ITIL® 4 vs ITIL® Version 5: Which Certification Should You Choose?

If you're considering an ITIL certification, one of the first questions you're likely to ask is whether you should study ITIL 4 or ITIL® Version 5.

The answer depends largely on your current qualifications and career goals.

For someone who has never studied ITIL before, the choice is straightforward. ITIL Version 5 is now the latest generation of the framework and provides the most up-to-date guidance for managing digital products and services.

However, thousands of professionals already hold ITIL 4 certifications. Many are wondering whether they need to upgrade immediately, whether their qualification is still valid and what the new framework offers.

This guide explains the differences between ITIL 4 and ITIL Version 5, highlights what has changed and helps you decide which certification route is right for you.

A brief history of ITIL

ITIL has evolved over several decades as organisations have become increasingly dependent on technology.

Earlier versions focused primarily on establishing consistent service management processes and improving operational efficiency. As technology evolved, so did the framework.

ITIL 4 represented a significant shift towards value creation, collaboration, Agile, DevOps and continual improvement. It recognised that organisations needed to become more flexible and customer-focused.

ITIL Version 5 builds on these foundations.

Rather than replacing everything that came before, it expands the framework to reflect modern digital organisations, where products, services, artificial intelligence, customer experience and organisational transformation all play central roles.

Is ITIL 4 still valid?

Yes.

If you already hold an ITIL 4 certification, it remains a recognised professional qualification.

PeopleCert has announced that ITIL 4 qualifications will remain available until the end of 2027, giving professionals and organisations time to transition at a sensible pace.

Existing ITIL 4 certificates also continue to be accepted as prerequisites for eligible ITIL Version 5 advanced modules.

There is therefore no requirement to abandon your ITIL 4 qualification simply because Version 5 has been introduced.

Why was ITIL Version 5 introduced?

Technology has changed dramatically in recent years.

Organisations are no longer simply managing servers, networks and business applications. Today they are creating digital products, delivering online services, integrating artificial intelligence, analysing vast amounts of data and constantly adapting to changing customer expectations.

This broader digital environment required a broader framework.

ITIL Version 5 places much greater emphasis on:

• Digital products
• End-to-end service lifecycles
• Customer and employee experience
• Strategic decision making
• Organisational transformation
• Responsible AI governance
• Long-term value creation

Rather than concentrating primarily on service management, Version 5 looks at the complete journey from strategy through to continual improvement.

What hasn't changed?

Although Version 5 introduces many new concepts, it also retains much of what made ITIL successful.

Both versions continue to focus on:

• Creating value
• Continual improvement
• Customer needs
• Governance
• Risk management
• Collaboration
• Service quality
• Practical guidance rather than rigid rules

If you already understand ITIL 4, much of your existing knowledge remains highly relevant.

Key differences between ITIL 4 and Version 5

Broader scope

ITIL 4 primarily focuses on service management.

ITIL Version 5 expands that scope to include digital products, customer experience, organisational strategy, transformation and AI governance.

It recognises that many organisations no longer distinguish clearly between products and services.

For example, an online banking platform is simultaneously a product, a service, a customer experience and a strategic business asset.

Greater emphasis on customer experience

ITIL 4 encourages organisations to create value.

ITIL Version 5 goes further by exploring how customers and users actually experience digital products and services.

This includes:

• Accessibility
• Ease of use
• Trust
• Customer journeys
• Employee experience
• Human-centred design
• Digital interactions

Technology may function perfectly from a technical perspective while still delivering a poor customer experience.

Version 5 encourages organisations to measure both.

Artificial intelligence

One of the biggest developments is the inclusion of AI.

Artificial intelligence barely featured within previous versions of ITIL.

Version 5 recognises that AI is becoming part of everyday business operations.

Rather than simply discussing automation, it considers:

• Responsible AI
• Governance
• Human oversight
• Ethical decision making
• Risk management
• Transparency
• Accountability

These topics are becoming increasingly important across both the public and private sectors.

Product thinking

Modern organisations increasingly develop digital products rather than isolated services.

Version 5 introduces dedicated guidance around:

• Product lifecycle management
• Product ownership
• Prioritisation
• Continuous product development
• Delivering measurable value

This reflects how many organisations now operate using Agile and product-based delivery models.

Organisational transformation

Digital transformation is rarely just about technology.

Successful organisations also need to consider:

• Leadership
• Culture
• Skills
• Governance
• Ways of working
• Change management

Version 5 includes a dedicated Transformation module to help organisations embed lasting change.

