What is new in ITIL® (Version 5)?
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:
- 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, collaboration, and 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.
ITIL® (Version 5) 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.
Are there any extension modules in ITIL® (Version 5)?
AI Governance is the only extension module in the ITIL® (Version 5) qualification scheme. It focuses on establishing frameworks, policies, and controls to ensure AI is used responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with organizational and regulatory standards.
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 future learning offerings, reflecting how the framework has evolved.
What do the examinations look like within the ITIL® (Version 5) qualification scheme?
ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) certification and ITIL Practice certifications will remain as closed book MCQ examinations. ITIL AI Governance will also be a closed book MCQ examination.
For the ITIL Product, ITIL Service, ITIL Experience, ITIL Strategy, and ITIL Transformation certifications, open book examinations are planned, allowing candidates to focus on understanding, applying concepts, and making informed decisions rather than memorization.
I have ITIL 4 Foundation certification. How should I go about transitioning to ITIL® (Version 5)?
No, you only have to pass one of the Practice Manager modules (free choice of one) and the Transformation module to automatically receive the ITIL® (Version 5) Practice Manager designation.
Do I have to pass all Practice Manager modules and the Transformation modules to receive the ITIL (Version 5) Practice Manager designation?
ITIL 4 Foundation holders do not need to retake their Foundation certification. ITIL® (Version 5) represents an evolution rather than a revolution, and ITIL 4 Foundation is fully recognized as a prerequisite for all advanced ITIL (Version 5) qualifications.
Do I get a physical certificate?
Upon completing this ITIL Foundation training and certification course, you will receive a digital letter from ActiveLearning indicating that you have attended the course. However, you need to pass the official certification exam to get the official certificate from Peoplecert. You can download a PDF copy of your certificate from your Peoplecert account. You can get a hard copy at additional cost.
Where do I take the ITIL Foundation exam?
This ITIL Foundation training and certification course includes the ITIL Foundation exam, which is proctored online by Peoplecert.
Can I reschedule the ITIL Foundation certification exam?
This ITIL Foundation training and certification course includes the ITIL Foundation exam. You will be issued an exam voucher which you can then use to schedule your exam with Peoplecert. Rescheduling an exam up to 48 hours before its start time is free. Rescheduling at a later stage is subject to additional charges.
What other courses are there aside from ITIL (Version 5) Foundation?
In ITIL (Version 5), the qualification scheme progresses into eight advanced modules and one standalone extension module, organized into three distinct streams:
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- ITIL Practice Manager (ITIL PM): Requires the ITIL Foundation certification, the universal ITIL Transformation module, and a free choice of one of the following three bundled practice specialization modules:
- Monitor, Support & Fulfil (MSF)
- Plan, Implement & Control (PIC)
- Collaborate, Assure & Improve (CAI)
- ITIL Managing Professional (ITIL MP): Requires the ITIL Foundation certification plus four core modules: Product, Service, Experience, and Transformation.
- IITIL Strategic Leader (ITIL SL): Requires the ITIL Foundation certification plus two core modules: Strategy and Transformation.
Note: Achieving all three streams grants the highest recognition: ITIL Master. AI Governance is also available as the sole standalone Extension Module in the scheme.
After I get ITIL Foundation certified, how long is my certification valid for?
The validity of the ITIL® (Version 5) Foundation certificate is 3 years.
What are the requirements to renew ITIL Foundation?
To renew your ITIL Foundation certification, you have a few options:
- Retake the Certification Exam: You can retake the original ITIL® (Version 5) Foundation certification exam before your current certification expires.
- Obtain a New Certification: You can renew your ITIL (Version 5) Foundation certification by obtaining additional certification within ITIL framework.
- Collect and Log CPD Points: Accumulate a set number of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points annually before the certification's expiration date. You can log 20 CPD points per year for three consecutive years for everyday professional activities.
How are exams taken?
While you are fixing that paragraph, it’s highly recommended to update the exam format description if their page still lists them all as closed-book multiple-choice questions (MCQs). According to the official document:
- Closed-Book MCQ: ITIL Foundation, the three Practice Manager modules, and AI Governance.
- Open-Book Examinations: ITIL Product, ITIL Service, ITIL Experience, ITIL Strategy, and ITIL Transformation. These are designed to focus on real-world application and decision-making rather than rote memorization
