ITIL® (Version 5) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your complete guide to the new ITIL® Framework

Explore the most commonly asked questions about ITIL® (Version 5), the latest evolution of IT service management designed for AI, automation, and digital transformation.

❓ What is ITIL® (Version 5)?

ITIL® (Version 5) is the newest version of the globally recognized IT service management (ITSM) framework. It helps organizations design, deliver, and improve IT-enabled services by integrating AI, automation, and modern digital practices.

 

❓ 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, accross roles, teams, and organizations of all sizes.

Key innovations include:

	Modern, integrated, and comprehensive approach
	AI-native and complexity-ready
	Integration of products and services
	Emphasis on Digital experience
	Continuity with previous versions

 

❓ What did ITIL® evolve? Why now?

A new version is needed because the digital landscape has change dramatically. Organizations today must operate faster, smarter, and more flexibly, especially AI transforming how work gets done.

The new ITIL® arrives now to address these realities:

	Digital-first, product-centric enterprises require updated guidance.
	AI and automation are reshaping operations.
	Businesses need models that support agility and rapid change.
	Organizations must continually demonstrate measurable value.

In short: The new ITIL® 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.

 

❓ What is the rationale for going back to “version” prior to the number? ITILv3>ITIL4>ITIL® (Version 5)?

ITIL® (version 5) is used in training and certification contexts to clearly signal the evolution of the ITIL® framework. Each new version represents a meaningful step forward, building on proven guidance while adapting to how digital products, services, and organizations operate today. This reinforces that ITIL® evolves with the profession, rather than being replaced or reset.

 

❓ Who is ITIL® (version 5) aimed at overall (beyond Foundation)?

Beyond Foundation, ITIL® (Version 5) is aimed at professionals who are involved in designing, delivering, managing, and improving digital products and services, and who want to apply ITIL® guidance in real-world, complex environments.

It is designed for practitioners working across:

	Product and service management
	IT and digital delivery
	Experience, operations, and improvement
	Strategy, transformation, and leadership roles

ITIL® (Version 5) extends beyond traditional IT roles to support teams across the business, recognizing that value creation today happens through collaboration between technology, product, service, and experience-focused functions. It is relevant for professionals at different career stages, from hands-on practitioners to those leading change and transformation initiatives, and for organizations of all sizes operating in digital and AI-enabled environments.

 

❓ How is ITIL® (Version 5) different from ITIL® 4?

ITIL® (Version 5) builds upon ITIL® 4 by:

	Expanding support for AI-driven service management
	Enhancing automation and predictive capabilities
	Providing deeper guidance on digital transformation
	Strengthening the focus on business outcomes and innovation

 

❓ Who should take ITIL® (Version 5)?

ITIL® (Version 5) is suitable for:

	IT professionals and service desk teams
	IT managers, CIOs, and IT leaders
	Digital transformation professionals
	Beginners who want to start a career in IT service management
	Organizations upgrading their ITSM practices

 

❓ Is ITIL® (Version 5) suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ITIL® Foundation (version 5) level is designed for beginners and does not require prior ITIL® certification.

 

❓ What are the benefits of ITIL® (Version 5) certification?

Key benefits include:

	Improved IT service delivery and efficiency
	Better alignment between IT and business goals
	Enhanced career opportunities and global recognition
	Stronger understanding of AI and digital service management
	Increased customer satisfaction and service quality

 

❓ What is the ITIL® Service Value System (SVS)?

The Service Value System (SVS) is the core of ITIL, enabling organizations to co-create value through interconnected components such as governance, practices, and continual improvement.

 

❓ Does ITIL® (Version 5) include AI and automation?

Yes. ITIL® 5 emphasizes the use of:

	Artificial Intelligence (AI) for smarter decision-making
	Automation for efficiency and scalability
	Predictive analytics for proactive service management

 

❓ What is the ITIL® (Version 5) certification path?

