ITIL (Version 5): Release Date, Key Changes, Cost, and Exam Details

ITIL has long been recognized as a global best-practice framework for service and product management, helping organizations align technology with business value. From its earliest versions through ITIL 4, the framework has steadily evolved to reflect how organizations design, deliver, and improve services in increasingly complex environments.

With the release of ITIL Version 5 in February 2026, that evolution continues. The new ITIL builds directly on ITIL 4, expanding its guidance to better reflect today’s reality: digital products, platform-based operating models, continuous delivery, and the growing role of AI and automation in decision-making.

In this guide, you’ll learn what ITIL (Version 5) is, when it was released, what actually changed from ITIL 4, and how ITIL (Version 5) supports modern digital and AI-driven organizations. 

What Is ITIL (Version 5)?

ITIL is a globally recognized best-practice framework for service and product management, providing flexible guidance on how organizations design, deliver, operate, and continually improve technology-enabled services to align with business goals. It is owned and maintained by PeopleCert, which develops ITIL guidance and certifications in collaboration with global experts and accredited training partners.

ITIL (Version 5)  is the latest version of the ITIL framework. This new ITIL version builds on previous editions to help organizations create value through technology in complex, fast-changing, and increasingly digital environments..

What’s New in ITIL (Version 5)?

ITIL (Version 5) introduces meaningful updates that reflect how organizations design, deliver, and improve value in modern digital environments. These changes align the framework more closely with real-world operating models shaped by digital products, platforms, and continuous change.

A Framework Built for Digital, Product-Centric Organizations

Earlier versions of ITIL were primarily service-focused, reflecting a time when value was delivered mainly through discrete IT services. ITIL (Version 5) expands this view to reflect how modern organizations actually operate today.

ITIL (Version 5) recognizes that value is created through a combination of:

• Digital products
• Platforms
• Services
• Continuous delivery and improvement models

Rather than treating these elements separately, ITIL (Version 5) emphasizes end-to-end lifecycle thinking. Ownership shifts away from siloed functions and toward integrated value streams, enabling teams to manage products and services holistically from strategy through delivery and improvement.

AI-Native and Complexity-Ready by Design

For the first time, ITIL explicitly acknowledges AI-enabled and highly automated environments as a core part of how organizations operate. The new ITIL is not an AI framework, but it provides structured guidance for making informed decisions in conditions shaped by:

• Automated systems
• Rapid and frequent change
• Uncertainty and complexity

This includes new emphasis on responsible and ethical decision-making when AI and automation are involved. ITIL (Version 5) introduces clearer thinking around AI governance, helping organizations balance innovation with accountability, risk management, and trust.

 

 

 

Organization-Wide, Not IT-Only

ITIL (Version 5) broadens its scope beyond traditional IT and service management teams. Its guidance spans the entire organization, including:

• Leadership and strategy
• Product and service delivery
• Day-to-day operations

By doing so, the new ITIL is designed to improve collaboration and alignment across teams and functions. The framework supports shared understanding and coordinated decision-making, helping organizations avoid fragmented approaches to value creation.

Digital Experience as a Core Focus

In ITIL (Version 5), value is defined not only by outputs or efficiency, but by how stakeholders experience products and services. The framework places greater emphasis on understanding and improving digital experience across customers, users, and partners.

This shift increases visibility into real outcomes and helps organizations design and improve experiences intentionally, rather than optimizing processes in isolation. Experience becomes a central lens for evaluating whether value is truly being delivered.

What Stayed the Same in ITIL (Version 5)

ITIL (Version 5) builds on the foundations that ITIL professionals already know and use. The framework retains its familiar structure and intent, while evolving how guidance is applied in modern operating environments.

All 34 ITIL management practices remain part of the framework. What has changed is the emphasis on applying those practices across value streams and organizational contexts, rather than treating them as isolated activities.

ITIL (version 5) also continues the move toward understanding over memorization. Greater attention is placed on the purpose of practices, the benefits they enable, and how they fit within the ITIL Value System.

For practitioners, this approach supports deeper understanding and more flexible, outcome-focused application of ITIL in complex, real-world environments.

ITIL (Version 5) Release Date

ITIL (Version 5) was officially released on February 12, 2026, following a partner and early access phase that began in January 2026. This phased rollout allowed accredited partners and organizations to prepare for the new version ahead of general availability.

