ITIL certification for modern IT professionals
Build ITIL capability from Foundation to advanced practice with online courses that include exams, digital materials and support your career in IT service management.Study options
ITIL certification at a glanceChoose Modelling Business Processes if you need to understand, model and improve how work flows through an organisation. This module can fulfil the practitioner-module requirement within the International Diploma route.
ITIL provides a modern, flexible framework for managing digital and IT services. It helps teams focus on value, improve customer experience, and make service delivery more predictable and efficient.
With Knowledge Train, you can start with ITIL Foundation and then progress to advanced modules that match your role and career goals. Choose from specialist pathways in service operations, stakeholder value, strategy, transformation, product management and digital experience.
05Compare course options BCS InterRecognised framework
Still not sure which course is right for you?
Choose how you learn
ITIL Foundation is available as both instructor-led online training and self-paced e-learning, while advanced modules are delivered as live online courses. Teams can also arrange private ITIL training tailored to their services and schedules.
Instructor-ledBefore you choose a course
Still deciding? Call us on- Live virtual classroom sessions+44 (0)207 148 5985
- Learn with peers and trainer, or
- Fixed dates keep you on trackchat with us online
Self-paced online Which BCS Business Analysis course should I start with?
- Available for ITIL FoundationIf you want a broad introduction to business analysis, start with the BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis. If you already know that you need a specialist capability, you can take Business Analysis Practice, Requirements Engineering or Modelling Business Processes directly because Foundation is not a prerequisite for those modules.
- Study whenever your time allows
- Revisit modules as often as needed
Corporate / Team training
Which Knowledge Train courses count towards the International Diploma?- Run private ITIL courses
- Align content to your servicesKnowledge Train's route uses Business Analysis Practice and Requirements Engineering as the two core modules, Foundation as the knowledge-based module, and Modelling Business Processes as the practitioner module. This is one valid combination within the wider BCS Diploma structure.
- Schedule dates to suit your teams
Enrol on an ITIL course
Choose your course and delivery format below to view prices and available dates. All options include accredited training and the official exam. What is the difference between an individual BCS certificate and the International Diploma?
Why choose Knowledge Train?
Thousands of professionals and leading organisations trust us for accredited, high-quality ITIL training.
Accredited ITIL provider
Clear ITIL pathway
Flexible study options
Strong exam preparation
Experienced ITIL trainers
Support for individuals and teams
Whether you’re new to IT service management, changing career, or building on existing experience, there’s an ITIL course that fits your goals.
ITIL courses frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What's the difference between ITIL 4 and ITIL Version 5?
ITIL Version 5 is the updated framework, building on ITIL 4 with enhanced guidance for AI-enabled environments, digital experience, product management, and transformation.
ITIL 4 focuses on:
- Managing Professional and Strategist designations
- Specialist modules: Create, Deliver and Support (CDS), Drive Stakeholder Value (DSV), and Direct, Plan and Improve (DPI)
ITIL Version 5 introduces:
- Three designations: ITIL Practice Manager, ITIL Managing Professional, and ITIL Strategic Leader (leading to ITIL Master)
- Practice modules: Product, Service, Experience, Transformation, Strategy, and three operational practice modules (Monitor, Support and Fulfil; Plan, Implement and Control; Collaborate, Assure and Improve)
- AI Governance as an extension module
- Open book exams (vs. closed book in ITIL 4)
Both frameworks remain valid. ITIL 4 certifications do not expire, and you can continue on ITIL 4 pathways or move to Version 5 modules depending on your career goals.
Should I do ITIL Foundation, or an advanced ITIL course?
Start with ITIL Foundation. It is the entry point for all ITIL pathways and is a prerequisite for all advanced modules in both ITIL 4 and Version 5.
Once you complete Foundation, you can choose advanced modules based on your role:
- ITIL 4: CDS, DSV, or DPI towards Managing Professional or Strategist
- ITIL Version 5: Product, Service, Experience, Transformation, or Strategy towards Practice Manager, Managing Professional, or Strategic Leader
If you already hold an ITIL 4 certification, you can take Version 5 modules without retaking Foundation.
