Question 1

What is ITIL® v5?

Accepted Answer

ITIL® v5 is the latest evolution of the ITIL® framework, providing the world with the best digital product and service management guidance for success and growth in the digital and AI age. It unifies product and service management into a single, comprehensive framework designed specifically for modern digital enterprises.

Question 2

What is the vision behind ITIL® v5?

Accepted Answer

The ITIL® v5 vision is "To provide the world with the best digital product and service management guidance for success and growth in the digital and AI age." This reflects the framework's focus on AI integration, digital transformation, and unified product-service management.

Question 3

What does "AI Native by design" mean?

Accepted Answer

ITIL® v5 is built from the ground up with AI considerations woven throughout the entire framework. Rather than treating AI as an add-on, ITIL® v5 integrates AI governance, automation, and intelligent decision-making into every aspect of service and product management guidance.

Question 4

Who should use ITIL® v5?

Accepted Answer

ITIL® v5 is designed for three main audiences: the existing ITIL® 4 community looking to evolve their skills, ITIL® v3 professionals seeking a simplified return path, and new audiences including product managers, digital professionals, and organizations expanding beyond traditional IT boundaries.

Question 5

What are the key changes in ITIL® v5?

Accepted Answer

Major changes include: AI Native by design throughout the framework, unified Product + Service management, simplified qualification structure with clear career paths, removal of the credit system for simpler progression, focus on Experience, Strategy, and Transformation, and open book exams (except Foundation level).

Question 6

What is the ITIL® v5 qualification structure?

Accepted Answer

ITIL® v5 has a simplified structure: Foundation as the entry point (prerequisite for all), four Core Specialist modules (Product, Service, Experience, Strategy), one Advanced module (Transformation), and one Extension module (AI Governance). Professional designations include Practice Manager, Managing Professional, Strategic Leader, and Master.

Question 7

Does ITIL® v5 use a credit system?

Accepted Answer

No, ITIL® v5 does not use a credit system. The qualification structure has been simplified with clear module-based progression and professional designations. This makes the certification path more straightforward and easier to understand than previous versions.

Question 8

Is ITIL® Foundation required for all certifications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ITIL® Foundation is the single, unified entry point and prerequisite for all upper-level ITIL® v5 certifications. This ensures all practitioners have a common understanding of core concepts before specializing.

Question 9

What are the professional designations?

Accepted Answer

ITIL® v5 offers four designations: Practice Manager (one specialist module), Managing Professional (Foundation + all four specialist modules), Strategic Leader (Managing Professional + Transformation), and Master (Strategic Leader + AI Governance). Each designation maps to specific career roles and competencies.

Question 10

Are ITIL® v5 exams open book?

Accepted Answer

ITIL® v5 exams have two formats: Closed book exams include Foundation, Practice modules (MSF, PIC, CAI), and AI Governance. Open book exams include Product, Service, Experience, Strategy, and Transformation. The open book format focuses on practical application and understanding rather than pure memorization.

Question 11

How does certificate renewal work?

Accepted Answer

All ITIL® v5 certifications follow a 3-year renewal cycle. You have three options to renew: complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) earning 20 points per year, take another certification within the ITIL® suite, or retake the original exam. This ensures practitioners maintain current knowledge and skills.

Question 12

Where do I access the 34 practices?

Accepted Answer

The 34 ITIL® practices are available through PeopleCert Plus membership. This subscription service provides access to the complete practice library along with additional resources and guidance for implementing ITIL® practices in your organization.

Question 13

What about ITIL® 4 extension modules?

Accepted Answer

ITIL® 4 extension modules (Sustainability, Digital & IT Strategy, Customer Experience, etc.) are NOT part of the ITIL® Version 5 certification scheme. These extensions remain as ITIL® 4 only and are separate from the ITIL® v5 qualification structure.

Question 14

Are single day Practice courses available?

Accepted Answer

No, ITIL® Version 5 does not offer single-day practice courses. Instead, practices are available only in bundled modules, with 5 practices per bundle. The three practice bundles are: MSF (Managing, Securing, Financing), PIC (Planning, Improving, Collaboration), and CAI (Customer, Architecture, Intelligence).

Question 15

How long will ITIL® 4 and ITIL® v5 coexist?

Accepted Answer

ITIL® 4 and ITIL® v5 will coexist for a minimum of 12 months after the ITIL® v5 launch. No retirement date has been announced for ITIL® 4, giving organizations and professionals plenty of time to plan their transition. Additionally, ITIL® 4 Foundation vouchers will be exchangeable for ITIL® v5.

Question 16

Can I use my ITIL® 4 Foundation for ITIL® v5?

Accepted Answer

Yes! ITIL® 4 Foundation certification remains valid as a prerequisite for ITIL® v5 upper-level modules. You do not need to retake Foundation to pursue ITIL® v5 specialist certifications.

Question 17

How do ITIL® 4 MP/SL holders transition to ITIL® v5?

Accepted Answer

ITIL® 4 Managing Professional holders transition via the Managing Professional Transition (MPT) course which covers new and updated content in Product, Service, Experience, and Transformation. Two exams focus on the changes. ITIL® 4 Strategic Leader holders take ITIL® Transformation to become ITIL® v5 Strategic Leader through a structured transition path.

Question 18

What about ITIL® Expert (v3) certification?

Accepted Answer

ITIL® v3 Experts have access to a Managing Professional bridging module that allows them to transition directly to ITIL® v5. This pathway honors your v3 expertise while bringing you up to date with modern practices.

Question 19

How does the removal of credits affect my transition?

Accepted Answer

While ITIL® v5 does not use credits, your existing certifications and experience are fully recognized through specific transition pathways. The focus is on competency and designation rather than credit accumulation, making progression clearer and more career-focused.

Question 20

Are my existing ITIL® certifications still valuable?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! ITIL® v5 is designed to respect and protect past investments. Clear transition pathways ensure no one is left behind, and your existing certifications serve as stepping stones to ITIL® v5 designations rather than becoming obsolete.

Question 21

Where can I get ITIL® v5 training?

Accepted Answer

ITIL® v5 training is delivered through a global network of accredited training organizations (ATOs). These partners provide instructor-led courses, and eLearning options will be available starting Q2-Q3 2026. Visit official PeopleCert partner listings to find accredited providers.

Question 22

Who administers ITIL® v5 exams?

Accepted Answer

PeopleCert is the official examination provider for all ITIL® v5 certifications worldwide. They handle exam administration, scheduling, and certification issuance for the global ITIL® community.

Question 23

How long does it take to prepare for ITIL® v5 certifications?

Accepted Answer

Preparation time varies by module and your background. Foundation typically requires 16-20 hours of study for newcomers. Specialist modules generally require 24-32 hours each. The Transformation advanced module may require 32-40 hours. These are guidelines - your actual time may vary based on experience.

Question 24

How do ITIL® v5 certifications map to job roles?

Accepted Answer

ITIL® v5 certifications are specifically designed to align with modern job roles. Product modules suit product managers, Service modules align with service delivery roles, Experience modules benefit customer success professionals, Strategy modules support strategic advisors, and Transformation suits change leaders. Each designation provides clear career pathway guidance.

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