The certification path starts with:

ITIL® Foundation (version 5) (entry-level)

 

The ITIL® (Version 5) qualification scheme diagram below provides a visual overview of how the certifications and designations fit together and how candidates can progress through the framework.

The upper-level modules are organized into three distinct streams:

	ITIL® Practice Manager (ITIL® PM)
	ITIL® Managing Professional (ITIL® MP)
	ITIL® Strategic Leader (ITIL® SL)

Successfully completing the defined modules within a stream grants the respective designation.

Achieving all three designations leads to the highest recognition: the ITIL® Master. In total, ITIL® (Version 5) offers four designations, each building toward holistic master or Product and Service Management.

To become an ITIL® Practice Manager (ITIL® PM), candidates complete ITIL® Foundation and then choose one of the following specialization modules, each including a set of practices:

	Monitor, Support and Fulfill (MSF): Service Desk, Incident Management, Problem Management, Service Request Management, Monitoring and Event Management
	Plan, Implement and Control (PIC): Change Enablement, Deployment Management, Release Management, Service Configuration Management, IT Asset Management
	Collaborate, Assure and Improve (CAI): Relationship Management, Supplier Management, Service Level Management, Continual Improvement, Information Security Management

To obtain the ITIL® Practice Manager (Version 5) designation, candidates must also complete the ITIL® Transformation course and pass the corresponding exam.

The ITIL® Managing Professional (ITIL® MP) designation requires ITIL® Foundation plus the modules: Product, Service, Experience, and Transformation.

The ITIL® Strategic Leader (ITIL® SL) designation requires ITIL® Foundation plus the modules: Strategy and Transformation.

ITIL® Transformation is a core component of every designation within ITIL® (Version 5). It only needs to be completed once, and the achievement counts across all designations.

AI Governance is introduced as an extension module, reflecting the importance of managing AI responsibly within service management.

The ITIL® Master designation recognizes deep expertise and the proven ability to adopt ITIL® in complex, real-world contexts.

 

❓ 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.

 

❓ Do I have to pass all Practice Manager modules and the Transformation modules to receive the ITIL® (Version 5) Practice Manager designation?

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.

 

❓ How long is the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) training?

The Foundation training typically runs for 3 days, depending on the training provider and delivery format (online or in-person).

 

❓ Is the ITIL® (Version 5) exam difficult?

The exam is designed to test your understanding of key concepts. With proper training and preparation, most candidates can successfully pass on their first attempt.

 

❓ What do the examinations look like within the ITIL® (Version 5) qualification scheme?

The ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) certification is a closed-book, multiple-choice examination.

ITIL® AI Governance will also be assessed through a closed-book examination.

For the ITIL® Product, Service, Experience, Strategy, and Transformation certifications, open-book examinations are planned. This approach is intended to support a stronger focus on understanding, applying concepts, and making informed decisions, rather than memorization.

For the three Practice Manager bundled modules (Version 5), the examination format is also being finalized, with open-book examinations currently planned. Final details will be confirmed in line with the launch of each module.

 

❓ Can I take ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) training online?

Yes. ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) and ITIL® Foundation Bridge (Version 5) trainings are available through:

	Live online instructor-led sessions
	In-person classroom training (e.g., Makati, Philippines)

 

❓ In which languages will ITIL® (Version 5) be available and what is the localization schedule?

ITIL® (Version 5) will initially be available in English. Additional languages are planned, as PeopleCert is working to accelerate the localization process while maintaining a high standard of quality. Localization release schedules will be confirmed and shared as they are finalized.

 

❓ Is the certification exam included in the training?

Yes, SAS Management, Inc., offers training packages with the official ITIL® exam voucher included.

 

❓Will ITIL® (Version 5) certificates require renewal?

Yes. ITIL® (Version 5) certificates will be issued with a three-year renewal date.

If you hold ITIL4 certifications, these will also be renewed by taking and passing any ITIL® (Version 5) certification, as all ITIL® certificates sit within the same product suite.

