ITIL certification for modern IT professionals

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.