ITIL Foundation (Version 5) materials were released shortly after the official launch, marking the entry point into the updated certification framework. Importantly, ITIL (Version 5) is being introduced alongside ITIL 4, not as an immediate replacement.

ITIL 4 and ITIL (Version 5) will run in parallel for at least 12 months, and no official retirement date for ITIL 4 has been announced. This parallel period gives professionals and organizations time to evaluate ITIL (Version 5), plan training paths, and transition at a pace that aligns with business needs rather than certification deadlines.

What the Release Timing Means for Professionals

• ITIL 4 Foundation remains valid and is fully recognized as a prerequisite for all advanced ITIL (Version 5) modules. There is no requirement to retake the Foundation exam.
• Unused ITIL 4 Foundation exam vouchers can be exchanged for ITIL Foundation (Version 5) vouchers, helping candidates transition without additional cost.
• Training is not mandatory for the ITIL Foundation (Version 5) exam, allowing candidates to self study if they choose. Accredited training remains a requirement for advanced ITIL (Version 5) modules.

Key takeaway: ITIL (Version 5)’s release timeline is designed to support a smooth, low pressure transition. Professionals and organizations have ample time to adapt, build skills, and decide when adopting ITIL (Version 5) makes the most sense for them. If you’re considering when to transition, this parallel rollout is an ideal time to start the conversation - use our ITIL training request template to make a clear, business-focused case to your manager.

How to Transition to ITIL (Version 5)

ITIL (Versoin 5) is designed to make the transition straightforward. What you need to do next depends on your current ITIL certification, not on starting over.

ITIL (Version 5) Certification Structure Explained

The new ITIL retains a familiar certification structure while refining how advanced learning paths are organized. The framework is designed to support both individual career growth and organizational capability building, with clear entry points and flexible progression.

ITIL Foundation (Version 5)

ITIL Foundation (Version 5) is the entry point into the new ITIL framework. It introduces core concepts, terminology, and the principles that underpin value creation in modern digital environments.

Training is recommended but not mandatory for this level, allowing candidates the flexibility to self study if they choose. The Foundation exam is a closed book, multiple choice assessment that focuses on understanding key concepts rather than memorization.

Advanced Certification Streams

ITIL (Version 5) offers three advanced certification streams, allowing professionals to align their learning with their role and career goals:

• ITIL Practice Manager (PM) focuses on applying and managing ITIL practices in real world environments.
• ITIL Managing Professional (MP) is designed for practitioners responsible for delivering products and services across value streams.
• ITIL Strategic Leader (SL) targets leaders and decision makers shaping organizational direction and strategy.

ITIL Transformation: The Common Thread

A core feature of the new ITIL is the ITIL Transformation module, which is required across all advanced certification designations. This module is completed once and counts toward every stream, reinforcing a shared foundation.

ITIL Transformation emphasizes adaptability, organizational change, and value creation, ensuring that all advanced ITIL certifications are grounded in the realities of continuous transformation.

AI Governance Extension Module

New in ITIL, the AI Governance extension module addresses the growing role of AI in modern organizations. It focuses on ethical, responsible, and accountable use of AI technologies, helping organizations navigate risk, trust, and governance challenges.

This extension reflects real world enterprise needs and complements the broader ITIL framework without turning ITIL into a technical AI standard.

ITIL Master

ITIL Master remains the highest ITIL designation. It demonstrates a proven ability to apply ITIL principles, practices, and concepts in complex, real world environments.

Rather than testing theoretical knowledge, ITIL Master validates practical experience and the ability to create value using ITIL across diverse organizational contexts.

What Do ITIL (Version 5) Exams Look Like?

ITIL (Version 5) exams are designed to assess understanding and practical application rather than rote memorization. The assessment format varies depending on the level and focus of the certification.

 

Open book exams emphasize application, decision making, and real world scenarios. Candidates are assessed on their ability to apply ITIL concepts effectively in complex situations, rather than recalling definitions from memory.

Who Should Care About ITIL (Version 5)?

ITIL (Version 5) is relevant to professionals and organizations that rely on technology to deliver measurable business value. It supports IT service and product teams managing products, platforms, and services across end-to-end value streams in environments shaped by continuous delivery, automation, and complexity.

