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ITIL v4 certification

Discover the ITIL v4 certification scheme and the paths available. View our infographic for an easy understanding of the certification levels.
ITIL v4 certification

Introduction

AXELOS is the owner of ITIL. AXELOS determined that ITIL v3 no longer met the requirements of the modern business environment. It therefore launched ITIL v4 in 2019:

  • To reflect the fast-paced and complex environment of the world today;
  • To offer IT departments new ways of working and emerging practices;
  • To provide organisations with comprehensive guidance for IT management in the current service economy.

ITIL 4 Certification | ITIL v4 Certification

You can find out about ITIL v3 or ITIL certification in general by clicking one of these buttons:

Studying for ITIL v4 certification

You can study for ITIL 4 certification by either:

  • attending a classroom course; or,
  • attending a virtual class via live online training; or,
  • by self-studying using an ITIL Foundation online course.

ITIL v4 certification levels

To gain ITIL v4 certification requires you to pass examinations at the following levels:

1. ITIL Foundation certification

ITIL Foundation is the first step to climb on the ITIL certification path. The syllabus for ITIL v4 Foundation consists of:

  • ITIL practices;
  • The guiding principles of ITIL 4;
  • Key concepts from Lean, Agile and DevOps;
  • The four dimensions of service management;
  • The concept of value with customers and stakeholders in the form of products and services.

After passing the ITIL Foundation exam, you will be able to choose to go through either the Managing Professional, or the Strategic Leader routes.

2. ITIL Managing Professional certification (MP)

In this level, professionals learn how to run successful IT enabled services, teams and workflows.

There are 4 modules in this level:

  • ITIL Specialist Create, Deliver and Support;
  • ITIL Specialist Drive Stakeholder Value;
  • ITIL Specialist High Velocity IT;
  • ITIL Strategist Direct Plan and Improve;

3. ITIL Strategic Leader certification (SL)

In this level, professionals learn how IT influences and directs business strategy.

  • ITIL Strategist Direct Plan and Improve (a common module with Managing Professional);
  • ITIL Leader Digital and IT Strategy.

4. ITIL Master certification

To be awarded ITIL Master, you need to complete both MP and SL certifications. You will need to prove experience and deep knowledge of ITIL as well.

Transition from ITIL v3 to ITIL 4

There is no transition module to ITIL Foundation v4 if you are already an ITIL v3 Foundation certificate holder. You must study ITIL 4 Foundation to become familiar with the new version.

AXELOS has designed an ITIL Managing Professional Transition Module. It is designed for ITIL v3 candidates who are ITIL Experts. Candidates who have achieved 17 credits from across the v3 scheme are included too.

ITIL 4 certification path infographic

This infographic shows the ITIL v4 certification pathway.

ITIL 4 Certification | ITIL v4 Certification

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ITIL 4 Certification overview

ITIL 4 Certification is a widely recognised credential in IT Service Management (ITSM). Achieving certification in ITIL 4 demonstrates expertise in the ITIL 4 framework, a standard adopted worldwide to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. The ITIL 4 certification course offers a comprehensive learning path, including management training, governance, and information security practices. Candidates can access an online course, tailored for those looking to upskill or achieve an ITIL 4 qualification. The certification program includes official exams and assessments to ensure learners meet required standards and company goals.

Certification ITIL 4 learning format

Certification ITIL 4 provides a flexible format, with online courses, study guides, and practical examples for real application in project management and cloud settings. ITIL 4 accreditation ensures that managers, engineers, and stakeholders understand IT asset management, deployment, and continual improvement. The ITIL 4 cert is suitable for individuals, departments, and organisations seeking to align their IT services with business objectives. The ITIL 4 certification exam can be completed online, often within 3 days.

ITIL 4 certification training and benefits

This course introduces the ITIL 4 credential, covering key topics such as incident management, software, platforms, and the four dimensions of service management. The ITIL 4 certification training includes options for remote study, revision bundles, and test preparation to support learners at every stage. Becoming ITIL 4 certified offers career growth, new roles, and upskilling opportunities for project managers, administrators, and technical leaders. By mastering the ITIL 4 qualification, attendees can implement and control ITSM processes, reduce costs, and assure and improve service value in their company.

