ITIL^® Foundation (Version 5)

ITIL® Certification FAQs

• Why should you opt for Simplilearn’s ITIL® certification course?

  ITIL® certification is ideal for professionals looking to improve the quality of digital products and services within their organization. Enrolling in Simplilearn’s ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) Certification Training offers several advantages:

  • The curriculum covers essential ITIL® Version 5 concepts, giving you a strong foundation in digital product and service management
  • Learn from experienced instructors who share real-world insights and practical examples
  • Get access to high-quality self-paced learning content, allowing you to learn at your own pace
  • The course prepares you for the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) exam, improving your chances of passing on the first attempt

• What is the passing score for the ITIL® certification exam?

  To pass the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) certification exam, you must score 65%, which means answering 26 out of 40 questions correctly.

• How do I renew my ITIL® certification?

  ITIL® certifications are valid for three years and must be renewed to remain current. You can renew your ITIL® certification using any of the following options:

  • Retake the relevant ITIL® certification exam before the expiry date
  • Earn a new ITIL® certification within the ITIL® (Version 5) qualification scheme, which automatically renews existing certifications
  • Maintain your certification through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by earning and logging CPD points annually via the PeopleCert membership platform for three consecutive years

• Can I cancel my enrollment for ITIL® certification training? Will I get a refund?

  Yes, we provide a 7-day cancellation window for this ITIL® certification course. If applied within that time, we will refund the price after deducting an administrative fee. To learn more, please read our Refund Policy.

• What are the roles and responsibilities of ITIL® professionals?

  ITIL® professionals play a key role in managing and improving digital products and services. Their responsibilities typically include:

  • Managing digital products and services across the end-to-end lifecycle
  • Defining and aligning strategies, governance, policies, and standards with business objectives
  • Ensuring high-quality service delivery and digital experiences for customers and users
  • Monitoring performance metrics, service levels, and value outcomes
  • Driving continual improvement to optimize value, costs, and risks

• What are the ITIL® certification paths according to the ITIL framework?

  The ITIL® (Version 5) qualification scheme offers a structured pathway for professional growth in digital product and service management. The journey begins with ITIL® Foundation (Version 5), which is the mandatory entry-level certification for all advanced modules.

  After Foundation, professionals can progress through three main certification streams:

  • ITIL® Practice Manager (PM): Focuses on developing hands-on capabilities across core ITIL management practices, along with the ITIL® Transformation module
  • ITIL® Managing Professional (MP): Builds end-to-end expertise in managing digital products, services, and experiences through Product, Service, Experience, and Transformation modules
  • ITIL® Strategic Leader (SL): Emphasizes digital strategy, governance, and leadership through Strategy and Transformation modules
  • Achieving all three designations: Practice Manager, Managing Professional, and Strategic Leader—leads to the highest level of recognition: ITIL® Master (Version 5).

• What are the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) certification requirements?

  There are no formal prerequisites to appear for the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) certification exam. Candidates can choose to self-study or enroll in an accredited training course to better understand the ITIL framework. To earn the certification, candidates must pass the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) exam, which is a 60-minute online exam consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions, with a pass mark of 65% (26 correct answers).

  While training is not mandatory for the Foundation level, enrolling in an accredited training program is strongly recommended for effective exam preparation. ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) is a prerequisite for progressing to advanced ITIL® (Version 5) certifications, which require completion of the respective training courses and exams.

• Who are the instructors for this ITIL® certification, and how were they selected?

  Simplilearn’s ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) certification course is delivered by highly qualified and experienced instructors who meet strict selection standards. All trainers are chosen based on strong industry expertise, consistently high learner ratings, and proven instructional capability. The selection process includes detailed profile screening, technical evaluations, and live training demonstration sessions to ensure high-quality learning outcomes.

• How do I enroll in the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) certification?

  The enrollment process for the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) certification course is simple and includes the following steps:

  • Submit your application through the online enrollment form
  • Applications are reviewed, and eligible candidates are shortlisted
  • Selected candidates receive an offer of admission, which can be accepted by completing the course fee payment
  • Once payment is confirmed, candidates receive a payment receipt and access to the Learning Management System (LMS)

• You offer an exam pass guarantee for ITIL® certification training. How does it work?

