ITIL® (Version 5) Transition Pathways

Upgrade from ITIL 4 or ITIL v3 to ITIL® (Version 5): Complete Transition Pathways

Summary of Topics

Why Upgrade to ITIL (Version 5): Benefits for ITIL 4 Holders

Benefits for professionals: ITIL 4 knowledge can be transformed into tangible results through practical, role-based pathways that demonstrate how to adopt and adapt ITIL in modern, AI-enabled work environments. ITIL® (Version 5) provides structure and momentum, clearly illustrating how ITIL 4 concepts can be applied effectively in real-world digital contexts.

Benefits for organizations: ITIL 4 knowledge can be transformed into an operating model that links strategy, delivery, and experience, enabling measurable business outcomes.

Transition from ITIL 4 to ITIL (Version 5)

Itil Version5 Certification Scheme

The ITIL transition process is straightforward, allowing students to retain the validity of their existing ITIL certifications while gaining meaningful new value from ITIL (Version 5).

Below is the recommended transition path based on the ITIL 4 qualification currently held.

I hold the ITIL 4 Foundation certificate

The ITIL 4 Foundation certificate remains valid as a prerequisite for ITIL (Version 5) advanced modules, so no transition is required. This approach preserves the value of prior certification investments.

If you’re looking for a fast and simple way to refresh your knowledge, you can opt for the ITIL Foundation (Version 5) Bridge. This short course highlights the main updates at the Foundation level and concludes with a brief exam. Participants who pass will receive the ITIL Foundation (Version 5) certification.

I hold the ITIL 4 Practice Manager designation

Students holding the prior ITIL 4 Practice Manager qualification can take the ITIL Transformation course and exam to upgrade their designation to ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5). This structured transition path, using the designated module and assessment, ensures a smooth upgrade while preserving recent certification investments.

I hold the ITIL 4 Managing Professional designation

Students holding the prior ITIL 4 Managing Professional qualification can take the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (MPT) course and exam to upgrade their designation to ITIL Managing Professional (Version 5). This path covers the latest updates in ITIL Product, ITIL Service, ITIL Experience, and ITIL Transformation.

I hold the ITIL 4 Strategic Leader designation

Students holding the prior ITIL 4 Strategic Leader qualification can take the ITIL Transformation course and exam to upgrade their designation to ITIL Strategic Leader (Version 5). This structured transition path, using the designated module and assessment, ensures a smooth upgrade while preserving recent certification investments.

I hold the ITIL 4 Master designation

Students holding the prior ITIL 4 Master qualification can take the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (MPT) course and exam to upgrade their designation to ITIL Master (Version 5). This path covers the latest updates in ITIL Product, ITIL Service, ITIL Experience, and ITIL Transformation.

I have a single ITIL 4 certificate but no designation

For professionals holding a single ITIL 4 certificate (beyond Foundation) without an advanced designation—such as ITIL 4 Practice Manager, ITIL 4 Strategic Leader, or ITIL 4 Managing Professional—the recommended approach is to choose an ITIL® (Version 5) path that aligns with career objectives. Existing ITIL 4 experience remains valuable, providing context that helps ensure a smooth transition to the updated framework.

Transition from ITIL v3 to ITIL (Version 5)

PeopleCert has introduced a transition route to ITIL Version 5 for students holding ITIL v3 credentials, providing them with a pathway similar to the one already available for ITIL 4 holders.

Below is the recommended transition path based on the ITIL v3 qualification currently held.

I hold the ITIL v3 Foundation certificate

The ITIL v3 Foundation certification is not recognized as a prerequisite for ITIL (Version 5) advanced-level certifications.
For candidates who hold ITIL v3 Foundation, the recommended route is to attend ITIL (Version 5) Foundation training and successfully pass the corresponding exam. Compared to ITIL v3, ITIL (Version 5) Foundation includes a substantial amount of new and updated content, reflecting the way digital products, services, and modern organizations operate today.

I hold one or more ITIL v3 Intermediate certifications

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 qualifications, the recommended starting point is ITIL Foundation (Version 5). Compared to ITIL v3, ITIL Foundation (Version 5) includes a significant amount of new and updated content, reflecting the way digital products, services, and organizations operate today.
Completing ITIL Foundation (Version 5) provides a strong and current baseline of knowledge, ensuring you are well prepared to adopt and apply ITIL (Version 5) effectively in today’s fast-changing business environment.

I hold the ITIL v3 Expert designation

Holders of the ITIL v3 Expert designation can progress directly to the ITIL Managing Professional Transition (Version 5) module and get the ITIL Managing Professional (Version 5) certificate.
This transition module introduces the core concepts of ITIL (Version 5) and expands on them with key guidance across the ITIL Experience, ITIL Product, ITIL Service, and ITIL Transformation areas. It enables experienced ITIL professionals to build on their existing knowledge while gaining a clear understanding of how ITIL has evolved to support modern, digital, and AI-enabled organizations.

I hold the ITIL v3 Master designation

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

When will ITIL 4 be retired?

No final retirement date for ITIL 4 has been announced.
ITIL 4 and ITIL® (Version 5) are expected to run in parallel for at least 12 months, allowing candidates and organizations to complete ongoing learning and certification journeys.

Additional details regarding the ITIL 4 withdrawal will be shared at a later date.

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

Are prices published on www.innovativelearning.eu including VAT?

No, all prices on the website are exclusive of VAT. However, please note that VAT is not applicable in the following cases:

invoicing to a non-EU company or citizen invoicing to a non-Italian EU company with a valid VIES VAT ID

You can check the VAT ID on the VIES portal via this link: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/

The website implements these rules automatically. However, you or your organization may be exempt from VAT for other legal reasons. In this case, please contact us (info@innovativelearning.eu) so that we can analyze and confirm your case. If this is the case, please do not submit subscriptions via the website: your request will be handled through manual order processing.

How much time do I have to take the certification exam?

With the purchase of e-learning packages with 30 days and 1 year of duration, exam doesn’t have to be necessarily taken within the closing date of the account on the e-learning platform. The validity of the exam voucher code is 12 months starting from the issue date.

I have to purchase several packages: how can I assign them to participants?

During the purchase process it is possible to register data and details of each participant.

Is the course on the platform immediately activated after the purchase?

The activation date of the package can be selected during the purchase process on our website. The days of access to the course, indicated in the title of the product, will be calculated starting from the selected date. Payment must be completed before the activation date.

What does "30d, 120d or 1 year" in the title of products on our website mean?

30 days, 120d or 1 year are to be considered as the period, so the days, during which it is possible to access the purchased training courses on our e-learning platform. These periods start on the activation date selected during the purchase process on our webiste. The activation date can be chosen and selected within 30 days from the purchase date. If you need more flexibility, do not hesitate to contact us.

The main difference between these packages, beyond the duration of access, is that the 30 days and 1 year packages include the exam, while the 120 days package does not include the exam.

When is the exam voucher code issued?

Exam voucher code is usually issued at the activation of the e-learning course, anyway it can also be issued at the end of the e-learning course of sent after 24/48 hours from the order date. In case of purchase for exam only, exam voucher code is issued at purchase confirmation, always after the receipt of payment.