Guide
What is ITIL?
A plain-English guide to the framework, ITIL 5, and the certification path.
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ITIL 4 vs ITIL 5
What changed in ITIL 5, whether your ITIL 4 still counts, and which version to take now.
The short answer
ITIL 5 (launched February 2026) is the current version. It builds on ITIL 4’s value-focused model rather than replacing it — refreshing the guidance for how modern IT teams work, including where AI and other frameworks fit. If you already hold ITIL 4, it’s still valid and bridges into 5. Certifying now? Take ITIL 5 Foundation.
Whenever a framework gets a new version, the same worry goes round: is my certificate out of date, and do I have to start again? With ITIL the answer is reassuring — so let’s clear it up.
How ITIL got to version 5
ITIL 4 introduced the model most people know today: value co-creation, the Service Value System, the four dimensions and the guiding principles. ITIL 5, released in February 2026, is an evolution of that thinking rather than a teardown — it keeps the core and updates the guidance to reflect how teams actually deliver services now.
What actually changed in ITIL 5?
The foundations carry over — the Service Value System, the value chain, the four dimensions and the seven guiding principles are all still there. What’s refreshed is the emphasis: modern ways of working, and clearer guidance on how ITIL sits alongside AI and other frameworks. For someone starting out, what you learn at Foundation is very familiar — it’s current, not alien.
| ITIL 4 | ITIL 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2019 | February 2026 |
| Core model | Service Value System, four dimensions, guiding principles | Same core, refreshed guidance |
| Emphasis | Value co-creation | Modern practices, AI & other frameworks |
| Status | Still valid, bridges into 5 | Current version |
Is my ITIL 4 certificate still valid?
Yes. ITIL 4 and ITIL 5 run in parallel, and an ITIL 4 certificate stays valid and bridges into version 5 — there’s no need to panic or re-sit anything you’ve already passed. If you certified under ITIL 4, that still counts.
ITIL 4 or ITIL 5 — which should you take now?
If you’re certifying for the first time today, take ITIL 5 Foundation — it’s the current version, so your certificate is as future-proof as it gets. There’s no advantage to starting on the older version when the new one costs the same and covers the up-to-date guidance. New to the framework entirely? Start with what is ITIL? first.
How to get ITIL 5 Foundation certified
Take an accredited course and sit the official PeopleCert exam. Our ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) course is built on the official V5 syllabus, the exam is included, and Career Smarter is a PeopleCert Accredited Training Organization (ATO) — so you’re certifying on the current version with an accredited provider. It has no prerequisites and is 100% online. Weighing it up? See is ITIL certification worth it?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ITIL 4 and ITIL 5?
ITIL 5 (2026) builds on ITIL 4’s value-focused model — keeping the Service Value System, four dimensions and guiding principles — and refreshes the guidance for modern ways of working, including AI and other frameworks.
Is ITIL 4 still valid?
Yes. ITIL 4 and 5 run in parallel and ITIL 4 certificates remain valid and bridge into version 5. You don’t need to re-sit anything.
Should I take ITIL 4 or ITIL 5 now?
If you’re certifying now, take ITIL 5 Foundation — it’s the current version and costs the same as the older one.
Is the ITIL 5 Foundation exam different?
The Foundation exam is 40 multiple-choice questions, closed book, 60 minutes, pass mark 26/40 (65%). At itilcertification.co.za it’s included in the course price.
Get ITIL® Foundation certified
Accredited by PeopleCert, official exam included, 100% online — R11,995.
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