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ITIL (Version 5) introduces major evolutions that make the framework more practical, flexible, and relevant for professionals working with digital products and services across all roles, teams, and organizations.
Key innovations include:
Modern, Integrated, and Comprehensive Approach
Guidance spans the entire organization, from leadership and strategy to daily operations, enabling better collaboration and value creation.
AI-Native and Complexity-Ready
Supports professionals in complex, AI-enabled environments with practical guidance for adaptation and change.
Integration of Products and Services
Provides end-to-end lifecycle guidance for managing integrated digital products and services.
Emphasis on Digital Experience
Focuses on designing and improving digital services based on how stakeholders experience value.
Continuity with Previous Versions
Builds on proven ITIL 4 and earlier concepts, including the service value system and guiding principles.
The digital landscape has changed dramatically, requiring organizations to operate faster, smarter, and more flexibly.
ITIL (Version 5) addresses these realities by:
Supporting digital-first, product-centric enterprises
Providing guidance for AI and automation
Enabling agility and rapid change
Strengthening the focus on measurable business value
In short, ITIL (Version 5) reflects today’s AI-driven, fast-changing environment and helps organizations deliver and improve digital products and services.
The “Version” format highlights ITIL’s continuous evolution. Each version represents a meaningful step forward, building on proven guidance while adapting to modern organizational needs. This reinforces that ITIL evolves with the profession rather than being replaced.
All 34 ITIL (Version 5) practices are available exclusively through PeopleCert Plus membership.
Fifteen practices are also available as part of Practice Manager training materials.
The qualification scheme begins with ITIL Foundation and continues with eight advanced modules and one extension module.
There are three main streams:
ITIL Practice Manager (ITIL PM)
ITIL Managing Professional (ITIL MP)
ITIL Strategic Leader (ITIL SL)
Completing the required modules in each stream grants the corresponding designation.
Achieving all three designations leads to ITIL Master, the highest recognition.
After Foundation, candidates choose one specialization:
Monitor, Support & Fulfil (MSF)
Service Desk
Incident Management
Problem Management
Service Request Management
Monitoring & Event Management
Plan, Implement & Control (PIC)
Change Enablement
Deployment Management
Release Management
Service Configuration Management
IT Asset Management
Collaborate, Assure & Improve (CAI)
Relationship Management
Supplier Management
Service Level Management
Continual Improvement
Information Security Management
Candidates must also complete ITIL Transformation.
ITIL Managing Professional (ITIL MP): Foundation + Product, Service, Experience, and Transformation
ITIL Strategic Leader (ITIL SL): Foundation + Strategy and Transformation
ITIL Transformation is required only once and applies across all designations.
Yes. AI Governance is the only extension module in ITIL (Version 5). It focuses on responsible, ethical, and compliant use of AI.
Previous ITIL 4 extension modules have been integrated into the broader framework.
Foundation: Training is not mandatory; self-study is permitted.
Advanced modules: Accredited training or official eLearning is required.
Training is strongly recommended to ensure full understanding of the material.
Closed-book MCQ exams:
Foundation
Practice certifications
AI Governance
Open-book exams:
Product
Service
Experience
Strategy
Transformation
Open-book exams focus on application and decision-making rather than memorization.
No. To achieve ITIL Practice Manager, you only need:
One Practice Manager module (of your choice), and
The Transformation module.
ITIL 4 Foundation remains valid and is fully recognized as a prerequisite for all ITIL (Version 5) advanced certifications. No retake is required.
ITIL v3 Foundation holders are advised to complete ITIL (Version 5) Foundation training and pass the examination.
Version 5 introduces significant new content, making updated certification essential.
Your ITIL 4 certification remains valuable and recognized.
You should choose an ITIL (Version 5) pathway that aligns with your career goals and build on your existing knowledge.
ITIL Transformation is a core module required for:
Practice Manager
Managing Professional
Strategic Leader
It only needs to be completed once and applies across all designations.
Yes. Certificates are valid for three years.
Renewal options include:
Maintaining CPD through PeopleCert Plus (20 points per year for three years)
Taking another ITIL certification
Retaking the same certification
No. Only the three bundled Practice modules are part of the ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme.
No final retirement date has been announced.
ITIL 4 and ITIL (Version 5) will run in parallel for at least 12 months. A detailed transition plan will be published in advance of any changes.