The ITIL® framework just got its biggest upgrade in years.

Released in 2026, ITIL® (Version 5) is the latest evolution of the world’s most recognised framework for IT product and service management. Designed for today’s technology-driven organisations, it focuses on AI-native operations, digital transformation, and unified product and service delivery.

ITIL (Version 5) builds directly on ITIL 4, enhancing it with AI governance, an emphasis on customer experience, and a streamlined service lifecycle for the speed and adaptability modern enterprises demand.

Limited time offer: Get 30% off our ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) Course and a free Take2 option*, meaning you can re-sit the exam if needed. Use code: ITIL5-30 at checkout.

*Offer valid until 30/06/2026.

Key features and changes in ITIL (Version 5)

• AI-native approach: Built specifically for AI-enabled environments, featuring dedicated guidance on AI governance and responsible usage.

• Unified digital lifecycle: Introduces a single product and service lifecycle, connecting development with service management for faster, more reliable delivery.

• Enhanced focus on value and experience: Emphasises measurable outcomes and employee/customer experience over pure process management.

• Structured certification: Starts with ITIL (Version 5) Foundation, moving through specialised streams like ITIL Practice Manager, Managing Professional, or Strategic Leader.

• Continuous evolution: Rather than a total overhaul, it builds upon the foundation of ITIL 4’s guiding principles and the service value system.

Why train with Good e-Learning for your ITIL (Version 5) certification?

We’re a certified market leader in ITIL training, offering a PeopleCert-accredited ITIL (Version 5) course. Here’s what you get when you train with us:

• Expert-built content: Courses developed with leading ITIL specialists, including authors of several ITIL publications

• Everything included: eLearning course, PeopleCert exam voucher, tutor support, and exam and quiz practice in one package

• Learn on your terms: With 12 hours of self-paced content, six months of access, and full mobile compatibility, you can fit your studies around work and life

• Proven results: We currently hold an 85% first-time pass rate across our ITIL courses

The ITIL (Version 5) certification structure

ITIL (Version 5) has a clear route from Foundation through to Master:

Foundation

• ITIL (Version 5) Foundation: Where everyone begins with ITIL certifications. This is required before progressing to any advanced module.

• ITIL Foundation Bridge (Version 5): A condensed version of Foundation focusing on the updates introduced by the new version. Offers ITIL 4 certification holders a fast and focused route to upgrade to ITIL Foundation (Version 5).
  

Advanced streams

• Practice Manager: Requires ITIL Foundation, ITIL Transformation, and one of the following practice specialisation modules: ITIL Collaborate, Assure and Improve, ITIL Monitor, Support and Fulfill, or ITIL Plan, Implement and Control.

• Managing Professional: Requires ITIL Foundation, ITIL Product, ITIL Service, ITIL Transformation, and ITIL Experience.

• Strategic Leader: Requires ITIL Foundation, ITIL Transformation, and ITIL Strategy.

• ITIL Master: The highest level of recognition, earned by completing all three streams: Practice Manager, Managing Professional, and Strategic Leader.
  

Extension modules

• ITIL AI governance: An extension module introduced to reflect the growing importance of managing AI responsibly within service management.
  

As ITIL (Version 5) is a new framework, certifications are being rolled out in phases. You can currently take ITIL Foundation, ITIL Foundation Bridge, ITIL Collaborate, Assure, and Improve, ITIL Monitor, Support, and Fulfill, and ITIL Plan, Implement, and Control, with more coming soon.

ITIL (Version 5) certification FAQs

What is ITIL (Version 5)?

ITIL (Version 5) is the newest iteration of the ITIL framework, designed to match how digital organisations operate today. The familiar concepts, guiding principles, and service value system are all still there, but the scope has grown considerably to meet the demands professionals are facing now, including guidance on AI.

To find out more, visit our full guide: what is ITIL (Version 5)?

What’s the difference between ITIL 4 and ITIL (Version 5)?

ITIL (Version 5) keeps a large portion of ITIL 4’s content intact (around 40%), and substantially updates around a third, with the rest being completely new content.

Here are the key differences with ITIL (Version 5):

• Scope: enterprise-wide, not just IT

• Lifecycle: new eight-stage model (from Discover to Support)

• AI: built into the framework, not a separate module

• Experience: central to value, not an afterthought

• Sustainability: designed in from the start
• Certification: simplified structure and clearer role specific route

I already have ITIL 4 Foundation. Do I need to do ITIL (Version 5) Foundation?

Not currently, the ITIL 4 Foundation certification is still valid. However, you can choose to do a Foundation Bridge course to get you up to speed with what’s new. It’s worth keeping in mind that PeopleCert certifications expire three years after you take them, however, so you will need to move to ITIL (Version 5) at some point to keep your qualification current.

Why does ITIL (Version 5) matter?

The original ITIL 4 Foundation was launched in 2019. A lot has changed in the seven years since, in the ever-evolving world of IT and service management.

Version 5 gives professionals a refreshed framework that matches the reality of their work today, one that keeps them relevant, ahead of where the industry’s heading, and positioned to advance their career.

Speak to one of our team today to find the right path for you.