Assessment & Examination
Open book exams designed for practical application and real-world understanding
The open book revolution
Why ITIL® v5 transformed the examination approach
Understanding over memorization
ITIL® v5 recognizes that real-world practitioners need to apply knowledge, not just memorize facts. Open book exams reflect the reality of modern work environments where reference materials are always available.
The focus shifts from rote learning to demonstrating comprehension, analysis, and the ability to apply concepts to realistic scenarios.
Higher cognitive skills
Open book exams enable assessment of higher-order thinking skills according to Bloom's Taxonomy - application, analysis, and evaluation rather than simple recall.
- Apply concepts to complex scenarios
- Analyze situations and recommend solutions
- Evaluate options and justify decisions
Important exception: Foundation remains closed book
The ITIL® v5 Foundation certification maintains a traditional closed book format. This ensures candidates have a solid baseline understanding of core concepts before progressing to advanced, open book examinations.
Examination format
Understanding the structure and approach of ITIL® v5 assessments
Foundation
- Multiple choice questions
- Traditional closed book format
- Tests core knowledge and understanding
- Entry point for all candidates
- Prerequisite for advanced exams
Specialist modules
- Multiple choice questions
- Access to official publications during exam
- Scenario-based questions
- Tests application and analysis
- Higher Bloom's Taxonomy levels
Extension modules
- Multiple choice questions
- Traditional closed book format
- Advanced scenario analysis
- Deep domain expertise testing
- Practical decision-making focus
Unified scenario approach
All ITIL® v5 specialist and extension exams share a common scenario thread, ensuring consistency and allowing candidates to demonstrate their understanding across different contexts.
Questions are designed to test your ability to navigate realistic business situations, analyze challenges, and recommend appropriate solutions using ITIL® v5 guidance.
Focus on higher cognitive skills
Moving beyond recall to practical application
Bloom's taxonomy evolution
Traditional approach (ITIL® 4)
Recall facts and basic concepts
Explain ideas or concepts
Limited focus
ITIL® v5 approach
Use information in new situations
Draw connections and find patterns
Justify decisions and recommendations
The result: Candidates demonstrate they can think critically and apply ITIL® v5 concepts to solve real-world problems, not just recall definitions.
What "open book" means
Understanding access and preparation for open book exams
You can access
- Official ITIL® v5 PublicationsDigital or physical copies of official books
- Personal NotesYour own annotations and study materials
- Bookmarks & HighlightsOrganized references within materials
- Quick Reference GuidesYour prepared study aids and summaries
You cannot access
- Internet or External ResourcesNo online searches or external websites
- Communication ToolsNo messaging, email, or collaboration apps
- AI or Automated ToolsNo ChatGPT, search engines, or AI assistants
- Other PeopleNo assistance from colleagues or experts
How to prepare effectively
Success strategies for ITIL® v5 open book examinations
Understand, don't memorize
Focus on understanding concepts, relationships, and applications rather than memorizing definitions.
- •Grasp the "why" behind practices
- •Understand interconnections
- •Learn through practical examples
Organize your materials
Create a well-organized reference system with bookmarks, notes, and quick-access guides.
- •Use tabs and bookmarks strategically
- •Create summary sheets
- •Build a personal index
Practice with scenarios
Work through scenario-based practice questions to develop analytical and decision-making skills.
- •Use sample scenarios regularly
- •Time yourself with materials
- •Practice finding information quickly
Time management is critical
Having materials doesn't mean unlimited time to search. Practice finding information quickly and efficiently. Know your materials well enough that you can locate relevant sections rapidly during the exam.
Foundation first
Remember that ITIL® v5 Foundation is a prerequisite for all other certifications. Master the fundamentals in the closed book format before tackling advanced open book exams. This foundation makes open book exams more manageable.
Ready to start your ITIL® v5 journey?
Explore the certification paths and understand how to transition from ITIL® 4 to ITIL® v5.