  The exam pass guarantee applies only to Simplilearn’s ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) instructor-led training and does not apply to self-paced learning formats. It is available exclusively to learners who have completed payment for the full course.

  The exam pass guarantee becomes invalid if:

  • The ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) exam is not attempted within 45 days of completing the course
  • 100% attendance is not maintained during live online sessions
  • The self-paced learning content is not fully completed
  • A minimum score of 80% is not achieved in both online practice exams
  • A retake request is not submitted within 15 days of receiving the exam results

• Why should I opt for Simplilearn ITIL® certification?

  ITIL® certification is ideal for professionals looking to improve the quality of digital products and services within their organization. Enrolling in Simplilearn’s ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) Certification Training offers several advantages:

  • The course curriculum covers essential ITIL® Version 5 concepts, providing a strong foundation in digital product and service management
  • Learn from experienced instructors who bring real-world insights and practical expertise
  • The training prepares you for the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) exam, improving your chances of passing on the first attempt
  • *Simplilearn is an accredited training partner, ensuring high-quality and up-to-date ITIL® Version 5 course content.

• Does Simplilearn have corporate training solutions?

  With Simplilearn for Business, we collaborate with Fortune 500 and mid-sized companies to deliver digital skills training for their talent development strategies. Our corporate training offerings include short skill-based certification programs, role-based learning paths, and Simplilearn Learning Hub+, a comprehensive learning library with unlimited live and interactive solutions accessible organization-wide.

• Will missing a live class affect my ability to complete this ITIL® certification course?

  No, missing a live class will not affect your ability to complete the ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) certification course. Simplilearn offers a Flexi-Learn feature that allows you to watch recordings of missed live sessions at your convenience. This ensures you stay up to date with the course content and meet attendance requirements. Simply log in to the learning portal, select the missed class, and watch the recording to have your attendance marked.

• What do people think about Simplilearn’s ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) Certification Training?

  Simplilearn is widely recognized for delivering high-quality, career-focused learning experiences. Learners value the program’s flexibility, which allows professionals to upskill while managing work and personal commitments. The ITIL® Foundation (Version 5) Certification Training features a well-structured, industry-aligned curriculum focused on modern digital product and service management. Learner testimonials and alumni reviews highlight the comprehensive content, practical learning approach, and expertise of Simplilearn’s instructors.

• Are there any other online courses Simplilearn offers under IT Service and Architecture?

  Yes, Simplilearn offers several other online courses under IT Service and Architecture. These include specialized certification courses, master's programs, and post-graduate courses tailored to different skill levels. Simplilearn greatly emphasizes upskilling and boosting career opportunities across industry sectors, with each course designed to help learners enhance their expertise in IT Service and Architecture.

  Similar programs that you can explore: 

  ITIL 4 Managing Professional

  ITIL 4 Specialist: Create, Deliver and Support

  ITIL® 4 Specialist: High Velocity IT Course

  ITIL® 4 Strategist: Direct, Plan, and Improve

  ITIL® 4 Specialist: Drive Stakeholder Value Course

  TOGAF Certification

• Can I use my employer’s tuition-reimbursement or tuition-assistance benefit to enroll in Simplilearn’s programmes

  Yes, Simplilearn offers certification and skills-training programmes that are designed to align with employer tuition assistance/tuition reimbursement initiatives in the US. Many of our learners receive full or partial financial backing from their organisations.

• What is new in ITIL (Version 5)?

  ITIL (Version 5) introduces major evolutions that make the framework more

  practical, flexible, and relevant for everyone working with digital products and

  services, across roles, teams, and organizations of all sizes.

  Key innovations include:

  - Modern, Integrated and Comprehensive Approach

  ITIL (Version 5) provides guidance that works across the entire organization - from

  leadership and strategy through to day-to-day operations - helping teams

  collaborate, align priorities, and consistently create value in both stable and fast-

  changing environments.

