ITIL (Version 5) – or ITIL v5 or ITIL 5 as people will no doubt shorten it to – was “launched” at the annual itSMF Czech Republic conference. For anyone involved in IT service management (ITSM), there’s at least a need to know what’s changed and why.
There are, of course, both ITIL “lovers” and “haters” out there, and what you read will likely depend on the author’s position (even with their use of artificial intelligence (AI)).
This quick article aims to compile some of the early and more official words written about ITIL (Version 5), so you don’t have to do the legwork. Something more formal and opinionated will appear later on ITSM.tools. But for now, this is a hopefully impartial “information share” on the globally adopted service management best-practice framework (albeit in part from people involved in creating ITIL (Version 5)).
Why do we need a new ITIL? Why now?
This text was written by Helen Beal, PeopleCert’s Head of Community in the PeopleCert ITIL Community:
“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
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, offering clearer, more practical guidance that helps organizations grow.”
I haven’t applied any editing aside from some bulleted subheadings, and you might see something similar in PeopleCert marketing collateral. The use of “ITIL v5” is/was initially frowned upon.
What certifications are available in ITIL (Version 5)?
Again, this abridged text is lifted from the PeopleCert ITIL Community:
“In ITIL (Version 5), the qualification scheme begins with the ITIL Foundation and continues with eight advanced modules and one extension module.
The advanced modules are organized into three distinct streams:
- ITIL Practice Manager (ITIL PM)
- ITIL Managing Professional (ITIL MP)
- 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 4 prestigious designations, each building towards a holistic mastery of Product and Service Management.
ITIL Practice Manager
To become an ITIL PM, candidates complete ITIL Foundation and then choose one of the following specialization modules, each including a set of practices:
- Monitor, Support and Fulfil (MSF): Service Desk, Incident Management, Problem Management, Service Request Management, Monitoring and Event Management.
- Plan, Implement and Control (PIC): Change Enablement, Deployment Management, Release Management, Service Configuration Management, IT Asset Management.
- Collaborate, Assure and 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.
ITIL Managing Professional
The ITIL MP designation requires ITIL Foundation plus the modules: Product, Service, Experience, and Transformation.
ITIL Strategic Leader
The ITIL SL designation requires ITIL Foundation plus the modules: Strategy and Transformation.
ITIL Transformation
ITIL Transformation is a core component of every designation within the ITIL (Version 5) qualification scheme. By making it an integral part of all learning paths, ITIL ensures that every certified professional is equipped to confidently design, plan, and manage improvements across service value systems, offering actionable recommendations for digital technology goals that are significant in scope, scale and impact. This emphasis on transformation guarantees that ITIL professionals who achieve a designation can significantly improve how they create, deliver, and manage products and services.
Importantly, the ITIL Transformation module only needs to be completed once, and the achievement counts across all designations, making it a unifying element of the ITIL (Version 5) journey.
AI Governance
AI Governance is being introduced as an extension module in ITIL, reflecting the growing importance of managing artificial intelligence responsibly within service management. It is necessary to ensure that AI is used ethically, transparently, and in alignment with organizational and regulatory requirements. This topic is relevant for every ITIL professional, as AI increasingly influences decision-making, service delivery, and value creation across all areas of the digital business.”
An ITSM Practitioner’s, OK Trainer’s, view of ITIL (Version 5)
The full piece is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/itil-v5-out-really-big-deal-ben-kalland-dxgdf/
What follows are some extracts:
New ITIL naming
“The latest update is called ITIL (Version 5). As always, there is something old and something new. The principles, the four dimensions and the practices are old. Experience, AI, and the product and service lifecycle are new.”
However, ITIL 5 and ITIL v5 are already being used by others.
The ITIL (Version 5) book portfolio
“In Version 5, there are seven (books):
- ITIL Foundation
- ITIL Product
- ITIL Service
- ITIL Experience
- ITIL Strategy
- ITIL Transformation
- ITIL AI Governance.”
If it’s like ITIL 4, the Foundation book will appear before the books for higher-level exams.
Major changes in ITIL (Version 5)
“One major change is the introduction of a digital product and service lifecycle that, from an organizational perspective, is executed as a value chain. Across previous ITIL versions, we have seen an evolution from IT infrastructure management —> IT service management —> service management and now —> product and service management.
