ITIL® (Version 5): What’s New, Why It Matters, and What Professionals Should Know?

The world of IT service management has changed rapidly over the last few years. Organizations are no longer only managing traditional IT services. They are now expected to manage digital products, automated workflows, customer experience, and AI-supported operations at scale. In such an environment, service delivery needs to be faster, smarter, and more aligned with business outcomes than ever before.

 

This is where ITIL® (Version 5) enters the picture. Announced as the latest evolution of the globally recognized ITIL framework, Version 5 introduces updated guidance that reflects today’s reality of digital transformation, AI integration, automation, and sustainability-driven business practices. While it retains the strong foundations of ITIL, the new version expands the framework to support modern enterprises where technology and business strategy must operate as one connected system.

 

In this blog, we will explore what is new in ITIL® (Version 5), why this update was necessary, what remains unchanged, and how professionals can prepare for this new certification direction.

 

What is New in ITIL® (Version 5)?

 

ITIL® (Version 5) introduces improvements that strengthen its relevance for modern organizations. Instead of focusing only on traditional IT service delivery, the framework now reflects how digital organizations work in real life. It brings stronger alignment between strategic planning and operational execution, ensuring that teams can deliver services with measurable outcomes while maintaining governance and control.

 

One of the most important updates is that ITIL® (Version 5) takes a broader view by connecting digital products and services within a unified framework. Many organizations today operate in environments where services and products are tightly linked. A customer-facing application, for example, is both a digital product and a service platform. ITIL® (Version 5) supports this reality by offering structured guidance that applies across product development, service operations, and lifecycle management.

 

Another key shift in ITIL® (Version 5) is the focus on experience. Modern service delivery is no longer judged only by incident resolution or uptime. Customer experience, user satisfaction, and service consistency play a major role in how organizations define performance. Version 5 reinforces experience-driven service management by ensuring that value delivery is connected to real user outcomes and business expectations, rather than just internal process efficiency.

 

AI and automation also receive significant attention in this version. With AI becoming deeply integrated into service operations, organizations need a structured way to adopt it responsibly. ITIL® (Version 5) introduces stronger direction around AI governance, automation readiness, and managing risks that come with AI-enabled decision-making. This includes guidance on how organizations can implement AI to support faster service delivery while still ensuring accountability, compliance, and ethical use.

 

ITIL® (Version 5) also improves its focus on end-to-end lifecycle management. The framework highlights the complete lifecycle of digital products and services, from discovery and design to delivery, support, and continual improvement. This lifecycle approach reduces silo-based working and helps organizations maintain consistent service performance across all stages of delivery.

Sustainability is another key addition that reflects modern business priorities. Organizations today are expected to create value without compromising long-term operational responsibility. ITIL® (Version 5) includes sustainability-driven thinking in service design, transformation planning, and governance decisions, making it more aligned with global compliance trends and long-term service resilience.

 

Key Differences Between ITIL 4 and ITIL Version 5

 

The key differences between ITIL 4 and ITIL (Version 5) are outlined in the table below: 

 

 

 

ITIL v5 am i eligible ?

 

 

Yes, you are eligible for the ITIL® (Version 5) Foundation Certification, as there are no formal prerequisites for this entry-level exam. It is designed for anyone, including beginners, looking to gain a foundational understanding of modern digital product and service management, according to information available as of February 2026. 

 

Here is a breakdown of eligibility and paths to ITIL V5 (launching Feb 12, 2026):

 

1. New to ITIL (No Prior Certification) 

 

• Eligibility: Anyone.
• Path: You can directly register for the ITIL 5 Foundation exam. While self-study is allowed, attending an accredited training course is recommended. 

 

2. Already Hold ITIL 4 Foundation 

 

• Eligibility: Fully eligible to advance.
• Path: You do not need to retake the Foundation exam. Your ITIL 4 Foundation certificate acts as a valid prerequisite for all advanced ITIL (Version 5) modules.
• Optional: You can take a 1-day ITIL 5 Foundation Bridge course if you want a refresher on the new content. 

 

3. Hold ITIL v3 Foundation 

 

• Eligibility: Eligible to upgrade.
• Path: It is highly recommended to take the new ITIL (Version 5) Foundation to transition, as Version 5 includes significant updates regarding AI, digital operating models, and experience management. 

 

4. Hold ITIL v3 Expert/Master or ITIL 4 Advanced 

 

• Eligibility: Eligible for advanced pathways.
• Path: You can move directly into the ITIL Managing Professional (MP) Transition module. 

