Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why ITIL Has Evolved
3. ITIL 4: The Current Foundation
4. What Is New in ITIL® (Version 5)?
5. Certification Scheme Changes
6. Transition Pathways Explained
7. Who Should Adopt ITIL (Version 5)?
8. Continuing Your ITIL Journey
9. Conclusion
10. References

1. Introduction

ITIL has long been the global benchmark for IT Service Management (ITSM). With ITIL 4, the framework expanded beyond traditional service management into digital transformation, value co-creation, and agile integration (AXELOS, 2019).

In January 2026, ITIL® (Version 5) was officially announced as the next step in the framework’s evolution (PeopleCert, 2026). This update builds on ITIL 4 to address today’s AI-driven, product-centric digital landscape.

As ITIL.com clearly states:

“ITIL evolves. Your expertise remains valuable.” (PeopleCert, 2026)

This article explains the key changes, consistent elements, and updates to certification pathways.

2. Why ITIL Has Evolved

The digital landscape has changed significantly:

• AI and automation are reshaping operations
• Organizations are digital-first and product-centric
• Governance must support AI-enabled decision-making
• Customer experience spans products and services

Earlier versions focused on service management. Today’s environment requires integrated management of digital products and services (PeopleCert, 2026).

ITIL (Version 5) addresses these new requirements.

3. ITIL 4: The Current Foundation

ITIL 4 remains fully valid and will run in parallel with Version 5 during the transition period (PeopleCert, 2026).

ITIL 4 introduced:

• The Service Value System (SVS)
• The Service Value Chain
• Four Dimensions of Service Management
• Seven Guiding Principles
• 34 Practices

ITIL 4 aligned ITSM with Agile, DevOps, and Lean methodologies.

This certification remains valid and is recognized as a prerequisite for advanced ITIL (Version 5) modules.

4. What Is New in ITIL® (Version 5)?

ITIL (Version 5) builds on ITIL 4 and modernizes the framework for AI-driven, product-centric environments.

AI-Native and Practical by Design

Version 5 supports professionals operating in AI-enabled contexts. It provides guidance on adapting operating models, making informed decisions, and governing AI responsibly (PeopleCert, 2026).

Unified Product & Service Lifecycle

A key change is integrating products and services into a single lifecycle.

Rather than separating:

• Products (what organizations build)
• Services (how value is delivered)

ITIL (Version 5) treats products and services as two aspects of one solution. This enables:

• Joint design
• Joint delivery
• Unified governance
• Improved digital experiences

This approach reflects modern product-led operating models.

Modern, Integrated & Comprehensive

ITIL (Version 5) extends beyond IT departments and provides guidance that connects:

• Leadership
• Strategy
• Operations
• Digital delivery
• Transformation initiatives

The goal is to achieve stronger alignment and measurable value creation.

Greater Adaptability

Version 5 emphasizes practical, role-specific guidance and encourages dynamic adoption over static theory.

5. Certification Scheme Changes

The designation structure remains:

• ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5)
• ITIL Managing Professional (Version 5)
• ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5)
• ITIL Master (Version 5)

However, the scheme has been simplified:

• Practitioner modules are no longer standalone certifications
• Practitioner content is integrated into Practice Manager streams
• Each stream has fewer modules
• ITIL Transformation is the only common module across streams
• Qualification pathways are now clearer and more streamlined

Foundation is still required for all advanced designations.

6. Transition Pathways Explained

PeopleCert confirms that ITIL 4 certifications remain valid prerequisites for ITIL (Version 5) advanced modules (PeopleCert, 2026).

Key scenarios:

If You Hold ITIL 4 Foundation

No need to retake Foundation. You may progress directly to Version 5 advanced modules.

If You Are Close to ITIL 4 Managing Professional

Two options:

1. Complete ITIL 4 Managing Professional, then take the Managing Professional (Version 5) Transition module.
2. Move directly into Version 5 advanced modules.

If You Hold ITIL v3

Foundation (Version 5) is recommended due to significant content updates.

If You Hold ITIL 4 Managing Professional or Master

You may enter the Managing Professional (Version 5) Transition module directly.

ITIL 4 and ITIL (Version 5) are expected to run in parallel for approximately 12 months to allow smooth transition.

7. Who Should Adopt ITIL (Version 5)?

Existing ITIL Professionals

Service managers, architects, and ITSM leaders seeking relevance in AI-enabled environments.

Enterprise Leaders

CIOs, transformation leaders, enterprise architects implementing AI-ready operating models.

Product & Digital Teams

Product managers and CX leaders who need lifecycle clarity across digital products and services.

8. Continuing Your ITIL Journey

Professionals entering ITIL today can still begin with ITIL 4 Foundation or ITIL 5 Foundation

Those focusing on operational excellence may consider: ITIL®4 Specialist: Create, Deliver & Support

For governance and transformation leadership: ITIL® 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan and Improve

All remain relevant within the evolving ITIL ecosystem.

9. Conclusion

ITIL® (Version 5) represents evolution, not disruption.

It modernizes the framework for:

• AI-native environments
• Digital product-centric models
• End-to-end lifecycle governance
• Simplified certification pathways

Crucially, it preserves the foundations introduced in ITIL 4. Professionals can transition at their own pace, without losing existing certifications.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, ITIL remains a structured, globally trusted framework for delivering measurable value in complex environments.

References

PeopleCert (2026) ITIL evolves. Your expertise remains valuable.Available at :https://www.itil.com/Itil-News-and-Announcements/itil-version-5-explained

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