Updated certification structure

The qualification structure has also changed.

Instead of the previous advanced pathways, Version 5 introduces specialist modules focused on:

• Product
• Service
• Experience
• Strategy
• Transformation

These combine into broader professional designations such as Practice Manager, Managing Professional and Strategic Leader.

ITIL 4 vs ITIL Version 5 comparison

Which qualification should beginners choose?

If you have never studied ITIL before, the recommendation is simple.

Choose ITIL® Version 5 Foundation.

It reflects current best practice and provides the knowledge required to progress through the latest certification pathways.

There is little reason for new learners to begin with an earlier version.

Should ITIL 4 Foundation holders upgrade?

That depends on your objectives.

You may wish to upgrade if you:

• Want the latest Foundation certification
• Need to understand the new framework
• Expect your organisation to adopt Version 5
• Plan to study the latest specialist modules
• Want to demonstrate current knowledge

If your existing ITIL 4 knowledge continues to meet your role requirements, there may be no immediate urgency.

Many professionals will transition over the next few years rather than immediately.

What is the Foundation Bridge?

The Foundation Bridge has been designed specifically for eligible ITIL 4 certificate holders.

Instead of repeating everything from Foundation, it concentrates on the new areas introduced within Version 5.

This provides a shorter route to obtaining the latest Foundation certification.

What about ITIL v3?

ITIL v3 professionals have a different situation.

Because Version 5 introduces substantial new concepts and qualification pathways, the recommended route is generally to complete the full Version 5 Foundation course.

This ensures learners understand the latest terminology, principles and framework.

Does ITIL Version 5 replace Agile or DevOps?

No.

Just like ITIL 4, Version 5 works alongside other frameworks.

Many organisations successfully combine ITIL with:

• Agile
• DevOps
• PRINCE2®
• MSP®
• Lean
• Scrum
• ISO/IEC 20000

Each framework addresses different aspects of organisational performance.

Which employers are likely to value Version 5?

Version 5 is likely to appeal particularly to organisations that are:

• Delivering digital transformation programmes
• Developing digital products
• Introducing AI technologies
• Improving customer experience
• Modernising IT operations
• Moving towards product-based delivery
• Aligning technology with organisational strategy

This includes organisations across both public and private sectors.

Frequently asked questions

Is ITIL 4 obsolete?

No.

ITIL 4 remains a recognised qualification and will continue to be valuable for many professionals.

Will employers still recognise ITIL 4?

Yes.

Many organisations will continue to employ people with ITIL 4 certifications for years to come.

Is Version 5 harder?

Not necessarily.

Foundation remains an introductory qualification.

The advanced modules focus on applying knowledge rather than simply memorising terminology.

Should I upgrade immediately?

Not everyone needs to.

Your decision should depend on your career plans, employer requirements and whether you want to study the latest specialist modules.

Can I go straight from ITIL 4 to advanced Version 5 modules?

In many cases, yes.

Eligible ITIL 4 qualifications continue to satisfy the prerequisite requirements for Version 5 advanced certifications.

Final thoughts

Choosing between ITIL 4 and ITIL Version 5 is less about deciding which framework is "better" and more about deciding which is most appropriate for your current circumstances.

If you are new to ITIL, Version 5 is the obvious starting point.

If you already hold ITIL 4, your certification remains valuable and recognised. You can choose to upgrade through the Foundation Bridge, progress directly to eligible Version 5 advanced modules or continue using your existing qualification until there is a clear reason to transition.

ITIL has always evolved alongside technology. Version 5 continues that tradition by addressing digital products, customer experience, artificial intelligence and organisational transformation while retaining the practical principles that have made ITIL one of the world's most widely adopted service management frameworks.

Continue your ITIL journey with ExperTrain

ExperTrain offers instructor-led ITIL® Version 5 training delivered live online by experienced trainers.

Whether you are completely new to ITIL or looking to transition from ITIL 4, we offer courses to support every stage of your learning journey, including:

• ITIL® Version 5 Foundation
• ITIL® Version 5 Foundation Bridge
• ITIL® Version 5 Experience
• ITIL® Version 5 Product
• ITIL® Version 5 Service
• ITIL® Version 5 Strategy
• ITIL® Version 5 Transformation
• ITIL® Version 5 Managing Professional Transition

If you're unsure which course is right for you, we'd be happy to help you choose the most appropriate certification based on your existing qualifications and career goals.

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