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Overview – ITIL Version (5) Qualification Scheme Digital technology and digital transformation have and are causing a fundamental shift in how organizations create value. This shift goes beyond modernizing IT to changing how products and services are designed, delivered, and continually improved. ITIL (Version 5), first introduced in 2026, represents an evolution from traditional IT management to digital product and service management (DPSM) and unifies these approaches into a single lifecycle. The ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme can be adapted to the learning requirements of individuals and organizations. It uses a modular, tiered structure that allows for a comprehensive view of DPSM or a focused exploration of role-based knowledge areas. Levels within the scheme include: Foundation Practice Manager Managing Professional Stream of 3 modules Strategic Leader Master Designation The scheme also includes extension modules and practice-based modules that provide organizations and professionals with the guidance needed to address specific challenges and seize improvement opportunities. Note: ITIL certifications require renewal every three years. Click here to learn more about the PeopleCert Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program. ITIL (Version 5) Foundation The ITIL (Version 5) Foundation certification is the entry point to ITIL (Version 5) and is the prerequisite for all advanced education. It introduces the shared language, core concepts, and unified lifecycle for managing digital products and services. It also establishes a foundational understanding of value creation, collaboration, governance, and continual improvement. The certification can help: Those who require a basic understanding of the ITIL framework Those who want to understand how ITIL can be used to enhance digital product and service management IT professionals or others working within an organization that has adopted ITIL Anyone working in a product, service, strategy, experience, or transformation role The learning objectives of ITIL (Version 5) Foundation include an understanding of: How value creation is enabled through products and services The ITIL Product and Service Lifecycle Model The ITIL Value System Operating models, value chains, and value streams The Four Dimensions of Product and Service Management The ITIL Guiding Principles The ITIL Continual Improvement Model The ITIL management practices For ITIL (Version 5) Foundation, training is delivered by Accredited Training Organizations, such as ITSM Academy, and can take many different delivery formats: Physical classroom: Training is delivered over approximately two and a half days, with the examination taken at the end of the course. When paper exams are used, clients and their learners typically receive their results from PeopleCert by the next morning.. Virtual classroom: Course length and daily schedules vary. The exam is taken online as a remotely proctored exam at a date and time chosen by the candidate. Self-study and eLearning: Candidates may also prepare independently through self-study or structured eLearning options. Individuals who pass either the ITIL 4 or ITIL (Version 5) Foundation exam are then free to pursue advanced classes in the ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional Stream ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional is a stream of three modules designed for IT practitioners working in technology and digital teams across organizations. Learners build advanced skills in product delivery, service management, experience management, and driving continual organizational improvement. The ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional designation requires completion of ITIL Foundation (Versions 4 or 5) and the following modules: ITIL Product, ITIL Service, ITIL Experience, and ITIL Transformation. Individuals who complete all three of the modules that comprise this stream and ITIL Transformation, or who successfully complete the ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional Transition module* are automatically granted the ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional designation. The three modules are: * The ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional Transition module is a bridge for existing ITIL professionals, helping learners understand what’s new in each of the ITIL (Version 5) modules (i.e., Foundation, Product, Service, Experience, and Transformation). This 5-day course is for individuals who hold the following designations: ITIL 4 Managing Professional ITIL Expert (v3) ITIL Master (v3) Learners may begin their ITIL (Version 5) journey by selecting the modules most relevant to their role or interests. This role-based approach allows them to keep their ITIL knowledge current while developing deeper expertise in areas aligned to their responsibilities or field of practice. Many learners start this way and, after seeing the impact in their day-to-day work, later choose to continue on to achieve the ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional designation. Alternatively, learners may pursue the ITIL Strategy, ITIL Practice Manager, or ITIL Transformation modules described in the following sections. ITIL (Version 5) Strategic Leader Stream ITIL (Version 5) Strategic Leader is a single-module stream focused on aligning digital product service management (DPSM) with enterprise strategy, governance, investment, and