ITIL® (version 5) is a further development of ITIL 4, not a new framework. The authors make this clear by removing the version number from the name. So, formally, we will not refer to this as ITIL 5, but only as ITIL, with the version in brackets to make it clear that it is the latest “edition”.
The changes are deliberately limited but clear, with the aim of better reflecting how digital products and services are actually developed, delivered and managed today. Below is a summary of the key differences and what they mean for those who already hold an ITIL 4 certification.
The new version will be rolled out in spring 2025, with a limited range of courses.
Overall approach
ITIL 4
Focus on service management
Strong emphasis on services, value and co-creation
Introduced the Service Value System (SVS) and the value chain
ITIL (version 5)
Increased focus on digital product and service management
Clearer connection to product organizations, platforms and digital ecosystems
Clarifies how value is created throughout the life cycle, not just through service delivery
Summary: ITIL (version 5) broadens the perspective from “IT services” to digital products and services combined.
What does ITIL (version 5) mean for those who are already certified in ITIL 4?
If you already have ITIL 4 Foundation or higher certification, the following applies:
Your skills are still relevant
The new version does not replace ITIL 4, but builds on it
You don’t need to re-read the whole Foundation content
Instead, there is a special Foundation Bridge course which:
focuses on the differences between ITIL 4 and the updated version
is shorter and more concentrated than the Foundation course
leads to the same certification as the ITIL Foundation course
The certification is administered by PeopleCert.
Executive summary
ITIL (version 5) is an evolution, not a revolution
Your knowledge in previous versions of ITIL is still relevant
For those already certified, the step to ITIL (version 5) is limited and structured