Introduction to ITIL 4 certification

ITIL 4 Certification is a widely recognised IT service management credential in the United Kingdom and internationally.

This guide explains routes, benefits and practical steps to prepare for the certification in ITIL 4 and apply its practices within organisations.

Why choose ITIL 4 certification in the UK

Many employers in the United Kingdom favour candidates with ITIL 4 Certification due to proven service management value and credibility.

The programme links with industry standards and offers recognised designation and business value to professionals and teams.

Organisations planning digital transformation often look for staff with management training and proven experience in service management.

Training courses and accredited classroom or paced online options make the qualification accessible to a wide range of learners.

Choosing accredited online courses or led courses ensures the content aligns with the official syllabus and outcomes.

ITIL 4 certification course options

Certification ITIL 4 can be gained through different training course formats, including day course, classroom sessions and paced online study.

Many providers offer flexible training course schedules and both classroom and virtual formats to suit busy teams.

Some programmes bundle foundation with specialist or strategist modules to create comprehensive career pathways.

ITIL 4 certification online courses

ITIL 4 certification online options are popular for remote learners and teams, offering flexible dates and self-paced study materials.

Paced online delivery often includes assessments, downloadable documents and practice exams to help candidates prepare.

Certification in ITIL 4 exams and assessments

The ITIL 4 certification exam typically includes multiple choice questions and optional practice assessments to boost pass rates.

Candidates can purchase vouchers or register directly with accredited partners to schedule exam dates and retake policies.

Understanding the certification pathways

The ITIL 4 Certification scheme includes foundation, specialist, strategist and leader paths to support career progression.

The learning paths are designed to address roles from practitioner to strategic leader and to assure consistent outcomes.

Each pathway focuses on a set of modules and competencies that align with enterprise goals and IT strategy.

ITIL 4 foundation and essentials

The foundation module covers core principles, four dimensions and the 4 framework to ensure learners understand essential concepts.

Foundation study often includes scenarios, examples and short practice tests for rapid assessment and revision.

ITIL 4 managing professional and 4 specialist modules

Managing professional modules focus on practical processes like deliver and support, drive stakeholder value and plan and improve.

Specialist modules, such as high velocity IT and digital practices, enable professionals to apply skills in specific contexts.

ITIL 4 strategic leader and 4 strategist options

Strategist and leader pathways emphasise governance, strategy and leading digital transformation across teams and departments.

These routes are valuable for project management professionals, architects and senior managers seeking advanced designation.

Project management integration

Project management is a key entity within ITIL 4 practices, ensuring that change initiatives align with governance and business goals.

Using project frameworks alongside ITIL processes helps maintain efficiency, risk control and quality assurance in delivery.

Preparing for the ITIL 4 certification exam

Successful preparation blends structured study, practical exercises and mock exams to improve knowledge and confidence.

Reviewing course materials, practice questions and module guides helps candidates familiarise themselves with exam format and timetables.

Many programmes recommend combining management training with hands-on tasks to apply concepts to real systems.

Certification ITIL 4 study guide and revision

A targeted study guide helps learners focus on key practices, processes and the service value system as described in the syllabus.

Use study plans, revision checklists and past papers to improve speed and accuracy in answering typical exam questions.

ITIL 4 certification training and resources

Training providers often supply interactive materials, course materials, exam vouchers and access to official practice tests.

Look for accredited providers that include instructor-led sessions, assessments and post-course support for candidates.

Training and skill development

Training provides hands-on understanding of service management and practical application of ITIL concepts in real environments.

Continuous professional development ensures that candidates retain their expertise and stay aligned with evolving practices.

What study methods work best?

Active learning through case studies, group discussions and labs helps learners retain and apply information more effectively.

Paced online study combined with periodic classroom review suits many professionals balancing work and learning.