leadership. The one module is: The ITIL (Version 5) Strategic Leader designation requires completion of ITIL Foundation (Version 4 or 5), ITIL Strategy, and either the ITIL Transformation module or the ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional Transition module. Individuals who satisfy these requirements will automatically be granted the designation of ITIL Strategic Leader. ITIL (Version 5) Transformation ITIL (Version 5) Transformation requires completion of ITIL Foundation (Version 4 or 5). This module is required for the Practice Manager, Managing Professional, and Strategic Leader designations. This module equips professionals to design, plan, and manage improvements across the ITIL value system. ITIL Transformation only needs to be taken once, and the achievement applies across all designations. Taking the ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional Transition module also satisfies this requirement. ITIL (Version 5) Extension Module Certifications The ITIL (Version 5) Extension Module stream includes modules that are designed to help individuals build the skills needed to succeed in rapidly evolving environment. ITIL AI Governance is currently the only extension module within the ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme. The course focuses on the responsible, ethical, and compliant adoption of artificial intelligence, addressing risk management, transparency, accountability, and regulatory considerations. Note: Extension modules do not have a prerequisite. ITIL Practice-Based Modules The ITIL practice-based modules provide shorter and more flexible training with the opportunity to mix and match - or bundle - the modules. One-day individual practice courses are intended for professionals that want to prove and validate their skills in specific practice areas. The practices are also bundled into three-day courses, often referred to as bundles, aimed at establishing cross-practice collaboration and effective service value streams. The 3-day bundled Practice Manager courses (MSF, PIC, CAI) are: To achieve the ITIL (Version 5) Practice Manager designation, individuals must complete: ITIL Foundation (Version 4 or 5), Practice Manager; five individual courses ITIL Transformation module - OR - ITIL Foundation (Version 4 or 5) MSF, PIC, or CAI; 3-day bundled course ITIL Transformation module ITIL (Version 5) Master Designation The ITIL (Version 5) Master designation recognizes individuals that have developed a broad base of ITIL knowledge during their training and certification journey and have mastered the full suite of ITIL competencies. To be awarded ITIL (Version 5) Master designation, candidates must have achieved the following designations: ITIL (Version 5) Practice Manager ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional ITIL (Version 5) Strategic Leader By combining these designations, the ITIL (Version 5) Master demonstrates the capability to apply the principles, concepts, methods and techniques from ITIL in the workplace at strategic, tactical and operational levels. The Journey to ITIL (Version 5) We appreciate you reading through the full ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme document, we hope it has been helpful. We want to emphasize though that ITIL is about so much more than training classes and exams. Organizations are no longer driven to digital transformation by crisis, but by the need to compete in an AI-enabled, product-centric economy that elevates both customer and employee experience as strategic differentiators. The principles, practices, and guidance in ITIL (Version 5) help organizations establish or mature digital product and service management (DPSM) practices that deliver measurable value and strategic advantage. How individuals and organizations transition from previous versions of ITIL or existing ways of working will vary. A few key considerations: Honor the past (but don’t be bound to it) Leveraging previous versions of best practice frameworks have served you well and will continue to serve you well as you go forward Accept your currently reality Draw from any and all frameworks and methods (e.g., Agile, Lean, DevOps, SRE, and yes, all versions of ITIL) to continually improve Use the ITIL Guiding Principles to adapt ITIL to your organization's current circumstances, needs and goals - download our poster to make them visible Look to the future Take advantage of webinars, and other complimentary educational offerings such as ITSM Academy's What is ITIL (Version 5)? research paper that provide insight into the key concepts of new ITIL Leverage PeopleCert's membership program (PeopleCert +) to log Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points and gain access to practical templates, toolkits, and resources - including the ITIL Official Practice Guides - designed to help you apply best practices in the workplace Develop a plan Leverage the Personal Action Plan we include with every class Visit our Resource Center and check out the many free resources that we provide to help you and your organization evolve and improve Simply put… Just Keep Learning! An individual’s plan should consider current or desired role, career goals, and areas of interest. An organization’s education strategy should align education goals with current, and future business needs. The key is ensuring you and your team receive the right education at the right time to support your goals. ...educating & inspiring since 2004, we are here to help.