The renewal routes for ITIL® (Version 5) remain consistent with ITIL5, as well as with our PRINCE2 and DevOps Institute portfolios. The available renewal options are:

	Become a PeopleCert Plus member and participate in the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme by logging 20 CPD points per year for three consecutive years, based on everyday professional activities.
	Take another certification from the same product suite. For ITIL® (Version 5), the product suite includes all ITIL® certifications
	Retake the same certification.

 

❓ I have an ITIL® 4 Foundation certification. How should I transition to ITIL® (Version 5)?

If you hold an ITIL4 Foundation certification, you do not need to re-take Foundation in order to progress to upper-level ITIL® (Version 5) modules. ITIL® (Version 5) represents and evolution rather than a revolution, and ITIL4 qualifications are fully recognized as prerequisites for all upper-level ITIL® (Version 5) certifications.

If you would like a quick and straightforward way to update your knowledge, you may choose to take ITIL® Foundation (Vcrsion 5) Bridge. This one-day course focuses on key changes introduced at Foundation level and includes a short exam.

Successful candidates will be awarded the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) certificate.

 

❓I have an ITIL® v3 Foundation certification. How should I go about transitioning to ITIL® (Version 5)?

The ITIL® v3 Foundation certification is not accepted as a prerequisite for ITIL® (Version 5) upper-level certifications.

For those who hold ITIL® v4 Foundation, the recommended path is to complete ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) training and successfully pass the examination. Compared with ITIL® v3, ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) introduces a significant amount of new and updated content, reflecting how digital products, services, and organizations operate today.

Completing the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) ensures a strong, up-to-date understanding of the latest concepts and prepares professionals to confidently apply ITIL® guidance in modern, fast-changing environments.

 

❓ I have the ITIL® v3 Master designation. How should I go about transitioning to ITIL® (Version 5)?

Holders of the ITIL® v3 Master designation can move directly into the ITIL® Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module.

This transition module is designed to introduce the core foundational concepts of ITIL® (Version 5) and then build on them with key guidance from the Experience, Product, Service, and Transformation areas. It enables experienced ITIL® professionals to carry their existing expertise forward while gaining a clear understanding of how ITIL® has evolved to support modern, digital, and AI-enabled organizations.

 

❓ I have ITIL® v3 Intermediate certification(s). What is my route into ITIL® (Version 5)?

ITIL® v3 Intermediate certifications (such as Service Strategy) are not accepted as prerequisites for ITIL® (Version 5) certifications.

If you have completed one or more ITIL® v3 Intermediate certifications, the recommended starting point is the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5). Compared with IITL v3, ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) introduces a significant amount of new and updated content, reflecting how digital products, services, and organizations operate today.

Completing ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) provides a strong, up-to-date foundation and ensures you are well prepared to adopt and apply ITIL® (Version 5) effectively in modern, fast-changing business environments.

 

❓ I have the ITIL® v3 Expert designation. how should I go about transitioning to ITIL® (Version 5)?

Holders of the ITIL® v3 Expert designation can move directly into the ITIL® Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module.

This transition module is designed to introduce the core foundational concepts of ITIL® (Version 5( and then build on them with key guidance from the ITIL® Experience, ITIL® Product, ITIL® Service, and ITIL® Transformation areas. It allows experienced ITIL® professionals to carry their existing knowledge forward while gaining a clear understanding of how ITIL® has evolved to support modern, digital, and AI-enabled organizations.

 

❓ I am one certificate away from the ITIL4 Managing Professional designation. What is the best way to continue my ITIL® journey?

This excellent progress in your ITIL® journey. If you are close to achieving the ITIL4 Managing Professional designation, the recommended path is to complete your final ITIL4 module and achieve the designation.

Once you have achieved ITIL4 Managing Professional, you can then take the ITIL® Managing Professional (Version 5) Transition module, which enables you to transition your designation to ITIL® (Version 5).

This approach allows you to complete what you have already started, recognize the progress you have made, and move smoothly into the new ITIL® qualification scheme. ITIL4 and ITIL® (Version 5) will run in parallel for a period to support a smooth transition for professionals and organizations.