  -  AI-Native and Complexity-Ready

  ITIL (Version 5) helps professionals work effectively in complex, AI-enabled

  environments by providing practical guidance on how to adapt, make informed

  decisions, and manage change as technology, business needs, and customer

  expectations evolve.

  - Integration of Products and Services

  ITIL provides end-to-end lifecycle guidance for digital products and services,

  integrating both for holistic management and value.

  - Emphasis on Digital Experience

  Digital experience is a core focus in ITIL (Version 5), helping professionals design,

  deliver, and improve digital products and services with greater visibility,

  collaboration, and understanding of how different stakeholders experience value.

  - Continuity with Previous Versions

  ITIL (Version 5) incorporates proven concepts and models from ITIL 4 and earlier,

  including the value system and guiding principles.

• Why did ITIL evolve? Why now?

   A new version is needed because the digital landscape has changed dramatically.

  Organizations today must operate faster, smarter, and more flexibly, especially with

  AI transforming how work gets done.

  ITIL (Version 5) arrives now to address these realities:

  Digital-first, product-centric enterprises require updated guidance.

  Previous versions focused mainly on services; modern organizations manage

  integrated products and services.

  AI and automation are reshaping operations.

  ITIL (Version 5) provides an AI-native approach that helps organizations adapt and

  innovate confidently.

  Businesses need models that support agility and rapid change.

  ITIL (Version 5) evolves to ensure adaptive, outcome-focused practices aligned with

  real-world needs.

  Organizations must continually demonstrate measurable value.

  The new framework strengthens the link between people, practices, and technology

  to drive sustainable business results.

  In short: ITIL (Version 5) evolves to match today’s AI-driven, fast-changing

  environment, providing practical guidance that supports people across all roles and

  organizations in delivering and improving digital products and services.

• How are the ITIL (Version 5) Practices accessed and where are they Published?

  All 34 ITIL (Version 5) practices are available exclusively via PeopleCert Plus

  membership. In addition, the 15 practices that are part of the Practice Manager

  modules are available as accompanying training materials together with the

  corresponding training courses.

• What certifications are available in ITIL (Version 5)?

  In ITIL (Version 5), the qualification scheme begins with the ITIL Foundation and

  continues with eight advanced modules and one extension module.

  The ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme diagram below provides a visual overview

  of how the certifications and designations fit together and how candidates can

  progress through the framework.

  The advanced modules are organized into three distinct streams:

  1. ITIL Practice Manager (ITIL PM)

  2. ITIL Managing Professional (ITIL MP)

  3. ITIL Strategic Leader (ITIL SL)

  Successfully completing the defined modules within a stream grants the respective

  designation.

  Achieving all three designations leads to the highest recognition: the ITIL Master. In

  total, ITIL (Version 5) offers four designations, each building toward holistic

  mastery of Product and Service Management.

  To become an ITIL Practice Manager (ITIL PM), candidates complete ITIL

  Foundation and then choose one of the following specialization modules, each

  including a set of practices:

  • Monitor, Support & Fulfil (MSF): Service Desk, Incident Management,

  Problem Management, Service Request Management, Monitoring & Event

  Management

  • Plan, Implement & Control (PIC): Change Enablement, Deployment

  Management, Release Management, Service Configuration Management, IT

  Asset Management

  • Collaborate, Assure & Improve (CAI): Relationship Management, Supplier

  Management, Service Level Management, Continual Improvement,

  Information Security Management

  To obtain the ITIL Practice Manager (Version 5) designation, candidates must also

  complete the ITIL Transformation course and pass the corresponding exam.

  The ITIL Managing Professional (ITIL MP) designation requires ITIL Foundation

  plus the modules: Product, Service, Experience, and Transformation.

  The ITIL Strategic Leader (ITIL SL) designation requires ITIL Foundation plus the

  modules: Strategy and Transformation.

  ITIL Transformation is a core component of every designation within ITIL (Version

  5). It only needs to be completed once, and the achievement counts across all

  designations.

  AI Governance is introduced as an extension module, reflecting the importance of

  managing AI responsibly within service management.

  The ITIL Master designation recognizes deep expertise and the proven ability to

  adopt ITIL in complex, real-world contexts.