Overview – ITIL (Version 5) Certification Scheme ITIL (Version 5) Rollout ITIL (Version 5) Foundation ITIL (Version 5) Managing Professional Stream ITIL (Version 5) Strategic Leader ITIL (Version 5) Transformation Module ITIL (Version 5) Extension Modules ITIL Practice-Based Modules ITIL (Version 5) Master Journey to ITIL (Version 5)
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ITIL (Version 5) Rollout ITIL (Version 5), first introduced in January 2026, will be rolled out in phases throughout the first half of 2026. 2026 Key Rollout Dates ITIL 4 Retirement ITIL 4 and ITIL (Version 5) will coexist for at least 12 months, providing professionals with time to transition at a pace that makes sense. ITIL (Version 5) builds on the foundations of ITIL 4, and existing ITIL certifications remain fully valid and relevant. ITIL 4 Foundation certification will continue to serve as a valid prerequisite for advanced all ITIL (Version 5) courses even after retirement of the official ITIL 4 scheme. Adoption Strategy Adoption of ITIL (Version 5) will vary by organization and individual, and the right path forward should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Factors such as continuity of existing training programs, prior investment in ITIL 4, and whether learners plan to continue on to advanced certifications all influence the optimal transition strategy. Organizations with multiple teams already trained on ITIL 4 can confidently continue to build value without disruption, while others may choose to align early with ITIL (Version 5) as part of a broader evolution toward product- and service-centric ways of working. Our education planning specialists are available to meet individually with organizations and individuals to discuss goals, assess current maturity, and recommend a practical, phased road-map for adoption. Education Strategy Planning (ESP) – A Smarter Approach to ITSM Training
Jan 29
Public announcement introducing the new ITIL
Feb 12
Foundation exams go live
Feb 24
ITSM Academy Foundation launch class
Mar 12
ITIL Product, Service & Experience exams go live
Apr 9
ITIL Strategy & Transformation exams go live
May 14
AI Governance & Managing Professional Transition exams go live
Read the ITSM Professor's blogs about ITIL best practices. A few of our favorites: New ITIL (Version 5) Explained Unlock the Power of ITIL Search the blog for many more
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ITSM Academy We are a female owned small business, established in 2004. Our extensive catalog contains accredited and sustainable IT Service Management (ITSM) education and advice including; ITIL®, DevOps, Process Design (CPDE), Agile, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and Experience Level Agreement (XLA). Our business values are founded on trust, loyalty, professionalism and long term relationships. ...educate and inspire is not just our corporate slogan, it speaks to our core mission and goal. Follow our founder and CXO, Lisa Schwartz, on LinkedIn. ___________________________ Instructors Every ITSM Academy instructor is certified to the highest levels in the areas they train. They have years of hands-on IT practitioner experience, enabling them to effectively intertwine theory and real-life stories and scenarios. Using the highest quality content, this engaging training style encourages active group participation, allowing all learners to bring from class a wealth of practical and actionable knowledge. ___________________________ Accreditations All of ITSM Academy’s certification courseware is developed or enhanced in-house and is accredited by independent, international organizations where applicable. ___________________________ Game On! - Interactive Learning Involves students in active learning, using the engaging qualities of a game, fueled by our subject matter experts. ___________________________ Courseware Licensing (all developed or enhanced in house) In addition to our public and corporate/onsite training, our courseware is available for licensing / co-branding under our flexible licensing program, including Train-the-Trainer (for qualifying organizations). ___________________________ my.itsmacademy.com (digital portal) Extends the learning experience with games, videos, exercises, sample exams, and course materials. It also provides instructors a vast repository of information and guidance to successfully prepare for and teach our courses. ___________________________ Professional Education Hours (CPDs/PDUs/CPEs/CEUs): ITSM Academy is proud to make it possible for individuals who attend our classes to earn professional education hours. (e.g., CPDs, PDUs, CPEs, CEUs). These professional education hours can be submitted to associations such as PeopleCert, the Project Management Institute, and ISACA, if applicable.
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The Story of the Academy Today, ITSM Academy is widely recognized for its expertise in multiple IT frameworks (ITSM, ITIL, Process Engineering (CPDE), DevOps, Agile Service Management, Lean) and, more importantly, how they work together. But that's not where we started. The founders of ITSM Academy “grew up” in the world of Help Desks. As our careers progressed, we graduated to Senior Management roles within our organizations. As the first wave of IT Service Management (ITSM) and ITIL reached the shores of the United States, we were hooked. An internationally accepted collection of best practices focused on reducing IT costs and improving customer satisfaction was here. We had to get our arms around this! So, like many of you, our research began. It became obvious to us that education and networking would be our first steps. Local resources were limited – so we gathered some colleagues to help start the South Florida itSMF USA Local Interest Group (LIG). We also began the hunt for quality ITIL training. At the time, options were very limited. As they say, one thing led to another... To help fill the void, in 2004, we founded ITSM Academy and set our sights on developing "Americanized" training content and achieving Accreditation. From the start, we were committed to building content of the highest possible quality. By 2005, we had developed in-house, all available ITIL v2 training, including Service Manager. Read more of the story here... By now, you’ve likely researched more than one training provider. What makes ITSM Academy different? Why should you choose us? “Our business values are founded in trust, loyalty, professionalism and long term relationships. We provide personalized solutions based on those same values and built on the foundation on our own experiences – as IT Professionals.” Sounds nice, but can we back that statement up? We don’t need to. Our 100,000+ (and growing!) alumni and our instructors do it for us. They are happy to talk about the quality and personalized services they receive from ITSM Academy. Read more of the story here...
Additional Resources: ITSM Professor Blog - a WEALTH of knowledge published weekly since 2008 Webinar Archives - Monthly since 2007 ITSM Academy Resource Center