The lifecycle may look like just a cosmetic update of the old value chain, but there are major differences. The combined ‘design/transition’ activity has, thankfully, been split into two different activities. The old version was not only confusing, I think it was simply wrong. I also like the new distinction between ‘operation’, ‘support’, and ‘delivery’. The old value chain was probably perceived by many students as academic hogwash, but the lifecycle approach, explaining why we do things, who does them, when it’s performed, what the key outputs and metrics are, makes a lot of sense. From a trainer point of view this makes it much easier to explain the relationship between service management capabilities and the activities in the lifecycle. This is a clear improvement.”
ITIL management practices
According to the author, Ben Kalland, the 34 ITIL management practices remain unchanged. I’m assuming this is the names rather than the content, but I haven’t seen any new content yet.
Ben is also critical of some of what he has been exposed to as a trainer. If you read his LinkedIn article, you can find out more.
As an aside, I love that Ben’s shortened article link is bit.ly/ITIL5.
A little sensible balance for ITIL (Version 5)
I don’t know enough about ITIL (Version 5) yet to write authoritatively about it. I did like this LinkedIn post from Michael Inhoff Nielsen, though:
“ITIL (Version 5) is here. Some good adjustments, clarifications and enhancements. Could have been ITIL4.1.”
I’ll know more in a few weeks.
Hear more about ITIL (Version 5)
itSMF UK is hosting a webinar with Roman Jouravlev, Senior ITIL Architect at PeopleCert, on the topic of “ITIL in 2026 and beyond.” No doubt much of this will cover what’s happening with ITIL (Version 5).
https://www.itsmf.co.uk/event/webinar-itil-2026-beyond-feb26
That’s it on ITIL (Version 5) for now. No doubt more will follow soon as ITSM.tools readers appear to love ITIL-related content...
ITIL (Version 5) / ITIL v5 FAQs
ITIL (Version 5) is the latest evolution of the globally adopted ITIL framework for service management. It builds on previous versions by introducing a stronger focus on product and service management, AI-enabled operations, business transformation, and value creation in modern digital organizations.
According to PeopleCert, ITIL (Version 5) was created to address major changes in the digital landscape, including the rise of AI, automation, product-centric operating models, and the need for organizations to deliver measurable business outcomes more quickly and effectively.
Officially, the framework is called “ITIL (Version 5).” However, many practitioners, trainers, and industry commentators have already started referring to it as “ITIL 5” or “ITIL v5.”
Yes, ITIL (Version 5) is the next evolution of the ITIL framework. However, many of the core concepts introduced in ITIL 4, including the guiding principles, four dimensions, and management practices, remain foundational elements within the new version.
Early information suggests that the 34 ITIL management practices remain in place. While the practice names appear unchanged, the detailed guidance and supporting content may evolve as new publications become available.
The qualification scheme starts with ITIL Foundation and then progresses through advanced modules within three streams:
ITIL Practice Manager (PM)
ITIL Managing Professional (MP)
ITIL Strategic Leader (SL).
Professionals who achieve all three designations can earn the ITIL Master designation.
No. The ITIL Transformation module only needs to be completed once. The achievement counts across all ITIL (Version 5) designation pathways.
The ITIL (Version 5) portfolio includes seven publications:
ITIL Foundation
ITIL Product
ITIL Service
ITIL Experience
ITIL Strategy
ITIL Transformation
ITIL AI Governance.
No. One of the key themes of ITIL (Version 5) is the shift from traditional ITSM toward broader product and service management. This reflects how modern organizations increasingly manage integrated digital products, services, experiences, and business outcomes.
For professionals working in digital transformation, product management, service management, or AI-enabled environments, ITIL (Version 5) is likely to provide updated guidance that reflects current business realities. However, organizations and individuals may want to evaluate the new content in more detail as additional publications and training materials become available.
As training courses, certification exams, official publications, and industry events are rolled out, more detailed information about ITIL (Version 5) will become available. Industry webinars, PeopleCert announcements, and ITSM community events are expected to provide further insights throughout 2026.
Further Reading
Stephen Mann
Principal Analyst and Content Director at the ITSM-focused industry analyst firm ITSM.tools. Also an independent IT and IT service management marketing content creator, and a frequent blogger, writer, and presenter on the challenges and opportunities for IT service management professionals.
Previously held positions in IT research and analysis (at IT industry analyst firms Ovum and Forrester and the UK Post Office), IT service management consultancy, enterprise IT service desk and IT service management, IT asset management, innovation and creativity facilitation, project management, finance consultancy, internal audit, and product marketing for a SaaS IT service management technology vendor.