Applying ITIL 4 in practice

After achieving ITIL 4 Certification, professionals can apply best practice to service design, change management and incident handling.

The guidance supports integration with other frameworks such as DevOps, Lean and PRINCE2 for broader delivery capability.

Practitioners use IT asset management and configuration techniques to maintain stable, traceable services.

Deliver and support practical approaches

Teams apply deliver and support practices to improve service desk operations, incident response and routine releases.

Clear runbooks, testing strategies and monitoring help maintain consistent service quality and reduce incident impact.

Plan and improve for continual value

Plan and improve activities guide organisations to assess current performance, set improvement goals and enact change management.

Continuous improvement often relies on metrics, stakeholder feedback and iterative changes to services and processes.

How does ITIL fit with other models?

ITIL complements frameworks like Lean, Six Sigma and Agile by offering structured guidance for governance and service management.

Organisations often combine ITIL practices with DevOps toolchains and modern engineering approaches to speed delivery.

Benefits for professionals and employers

ITIL 4 Certification increases candidate credibility and can improve job prospects, promotion potential and salary outcomes.

Employers benefit from consistent service management practices, reduced downtime and improved customer satisfaction.

The credential supports international mobility and recognition, with providers running courses across many locations including London and regional centres.

Career pathways and roles

Certified professionals often move into roles such as service manager, project manager, IT operations lead or service architect.

Specialist and strategist modules help individuals transition into leadership positions or niche technical roles.

Impact on organisational performance

Better service management leads to clearer responsibilities, improved governance and measurable business value.

Improved alignment between IT services and enterprise strategy helps deliver outcomes that stakeholders value.

Are employers seeing measurable returns?

Case studies show organisations achieving faster incident resolution, more predictable releases and improved customer outcomes.

Metrics such as reduced mean time to repair, higher first-time fix rates and fewer major incidents demonstrate tangible benefits.

Practical considerations for UK candidates

UK candidates should confirm provider accreditation, exam regulations and whether legal or public sector standards apply to their role.

Check terms and conditions for exam vouchers, retake rules and any required identification for test centres in the United Kingdom.

Many UK-based providers offer classroom, online and blended options to suit regional needs and job schedules.

Training courses and provider choice

When choosing a provider, compare course content, trainer experience, pass rates and post-course support for attendees.

Providers that offer practice exams, downloadable guides and contactable trainers often improve candidate outcomes.

Costs, dates and booking

Training costs vary by provider, course format and inclusions such as exam vouchers, guided revision and study materials.

Book well in advance for popular dates and consider weekday or weekend options to fit around work commitments.

What about remote examinations and vouchers?

Many candidates now choose remote proctored exams or local test centres depending on availability and preference.

Vouchers can be purchased through providers or official partners and sometimes include retake options or support materials.

Tips to maximise exam success

Create a structured study timetable that balances practical exercises, revision and timed practice exams.

Join study groups or discussion forums to share insights, clarify tricky concepts and gain fresh perspectives.

Use official guides, sample questions and verified training courses to ensure alignment with exam standards.

Exam day strategies and time management

On exam day, read every question carefully, manage your time and answer the easiest questions first to secure marks.

Practice under timed conditions beforehand to build exam endurance and avoid surprises on the day.

Post-exam next steps

After passing, update your professional profiles, share certification details with employers and plan follow-up training if needed.

Consider specialist or strategist modules to deepen expertise and broaden career opportunities in service management.

Conclusion and next steps

ITIL 4 Certification offers clear paths for UK professionals seeking to advance their careers in IT service management.

Choose accredited providers, follow structured study plans and use practice exams to maximise your chances of success.

Apply learning to real projects, work with stakeholders and integrate ITIL with complementary frameworks to drive business value.

Begin by selecting the right course format, assess available training courses and register for the foundation exam when ready.

Good preparation, targeted revision and practical application will ensure that your ITIL 4 Certification supports both personal development and organisational goals.

Best of luck on your learning journey and please find out more from accredited UK providers when you are ready to book.