Digital transformation leaders benefit from the new ITIL’s ability to connect strategy, delivery, and operations through a shared, value-based framework that supports adaptability and informed decision making. Organizations operating in AI enabled environments can apply ITIL (Version 5) to introduce governance and accountability without slowing innovation.

More broadly, the new ITIL is useful for anyone responsible for turning technology investment into real, measurable outcomes, from experience design to organizational change and leadership.

Final Thoughts

ITIL (Version 5) updates the framework without throwing away what has worked for years. It doesn’t ask organizations to start over or relearn everything they already know. Instead, it builds on familiar concepts and adapts them to how teams actually work today in digital, product-focused, and AI-enabled environments.

The new ITIL also recognizes that constant change, automation, and uncertainty are part of normal operations. Rather than treating these as exceptions, the framework provides practical guidance to help organizations make informed decisions and stay focused as conditions evolve.

For professionals ready to apply ITIL (Version 5) in real-world scenarios, New Horizons offers instructor-led ITIL training that emphasizes practical application, not just exam preparation. New Horizons courses support ITIL Foundation (Version 5) and advanced certification paths, combining experienced instructors with flexible delivery options to help learners achieve measurable results.

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FAQS

What is ITIL (Version 5)?

ITIL (Version 5) is the latest version of the ITIL framework. It builds on ITIL 4 and is designed to help organizations create value through technology in digital, product-driven, and AI-enabled environments, with a stronger focus on end-to-end value streams and real-world complexity.

When was the new ITIL released?

ITIL (Version 5) was officially released on February 12, 2026, following a partner and early access phase that began in January 2026.

Is ITIL 4 being replaced by ITIL (Version 5)?

Not yet. ITIL 4 and the new ITIL are running in parallel for at least 12 months, and no official retirement date for ITIL 4 has been announced. This allows organizations and professionals time to plan their transition.

Do ITIL 4 certifications still count with the new ITIL ?

Yes. ITIL 4 Foundation remains valid and is fully recognized as a prerequisite for advanced ITIL (Version 5) certifications. Professionals do not need to retake the Foundation exam to move forward.

What actually changed from ITIL 4 to ITIL (Version 5)?

ITIL (Version 5) expands ITIL 4 by shifting toward integrated product and service management, placing greater emphasis on digital experience, organization-wide adoption, and governance for AI-enabled environments, while retaining the same 34 management practices.

What if I'm planning on taking an upcoming ITIL 4 course?

You're good to move forward. Your ITIL 4 Foundation certification will still be fully recognized as the prerequisite for advanced ITIL (Version 5) qualifications, so you won't need to retake the exam.

Both frameworks are running in parallel for at least 12 months, giving you plenty of time to complete your current path. And if you purchase an ITIL 4 exam voucher but don't use it, you can exchange it for an ITIL (Version 5) exam voucher, so your investment is protected.

Once you've completed ITIL 4 Foundation and want to bridge to ITIL (Version 5), sign up for our waitlist to get notified when the bridge course launches.

I’m brand new to ITSM. Should I just start with ITIL (Version 5) or ITIL 4?

If you need to start training this week, go for ITIL 4. It's a "safe" investment because of the exam voucher exchange and the fact that it unlocks the advanced Version 5 tracks later. If you have two weeks to spare, waiting for Version 5 lets you skip the bridge exam later. 

Current ITIL 4 students can take our bridge course in March if they'd like to learn the new ITIL material. You can sign up for our waitlist to get notified when the bridge course is available.

Will ITIL (Version 5) training cost more than v4?

No, ITIL (Version 5) training and exam costs are staying the same as ITIL 4.

Why did the naming convention change? Shouldn’t it be called ITIL 5 or v5?

The shift from "ITIL 5" or "ITIL v5" to ITIL (Version 5) is intentional. ITIL isn't structured as a series of static versions you upgrade every few years anymore; it's built to evolve continuously with modern digital and service environments.

Using ITIL (Version 5) accomplishes two things:

• Shows a clear progression from ITIL 4 and its evolved frameworks.
• Signals ongoing evolution! Expect modular updates, new extensions like AI governance, and continuous refinements rather than hard version cutoffs

While you might see it mistakenly called ITIL 5 or ITIL v5, the official naming reflects how organizations actually work today: iteratively and adaptively, not in rigid version jumps.