• Are there any extension modules in ITIL (Version 5)?

  AI Governance is the only extension module in the ITIL (Version 5) qualification

  scheme. It focuses on establishing frameworks, policies, and controls to ensure AI is

  used responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with organizational and regulatory

  standards.

  The ITIL 4 extension modules are no longer part of the ITIL (Version 5) qualification

  scheme, as their content has been absorbed into the broader ITIL guidance and

  future learning offerings, reflecting how the framework has evolved.

• Is ITIL (Version 5) training mandatory for candidates or can they self-study?

  PeopleCert has not mandated training for ITIL Foundation (Version 5), so you are

  able to self-study. However, candidates are encouraged to attend an accredited

  training course to fully understand the new material.

  For all other modules, in line with ITIL 4 requirements, accredited training or official

  eLearning is required.

• What do the examinations look like within the ITIL (Version 5) qualification Scheme?

   ITIL Foundation (Version 5) certification and ITIL Practice certifications will remain

  as closed book MCQ examinations. ITIL AI Governance will also be a closed book

  MCQ examination.

  For the ITIL Product, ITIL Service, ITIL Experience, ITIL Strategy, and ITIL

  Transformation certifications, open book examinations are planned, allowing

  candidates to focus on understanding, applying concepts, and making informed

  decisions rather than memorization.

• I have ITIL 4 Foundation certification. How should I go about transitioning to ITIL (Version 5)?

  ITIL 4 certified learners don’t lose their certification value. They can take a bridge course that covers the additional/new content introduced in ITIL Foundation (Version 5). After completing the bridge course, they must also take and pass the bridge exam to become certified in ITIL Foundation (Version 5).

• I have ITIL v3 Foundation certification. How should I go about transitioning to ITIL (Version 5)?

  For candidates who have successfully completed the ITIL v3 Foundation, we

  recommend the ITIL (Version 5) Foundation training and successfully pass the

  examination to transition into the new certification scheme. Compared to ITIL v3, the

  ITIL (Version 5) Foundation introduces a significant amount of new content and

  updated practices, making refreshed training and certification essential. This ensures

  that professionals gain a solid understanding of the latest concepts and are fully

  prepared to apply ITIL (Version 5) in modern, dynamic business environments.

• I have a single ITIL 4 certificate, but no ITIL 4 designation. What is the best way to continue my ITIL journey?

  If you hold a single ITIL 4 certificate, you already have a valuable start in ITIL

  (Version 5) as ITIL certificates are recognized as pre-requisites for all ITIL (Version

  5) advanced level certificates. The best way to continue your journey is to choose an

  ITIL (Version 5) path that aligns with your goals. Your ITIL 4 experience is not lost, it

  provides context and understanding that will make learning ITIL (Version 5) easier

  and help you connect proven best practices with the latest guidance in digital product

  and service management.

• Are the single day Practice courses included in the ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme?

  No, only the three bundled Practice modules are available in the ITIL (Version 5)

  qualification scheme.

• How long will ITIL 4 and ITIL (Version 5) coexist, and 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 a minimum of 12

  months to allow candidates and organizations to complete in-flight learning journeys.

  A detailed coexistence and retirement plan will be shared ahead of any change.

• Are the single day Practice courses included in the ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme?

  No, only the three bundled Practice modules are available in the ITIL (Version 5)

  qualification scheme.

• How long will ITIL 4 and ITIL (Version 5) coexist, and 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 a minimum of 12

  months to allow candidates and organizations to complete in-flight learning journeys.

  A detailed coexistence and retirement plan will be shared ahead of any change.

• What is the bridge course content and duration?

  The ITIL Foundation (Version 5) bridge course is designed to cover the additional/new content introduced in Version 5.

  • Course duration: 8 hrs

  • Closed-book exam

  • 20 mcq questions

  • 65% is the passing percentage

  Exam duration: 30 minutes

• When will the ITIL Foundation (Version 5) bridge course be available?

  The bridge course will be available from 26th February. The exam package includes:

  • Exam voucher

  • Proctoring fee

  • OTM (Official Training Materials)

  • eBook