 

❓ I have the ITI4 Managing Professional designation. how should I go about transitioning to ITIL® (Version 5)?

Holders of the ITIL® 5 Managing Professional designation can move directly into the ITIL® Managing Professional (Version 5) Transition module.

This transition module is designed to introduce the core foundational concepts of ITIL® (Version 5) and then build on them with key guidance from the ITIL® Experience, ITIL® Product, ITIL® Service, and ITIL® Transformation areas. It enables experienced professionals to carry their existing knowledge forward while gaining a clear understanding of how ITIL® has evolved.

The ITIL® Managing Professional (Version 5) Transition module is in the final stages of validation (as of this writing, March 19, 2026). Further details will be shared once confirmed.

 

❓ I have the ITIL4 Master designation. How should I go about transitioning to ITIL® (Version 5)?

Holders of the ITIL4 Master designation can move directly into the ITIL® Managing Professional (Version 5) Transition module to upgrade their designations.

This transition module introduces the core foundational concepts of ITIL® (Version 5) and then builds on them with key guidance from the ITIL® Experience, ITIL® Product, ITIL® Service, and ITIL® Transformation areas. It allows highly-experienced professionals to carry their existing knowledge forward while gaining a clear understanding of how ITIL® has evolved.

Completion of the ITIL® Managing Professional (Version 5) Transition module will also upgrade existing ITIL4 Managing Professional, ITIL4 Practice Manager, and ITIL4 Strategic Leader designations.

The ITIL® Managing Professional (Version 5) Transition module is in the final stages of validation (as of this writing, March 19, 2026). Further details will be shared once confirmed.

 

❓ I have the ITIL4 Strategic Leader designation. How should I go about transitioning to ITIL® (Version 5)?

Holders of the ITIL4 Strategic Leader designation can upgrade their designation by completing tHe ITIL® Transformation (Version 5) module.

ITIL® Transformation (Version 5) is a core module required across designations and also upgrades the ITIL4 Practice manager designation to ITIL® Practice Manager (Version 5).

If you also hold the ITIL4 Managing Professional designation and complete the ITIL® Managing Professional (Version 5) Transition module, your Strategic Leader designation will be automatically upgraded. This is because the Managing Professional Transition module includes the key ITIL® Transformation content required for the upgrade.

 

❓ I have the ITIL4 Practice Manager designation. How should I go about transitioning to ITIL® Practice Manager (Version 5)?

Holders of the ITIL4 Practice Manager designation can upgrade to ITIL® Practice Manager (Version 5) by completing the ITIL® Transformation (Version 5) module.

ITIL® Transformation (Version 5) is a core module required across designations and also upgrades the ITIL4 Strategic Leader designation to ITIL® Strategic Leader (Version 5).

If you also hold the ITIL4 Managing Professional designation and complete the ITIL® Managing Professional (Version 5) Transition module, your Practice Manager designation will be automatically upgraded. This is because the Managing Professional Transition module includes the key ITIL® Transformation content required for the upgrade.

 

❓ Why is ITIL® (Version 5) important for organizations?

ITIL® (Version 5) helps organizations:

	Adapt to rapid technological changes
	Improve service quality and efficiency
	Enable digital transformation initiatives
	Align IT with business strategy and customer needs

 

❓ What industries use ITIL® (Version 5)?

ITIL® is used across industries, including:

	IT and technology
	Banking and finance
	Healthcare
	Telecommunications
	Government and public sector

 

❓ Where can I take ITIL® (Version 5) training in the Philippines?

You can enroll in ITIL® (Version 5) training through SAS Management, Inc., which offers:

	Online training (Philippines and global participants)
	In-person sessions in Makati
	Certification exam packages

 

📞 Learn More

👉 Contact SAS Management, Inc. to enroll in ITIL® (Version 5) training and certification programs. You may also fill out the form on the right side of this page.