Do I need ITIL Foundation before I can take an advanced ITIL course?
Yes. All advanced ITIL courses require either:
- ITIL 4 Foundation, or
- ITIL Foundation (Version 5), or
- ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5) if you’re upgrading from ITIL 4, or
- Any existing ITIL 4 certification (CDS, DSV, DPI, etc.)
ITIL Foundation is the starting point for all pathways.
What's the difference between the ITIL Foundation exam and advanced ITIL exams?
ITIL Foundation (ITIL 4 and Version 5):
- 60 minutes
- 40 multiple choice questions
- 65% pass mark (26/40)
- Closed book (ITIL 4) or Open book (Version 5)
Advanced ITIL courses:
- ITIL 4 (CDS, DSV, DPI): 90 minutes, 40 questions, 70% pass mark (28/40), closed book
- ITIL Version 5 (Product, Service, Experience, Transformation, Strategy): 90 minutes, 40 questions, 70% pass mark (28/40), open book
All exams are multiple choice and delivered online.
How long are ITIL certificates valid for, and do I need to renew?
All ITIL certifications are valid for 3 years. You can renew by:
- Logging 60 CPD (Continuous Professional Development) points over 3 years through PeopleCert Plus membership
- Retaking the same exam
- Passing another ITIL certification within the 3-year window
Renewal keeps your certification current and maintains your professional standing.
How long are ITIL courses, and how much study time do they require?
ITIL Foundation:
- 3 days (instructor-led) or 16 hours (self-paced)
ITIL 4 Advanced:
- CDS, DSV, DPI: 3 days each (instructor-led)
ITIL Version 5 Advanced:
- Product: 3 days
- Service: 5 days
- Experience: 3 days
- Transformation: 2 days
- Strategy: 2 days
- Operational practice modules (Monitor, Support and Fulfil; Plan, Implement and Control; Collaborate, Assure and Improve): Duration varies
All instructor-led courses include live sessions, exam preparation, and access to digital materials.
Can I take an advanced ITIL course without doing ITIL Foundation?
No. ITIL Foundation (or an existing ITIL 4 certification) is a prerequisite for all advanced modules.
If you hold an ITIL 4 certification such as CDS, DSV, or DPI, you can take ITIL Version 5 modules without retaking Foundation.
Are advanced ITIL courses worth it if I already have ITIL Foundation?
Yes. Advanced ITIL courses deepen your capability in specific areas and qualify you for professional designations:
ITIL 4:
- ITIL 4 Managing Professional or Strategist
ITIL Version 5:
- ITIL Practice Manager (operational focus)
- ITIL Managing Professional (product and service management)
- ITIL Strategic Leader (strategy and transformation)
- ITIL Master (highest designation, requires all three above)
Advanced certifications demonstrate specialist expertise and are valued by employers in IT service management, digital transformation, and strategic roles.
Which ITIL pathway should I choose - ITIL 4 or ITIL Version 5?
Choose ITIL 4 if:
- You’re working towards ITIL 4 Managing Professional or Strategist designations
- Your organisation uses ITIL 4 and you want to align with existing frameworks
- You prefer the established CDS, DSV, and DPI structure
Choose ITIL Version 5 if:
- You want updated guidance on AI, digital experience, product management, and transformation
- You’re in a role focused on product ownership, service delivery, experience design, or strategic transformation
- You want to work towards ITIL Practice Manager, Managing Professional, Strategic Leader, or Master designations
Both are valid. ITIL 4 certifications remain recognised, and you can take Version 5 modules with any ITIL 4 certification as a prerequisite.
Do I need to upgrade from ITIL 4 to ITIL Version 5?
No. ITIL 4 certifications remain valid and recognised. You do not need to upgrade.
However, if you want to align with ITIL Version 5 terminology and practices, you can take the ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5) exam. This short exam covers only the key changes introduced in Version 5, without repeating content you’ve already learned.
You can also take any ITIL Version 5 module (Product, Service, Experience, Transformation, Strategy) using your existing ITIL 4 certification as the prerequisite.


