FAQ About ITIL® Certification

Think of ITIL 5 as the “modern workplace” update. While previous versions focused on “IT Services,” ITIL 5 shifts to Digital Products. It was released in February 2026 to help professionals manage the complexity of AI-driven environments and the end-to-end lifecycle of digital tools we use every day.

It’s a significant part! ITIL 5 is “AI-native.” You’ll learn about AI Governance, agentic AI, and how automation fits into the new Product and Service Lifecycle (PSLM). It’s less about “how AI works” and more about “how to manage AI responsibly” in your organization.

Yes, it is! Your ITIL 4 credentials remain valid. However, PeopleCert has announced a “sunset” date of December 31, 2027, for ITIL 4 exams. Most students are opting for the Bridge update now to stay current with the 2026 standards and the new AI modules.

If you hold an ITIL 4 Foundation certificate, you qualify for the Bridge Exam. It’s much shorter than the full Foundation exam—just 20 questions and 30 minutes long—focusing only on what’s new in Version 5. It’s a fast, cost-effective way to stay at the top of your game.

The ITIL 5 Bridge is a cost-effective update path. While a full Foundation bundle (training tools and voucher) starts at $595 USD, the Bridge voucher bundles start at $239 USD. Many students choose a Bridge bundle for around $303 USD to include a mock exam or Take2 2nd Attempt Insurance.

It depends on your level! The Foundation and Bridge exams remain closed-book to ensure you know the core concepts. However, a big change for 2026 is that all five Advanced Modules (Product, Service, Experience, Strategy, and Transformation) are now open-book, focusing on how you apply the knowledge rather than what you can memorize.

One of the best things about modern certification is flexibility! Exams are administered online by PeopleCert 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You just need a quiet room, a webcam, and a stable internet connection. You’ll know your results immediately after hitting “submit.”

For the Foundation and Bridge levels, PeopleCert allows self-study, so training is not strictly mandatory. However, for all advanced designations (like Practice Manager or Strategic Leader), you are still required to complete an accredited course.

PeopleCert Plus is a membership program ($130–$150/year) that gives you exclusive access to the 34 ITIL Practice Guides. It’s also how you log “CPD points” to keep your certification active without having to retake the exam every three years.

Your certificate is valid for three years. To renew it, you have three friendly options: 1) Log 20 CPD points per year via PeopleCert Plus, 2) Take another higher-level ITIL 5 exam, or 3) Simply retake the same exam before the three years are up.