionals to carry their existing knowledge forward while gaining a clear understanding of how ITIL has evolved.

Outcome: Successful completion of this transition module enables ITIL 4 Managing Professionals to upgrade to the ITIL Managing Professional (Version 5) designation, and earn the ITIL Transformation certification.

I have the ITIL 4 Strategic Leader designation. How should I go about transitioning to ITIL (Version 5)?

Holders of the ITIL 4 Strategic Leader designation can upgrade their designation by completing the ITIL Transformation (Version 5) module.

ITIL Transformation (Version 5) is a core module required across designations and also upgrades the ITIL 4 Practice Manager designation to ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5).

If you also hold the ITIL 4 Managing Professional designation, the recommended path is to complete the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module. Your Strategic Leader designation will then be automatically upgraded. This is because the Managing Professional Transition module includes the key ITIL Transformation content required for the upgrade. 

I have the ITIL 4 Practice Manager designation. How should I go about transitioning to ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5)?

Holders of the ITIL 4 Practice Manager designation can upgrade to ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5) by completing the ITIL Transformation (Version 5) module.

ITIL Transformation (Version 5) is a core module required across designations and also upgrades the ITIL 4 Strategic Leader designation to ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5).

If you also hold the ITIL 4 Managing Professional designation, the recommended path is to complete the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module. Your Practice Manager designation will then be automatically upgraded. This is because the Managing Professional Transition module includes the key ITIL Transformation content required for the upgrade. 

I have the ITIL 4 Master designation. How can I transition to ITIL (Version 5)?

Holders of the ITIL 4 Master designation can update their credential to ITIL (Version 5) designations through the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module. This includes the upgrade to ITIL Master (Version 5).

This transition module introduces the core foundational concepts of ITIL (Version 5) and then builds on them with key guidance from the ITIL Experience, ITIL Product, ITIL Service, and ITIL Transformation areas. It allows highly experienced professionals to carry their existing knowledge forward while gaining a clear understanding of how ITIL has evolved.

Outcome: Successful completion of this module enables ITIL 4 Masters to achieve the ITIL Managing Professional (Version 5), ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5), and ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5) designations. As a result, they will also be awarded the ITIL Master (Version 5) designation.

I have an ITIL v3 Foundation certification. How should I go about transitioning to ITIL (Version 5)?

The ITIL v3 Foundation certification is not accepted as a prerequisite for ITIL (Version 5) higher-level certifications.

For those who hold ITIL v3 Foundation, the recommended path is to complete ITIL Foundation (Version 5) training and successfully pass the examination. Compared with ITIL v3, ITIL Foundation (Version 5) introduces a significant amount of new and updated content, reflecting how digital products, services, and organizations operate today.

Completing ITIL Foundation (Version 5) ensures a strong, up-to-date understanding of the latest concepts and prepares professionals to confidently apply ITIL guidance in modern, fast-changing environments.

I have ITIL v3 Intermediate certification(s). What is my route into ITIL (Version 5)?

ITIL v3 Intermediate certifications (such as Service Strategy) are not accepted as prerequisites for ITIL (Version 5) upper-level certifications..

If you have completed one or more ITIL v3 Intermediate certifications, the recommended starting point is ITIL Foundation (Version 5). Compared with ITIL v3, ITIL Foundation (Version 5) introduces a significant amount of new and updated content, reflecting how digital products, services, and organizations operate today..

Completing ITIL Foundation (Version 5) provides a strong, up-to-date foundation and ensures you are well prepared to adopt and apply ITIL (Version 5) effectively in modern, fast-changing business environments.

I have the ITIL v3 Expert designation. How can I transition to ITIL (Version 5)?

Holders of the ITIL v3 Expert designation can advance to ITIL (Version 5) through the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module.

This transition module is designed to introduce the core foundational concepts of ITIL (Version 5) and then build on them with key guidance from the ITIL Experience, ITIL Product, ITIL Service, and ITIL Transformation areas. It allows experienced ITIL professionals to carry their existing knowledge forward while gaining a clear understanding of how ITIL has evolved to support modern, digital, and AI-enabled organizations.

Outcome: Successful completion of this transition module enables ITIL v3 Experts to upgrade to the ITIL Managing Professional (Version 5) designation, and earn the ITIL Transformation (Version 5) certification.

I have the ITIL v3 Master designation. How can I transition to ITIL (Version 5)?

Holders of the ITIL v3 Master designation can update their credential by pursuing the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module.

This module introduces the core foundational concepts of ITIL (Version 5) and builds on them with key guidance from the ITIL Experience, ITIL Product, ITIL Service, and ITIL Transformation areas. It enables experienced ITIL professionals to carry their existing expertise forward while gaining a clear understanding of how ITIL has evolved to support modern, digital, and AI-enabled organizations.

Outcome: Successful completion of this transition module enables ITIL v3 Masters to achieve the ITIL Managing Professional (Version 5) designation, and earn the ITIL Transformation (Version 5) certification.

To achieve the ITIL Master (Version 5) designation, ITIL v3 Master holders must also obtain the ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5) and ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5) designations.