 

Key Information About ITIL V5 (2026)

 

• Launch Date: The Foundation exam is available from February 12, 2026.
• Exam Details: 1-hour, 40 multiple-choice questions, with a 65% pass mark (26/40).
• Focus: The new version centers on AI-enabled environments, digital product management, and value co-creation.
• Validity: ITIL V5 certificates will be issued with a three-year renewal date. 

 

ITIL® (Version 5) Certification Pathway

 

The ITIL® (Version 5) certification pathway follows a more structured progression that supports both entry-level learners and experienced professionals. The journey typically begins with the Foundation level, which provides essential concepts, terminology, and the core framework understanding required for advanced certifications.

 

The Foundation certification introduces how value is created through services and products, explains service relationships, and provides clarity on continual improvement and modern service delivery. It is designed for professionals who want to build a baseline understanding of ITIL concepts before progressing into specialized modules and professional designations.

 

 

As professionals progress, ITIL® (Version 5) includes modules that support deeper expertise across operational practice management, managing professional capabilities, strategic leadership direction, and transformation-focused frameworks. The pathway also introduces extension areas such as AI governance to reflect modern enterprise needs.

 

What Stays the Same in ITIL® (Version 5)?

 

Even with the new updates, ITIL® (Version 5) maintains strong continuity with its previous versions. The framework still retains the fundamental service management mindset that made ITIL globally respected. Core concepts such as value creation, governance, continual improvement, and structured best practices remain central to the framework.

 

The Service Value System approach continues to be a key component, and the importance of guiding principles, roles, responsibilities, and improvement-based thinking remains consistent. This ensures that professionals certified in earlier ITIL versions can transition smoothly without needing to completely relearn service management fundamentals.

 

In many ways, ITIL® (Version 5) is not a replacement of earlier ITIL thinking, but a modernization that reflects how service delivery and product management have evolved in today’s digital economy.

 

ITIL 5 Exam Details 

 

The Foundation exam is designed to test your understanding of ITIL principles and how they apply to modern service environments.

 

Exam Format

 

• 40 multiple-choice questions
• 60 minutes duration
• Closed book
• Pass mark: 65%

 

Why Choose Vinsys for ITIL® (Version 5) Training?

 

Vinsys delivers  ITIL® Version 5  training with a strong focus on practical clarity and structured certification preparation. The program is designed for professionals who want to understand modern service management concepts in a way that connects directly with real organizational environments.

 

The training is delivered by certified trainers who guide learners through key topics such as the Service Value System, lifecycle management, value co-creation, value stream mapping, and continual improvement. Vinsys also supports learners with exam-focused guidance, structured learning flow, and real-world examples that make complex ITIL concepts easier to apply in daily roles.

 

For individuals and corporate teams, Vinsys provides flexible training delivery options and dedicated learner support, ensuring that participants gain both certification readiness and real service management understanding.

 

Conclusion: 

 

ITIL® (Version 5) represents an important evolution in service management, reflecting the needs of organizations operating in a digital-first, AI-driven environment. With stronger lifecycle thinking, improved experience focus, built-in AI governance direction, and sustainability alignment, the framework supports modern service delivery expectations without losing its structured service management foundation.

 

For professionals, starting with the Foundation certification is the most effective way to understand the updated framework and build a strong service management base. As organizations continue to prioritize structured digital delivery and measurable outcomes, ITIL® (Version 5) is expected to remain a high-value certification across industries.

 

Vinsys offers instructor-led ITIL® (Version 5) training designed to help professionals understand the framework thoroughly and prepare confidently for certification success. 

 

For more details talk to our team now!

 

People Also Ask

 

1. Is ITIL 5 out?

 

ITIL Foundation (Version 5) is set to launch on 12 February 2026. The updated ITIL (Version 5) Practice Manager, Managing Professional and Strategic Leader qualifications, will follow by being rolled out in the spring.

 

2. What is ITIL 5?

 

ITIL (Version 5) supports professionals working in AI‑enabled contexts. It provides clear, practical guidance for adapting ways of working, making informed decisions, and responding to change as technology, business needs, and customer expectations evolve. End‑to‑end lifecycle for digital products and services.

 

3.Who is eligible for ITIL certification?

 

There are no formal prerequisites for taking the ITIL 4 Foundation exam. It is intended for anyone interested in learning about IT service management, regardless of their current role or experience level.