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ITIL-v5
ITIL history · 1989 to 2026

From the first books to Version 5.

The IT Infrastructure Library began as a set of UK government books in 1989. Version 5 builds on proven guidance from the versions before it. This is the route from ITIL v1 to ITIL (Version 5), and why PeopleCert says a new version was needed now.

Departure1989
Destination2026

9 stations on the line

01 · The timeline

One line, many stations.

Releases on the line are in violet, custodianship and research milestones are hollow. Module release dates and the planned ITIL 4 sunset are on the release dates page.

  1. 1989Release

    The first ITIL books

    The UK government agency CCTA publishes the first IT Infrastructure Library books.

  2. 2000Release

    ITIL v2

    Consolidated guidance, with Service Support (2000) and Service Delivery (2001) at the core.

  3. 2007Release

    ITIL v3

    The service lifecycle approach, in five stages.

  4. 2011Release

    ITIL 2011 edition

    An updated edition of ITIL v3.

  5. 2013Milestone

    AXELOS

    A joint venture of the UK Cabinet Office and Capita takes over ITIL.

  6. 2019Release

    ITIL 4

    Service value in the digital era: the service value system and the four dimensions.

  7. 2021Milestone

    PeopleCert

    PeopleCert acquires AXELOS and the ITIL portfolio.

  8. 2022–2026Milestone

    Research and development

    Contributions from around 10,000 participants and organizations worldwide.

  9. Destination · 2026

    ITIL (Version 5)

    Product and service management for the digital and AI-driven world. The Foundation exam opened on 12 February 2026.

    What's new in Version 5
02 · Why a new version now

The digital landscape changed.

PeopleCert's answer, in its official candidate FAQ: organizations today must operate faster, smarter and more flexibly, especially with AI transforming how work gets done. Four realities drive the change.

  1. 1

    Digital-first, product-centric enterprises require updated guidance.

    Previous versions focused mainly on services; modern organizations manage integrated products and services.

  2. 2

    AI and automation are reshaping operations.

    ITIL (Version 5) provides an AI-native approach that helps organizations adapt and innovate confidently.

  3. 3

    Businesses need models that support agility and rapid change.

    ITIL (Version 5) evolves to ensure adaptive, outcome-focused practices aligned with real-world needs.

  4. 4

    Organizations must continually demonstrate measurable value.

    The new framework strengthens the link between people, practices, and technology to drive sustainable business results.

“In short: ITIL (Version 5) evolves to match today's AI-driven, fast-changing environment, providing practical guidance that supports people across all roles and organizations in delivering and improving digital products and services.”
PeopleCert, ITIL (Version 5) candidate FAQ
03 · Continuity

Built on ITIL 4, not a reset.

PeopleCert uses "ITIL (Version 5)" to signal an evolution of the framework rather than a reset. "ITIL 5" and "ITIL v5" are common informal names for the same version.

What stays
  • The ITIL guiding principles
  • The four dimensions, now of product and service management
  • The value system
  • The 34 management practices, with minor terminology updates
What changes
  • One unified digital product and service lifecycle
  • Practical, experience-driven adoption
  • A stronger focus on customer and employee experience
  • AI-native guidance integrated across modules
The full comparison and the five innovations
Transition from ITIL 4 or v3 The Version 5 certifications FAQs
04 · Coexistence31 Dec 2027
···days to gountil the planned sunset

ITIL 4 and Version 5 run in parallel. PeopleCert currently plans to sunset all ITIL 4 modules, and the Foundation Bridge, on this date.

Check what it means for you